The Teatro Comunale di Modena, built “for the decorum of the city and the transmission of the scenic arts”, was officially opened in 1841. It is one of the most prestigious Italian theatres for its architectonic conformation with the typical “sala all’italiana”, which has remained intact in its original elegance and preciousness, and for its rich annual programme. The season includes opera, ballet and concerts every year. 

Despite its long and rich history, the Teatro Comunale di Modena is where tradition and contemporaneity meet. It focuses on the artistic and cultural exchange of ideas and languages. Its programme presents masterpieces from the opera and ballet repertoire and modern and contemporary shows that provide new ways of performing and experiencing theatre.

The theatre was named Teatro Comunale Pavarotti-Freni, in memory of the great Modenese opera singers Luciano Pavarotti and Mirella Freni. 

Under the theatre’s portico stands a statue of tenor Luciano Pavarotti standing life-size, smiling with outstretched arms and a foulard in his left hand, in his typical attitude of greeting the public after performances.

Therefore the Teatro Comunale di Modena is attentive to encouraging new generations to approach the theatre by organising performances for schools and highly specialised training courses for opera singers.

Here an overview of the theatre’s main activities.

Click here to discover the connection between Teatro Comunale di Modena and the city.