The 53rd edition of the Macerata Opera Festival turns its gaze toward the East. In 2017, the Festival directed by Francesco Micheli in the enchanting starlit setting of the Sferisterio features three of the most well-known masterpieces of the Italian repertoire: Turandot, Madama Butterfly and Aida. This year the programme is enriched by a new production: Shi (To be). The opera, inspired by the life of the Jesuit Matteo Ricci, born in Macerata, was commissioned to composer Carlo Boccadoro with libretto by Cecilia Ligorio. This production will inaugurate the Opera Season on Thursday 20th July in the intimate space of the Lauro Rossi Theatre.