Gioachino Rossini’s famous opera “L’Italiana in Algeri ” returns to Teatro Sociale di Como in a new production conducted by Alessandro Palumbo and directed by Fabio Cherstich. Two performances, on Friday 13 and Sunday 15 November, promise an entertaining mix of music, humour and unexpected twists.
A lively opera full of misunderstandings, amusing situations and music that can captivate even those who rarely attend opera performances. L’Italiana in Algeri by Gioachino Rossini arrives at Teatro Sociale di Como with two performances scheduled for Friday, 13 November at 8 pm and Sunday, 15 November at 3:30 pm.
The production, the second opera of the theatre’s 2026/2027 season, offers a fresh interpretation of one of Rossini’s best-known works, highlighting the energy and humour of his music.
Alessandro Palumbo will conduct the performances, while Fabio Cherstich is responsible for the stage direction. The singers will be accompanied by the Orchestra I Pomeriggi Musicali and the OperaLombardia Choir.
L’Italiana in Algeri: a story of cleverness, love and comedy
Composed in 1813, when Rossini was just 21 years old, L’Italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers) is one of the composer’s most celebrated comic operas.
With a libretto by Angelo Anelli, the story is filled with absurd situations, eccentric characters and unexpected reversals of fortune.
The main character is Isabella, a determined young Italian woman who sets out to find Lindoro, the man she loves, who is being held captive in Algiers.
There, she encounters Mustafà, a powerful bey who has grown tired of his wife Elvira and dreams of winning the affection of an Italian woman.
When Isabella arrives in Algiers, Mustafà is immediately fascinated by her, unaware that she is far more resourceful than he imagines.
Isabella refuses to be intimidated and cleverly turns the weaknesses of the other characters to her advantage. Through disguises, tricks and increasingly ridiculous situations, the story unfolds into a comedy in which the heroine’s intelligence and determination take centre stage.
All of this is accompanied by Rossini’s unmistakable music, with its fast-paced rhythms, brilliant melodies and sudden bursts of energy that make the action even more entertaining.
A new production full of humour and theatrical energy
The production coming to Como is directed by Fabio Cherstich, who has chosen to place the energy of Rossini’s music at the heart of the staging, transforming it into movement and theatrical action.
The aim is to create a performance in which the musical rhythm is reflected in the characters’ behaviour and in the way events unfold.
The humour emerges through exaggeration, contrasts and unexpected situations. The characters display deliberately heightened personalities, while the plot develops through an increasingly chaotic series of misunderstandings.
Rather than simply telling an amusing story, the production seeks to bring to life the comic mechanisms that continue to make Rossini’s music so distinctive.
The visual identity of the performance is shaped by sets designed by Nicolas Bovey, costumes by Arthur Arbesser and lighting by Alessandro Pasqualini.
The production is a collaboration involving several Italian theatres, including those belonging to the OperaLombardia network.
The cast of L’Italiana in Algeri at Teatro Sociale di Como
Ilariandrea Tomasoni will perform the role of Isabella, while Marco Ciaponi will portray Lindoro.
The character of Mustafà will be played by Jaeyul Kim, alongside Claudia Belluomini as Elvira and Marta Miccoli as Zulma.
Lorenzo Liberali and Chao Liu are listed in the roles of Taddeo and Haly, respectively.
Musical direction is entrusted to Alessandro Palumbo, with the OperaLombardia Choir prepared by Pilar Bravo and the Orchestra I Pomeriggi Musicali accompanying the performance.
The cast faces a score that demands not only excellent vocal technique but also a strong sense of theatrical timing and an ability to capture the fast-moving rhythm of the comedy.
Why see L’Italiana in Algeri in Como?
For those already familiar with Rossini, the opera brings together many of the elements that make his music so recognisable: lively rhythms, memorable melodies and the ability to turn even the most unlikely situations into great theatre.
For anyone who has never attended an opera before, L’Italiana in Algeri could be an enjoyable introduction to the genre.
The story revolves around clearly defined characters and a succession of misunderstandings that keep the audience engaged. The music constantly accompanies the action, highlighting the characters’ intentions and adding momentum to the narrative.
The venue itself is also worth discovering. Teatro Sociale di Como, overlooking Piazza Verdi, is one of the city’s main cultural landmarks and provides a particularly atmospheric setting for an opera performance.
For visitors travelling from outside Como, attending the opera can also be an opportunity to explore the historic city centre, with its charming streets, the Cathedral and the surrounding squares.
L’Italiana in Algeri in Como: dates, times and tickets
Rossini’s opera will be performed at Teatro Sociale di Como, in Piazza Verdi, on two dates:
• Friday, 13 November 2026, at 8 pm – Opera, Subscription Series A.
• Sunday, 15 November 2026, at 3:30 pm – Opera, Subscription Series B.
Ticket prices vary depending on the performance and seating category.
According to the information published by the theatre, standard tickets start from €16, while tickets for visitors under 18 cost €15. Prices for stalls and box seats can reach €60, with possible additional booking fees.
To check seat availability, view updated prices and purchase tickets, visit the official performance page on the Teatro Sociale di Como website.
With L’Italiana in Algeri, Teatro Sociale brings one of Rossini’s most popular operas to Como, offering audiences two opportunities to enjoy a story in which music, humour and cleverness come together on stage.
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