OPERAFEST LISBOA OEIRAS 2025

7 AUGUST to 16 SEPTEMBER 2025
"Forbidden Love"

Operafest continues to win over audiences, establishing itself as the main gateway for new audiences to opera in Portugal, as well as the main stage for emerging talent, with a varied program meeting everyone!

The 6th edition of Operafest 2025, led by soprano Catarina Molder, with the production of the Ópera do Castelo, from August 7th to September 16th, brought the magic of opera directly to approximately 11.500 people during a month of stimulating programming around "forbidden love," combining great classics with avant-garde opera and national premieres. Always on the path of conquering new audiences and with full houses, it took place in new venues and with new programming partners, expanding in the greater Lisbon area. Once again establishing itself, nationally and internationally, as an "out-of-the-box" opera festival that is enjoyed with the passion of a pop festival!

“Impressive audience loyalty for this festival, with impressive vitality.”Opern Glass

“Operafest has accustomed us to unusual programs and a healthy convergence between novelty and tradition.” Première Loge

“The cast offered unforgettable performances.” Scherzo Magazine

“Planetary alignment in the Lisbon sky: a dazzling production” Première Loge

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The opera "THE MAN OF DREAMS"

Opens on RTP2, 29th June, 22h00!

The opera you won't want to miss!

Filmed version of opera "The Man of Dreams" by Portuguese composer António Chagas Rosa, premiered in 2022, commissioned and produced by Ópera do Castelo, based on the homonymous tale by modernist poet Mário de Sá-Carneiro, incarnated and directed by soprano Catarina Molder. In a timeless café a man is waiting impatiently for something. A disarming chameleonic person appears affirming of having crossed life’s monotony by being capable of living dreams, taking him on a journey into these news realities. Is this man a projection, delusion, dream or nightmare?

More info: info@operadocastelo.com

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Samuel Barber's opera masterpiece, sixty-eight years after its creation in New York, arrives at São Luiz, in Lisbon!

VANESSA
Samuel Barber
October 31, November 1 and 2

National Premiere

Vanessa has spent the last twenty years waiting for an old lover she blindly believes will return. She holds her family hostage to this vain wait, until the former lover supposedly returns. Is he real or an impostor? Will Vanessa want to continue living in the web she herself created, or will she finally face reality?

The composer of the famous adagio offers us an opera with the most inspired, grandiose and cinematic music, with a libretto by Gian-Carlo Menotti, centered around illusion and shattered dreams, the passage of time, and the refusal to face the harsh reality of life and human relationships. Starring soprano Catarina Molder, it features direction by German stage director Daniela Kerck and by musical direction by young talented Diogo Costa.

Musical Direction: Diogo Costa
Stage Direction, Set Design, and Lighting: Daniela Kerck
Costume Design: Hannah König

Cast
Vanessa Catarina Molder
Anatol Ermin Ašćerić
Erica Beatriz Volante
Doctor Luís Rodrigues
Baroness Alexandra Calado
Major Domo Tiago Amado Gomes

Operafest Choir
Portuguese Philharmonic Orchestra
Co-production: São Luiz Teatro Municipal


Tickets