17 July-9 Aug. The operas this year at the Sferisterio open-air theatre in Macerata are Rigoletto (17, 25, 31 July and 8, 9 Aug), Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci (18, 24 July, 2, 8 Aug) and La Boheme (26 July 1, 7 Aug).

Verdi's Rigoletto is conducted by Francesco Lanzillotta and directed by Federico Grazzini. Christopher Franklin is conducting Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci with South African Alessandro Talevi, who has been much in evidence in Italy this year, directing. Puccini's La Boheme is conducted by David Crescenzi directed by Leo Muscato.

The operas are performed in the large 19th century Sferisterio theatre which can seat up to 4,000 spectators. Because of the size of the theatre the programme usually includes popular and spectacular productions.

There are also several dance performances this year.