Overview: A short celebratory film, the only moving images that have ever portrayed the celebrated composer. Giacomo Puccini enjoys his residence in Torre del Lago: he walks in the garden, pinning a fresh rose in his buttonhole. He plays the piano and composes, whizzes by in a motorboat, receives the mail and chats with the villagers, and finally goes duck hunting.

Genres: Documentary Music

Overview: After Tosca (2019), which marked Puccini’s entry into its repertoire, the Festival celebrates the centenary of the composer’s death this year by putting on his ‘Japanese tragedy’ Madame Butterfly: the cruel story of a vulnerable but strong and wilful heroine, driven by her blind perseverance to ritual suicide. By enveloping her with a bright lyricism and a supremely refined orchestration, Puccini reaches the heart of his artistic identity – reminding us of the real pleasure of tears. Conducting the orchestra of the Opéra de Lyon, Daniele Rustioni offers the finest of backdrops to Ermonela Jaho, whose rare combination of force and delicacy has made her a go-to choice in this wonderful yet harrowing role, in which she is making her prized debut in Aix.

Genres: Music