The Teatro Massimo is the first Italian Operahouse to be invited to perform in Hanoi, marking a historic debut in Asia. Our orchestra was the star of a refined Italian Opera Gala – recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage – held on September 30 and October 1, 2025, at the futuristic Ho Guom Opera in Hanoi, one of Asia’s most prestigious and modern musical institutions.
The concert, conducted by Maestro Alberto Maniaci (a pupil of Riccardo Muti), featured soprano Federica Guida and tenor Matteo Falcier in a journey through the most famous arias and duets of Italian bel canto, from Rossini to Verdi, Bellini, and Donizetti.
The tour is the result of an important cooperation agreement signed last summer between the Fondazione Teatro Massimo and the Ho Guom Opera, an agreement promoted by the City of Palermo and Mayor Roberto Lagalla, President of the Fondazione Teatro Massimo.
The agreement opens up significant opportunities for exchange and experience in Italian and Vietnamese art and culture.
The Teatro Massimo delegation, led by the General Manager Marco Betta and Artistic Director Alvise Casellati, was welcomed at Ho Guom Opera by Director Mr. Nguyen Cong Bay and Deputy Director of the Ministry of Culture in Hanoi, Mr. Tran Hai Van, and was hosted by the Italian Ambassador in Vietnam, Marco Della Seta, on the evening of September 29 at Casa Italia.
Palermo, October 6, 2025