I don’t even know where to start.

Actually… I do.

I think I’ve reached the peak. The absolute maximum of what I could hope for as an opera lover.

If you’re reading this, you probably already know: I’m a massive fan of Giuseppe Verdi. His music has been part of my life for years. It’s been there in key moments, in travels, in work, in everything. In many ways, I try — in my own humble way — to carry his music around, to talk about it, to share it as much as possible.

So imagine this:

The greatest soprano of today, alongside one of the greatest baritones of our time…
In a 300-seat theatre…
In the very heart of Verdi’s land.

Because yes — this place is not just any place. Verdi was born in Le Roncole, grew up in Busseto, and died in Sant’Agata. This whole region is sacred ground for anyone who loves his music. It’s like a cathedral. A pilgrimage.

And that’s exactly what this night felt like.

A night that almost didn’t happen

I found out about this recital quite late. Tickets were… let’s say, not cheap. But that’s fair — when you bring artists of this level into such an intimate venue, it’s bound to be special.

Originally, the recital was supposed to feature Luca Salsi, who unfortunately had to withdraw due to illness (wishing him a quick recovery, especially with Nabucco coming up soon at Teatro alla Scala).

And then… Ludovic Tézier stepped in.

Not a bad replacement, right?

Verdi, Verdi, and more Verdi

The program was exactly what you would dream of in a place like this: Verdi, Verdi, and… Verdi.

Selections from Macbeth, Il Trovatore, Rigoletto — all delivered with that level of control, elegance, and emotional weight that only these two artists can bring.

Anna Netrebko was exactly what you expect — and somehow still more. Effortless, magnetic, completely in control of the space. She doesn’t just sing Verdi — she owns it.

Ludovic Tézier… what can you even say at this point? Pure class. That kind of authority, that kind of line, that kind of presence. Everything feels natural, never forced, always right.

Together, they don’t just perform — they create moments.

A special mention

At the piano, Nelson Calzi — usually working with Luca Salsi — was outstanding.

And that Liszt paraphrase on Rigoletto? Seven minutes of pure beauty. One of those moments where time just stops.

A historic moment before the music even started

Before the recital even began, there was something quite special.

In front of the Teatro Verdi, there’s something like a “Walk of Fame” — plaques dedicated to the greatest artists who have marked this place. Names like Riccardo Muti, Renata Tebaldi, Carlo Bergonzi…

And now — Anna Netrebko has hers.

Which, honestly, just makes sense. She was already part of history. Now it’s literally written in the ground of Busseto.

Final thoughts

The recital lasted about 90 minutes.

90 minutes of pure joy.

One of the most emotional, intense, and simply beautiful evenings I’ve ever experienced.

A huge thank you to the Teatro Verdi of Busseto, to the town itself, and to everyone involved.

This wasn’t just a concert.
It was something else.

And I’ll carry it with me for a very long time.