Best Rome theaters and opera houses

and the Rome Chamber Music Festival at the Teatro Argentina

If you're looking for a slice of genuine Roman culture then head to one of Rome's theaters for an opera, music or stage performance. And if you're in Rome this June don't miss the Rome Chamber Music Festival!

The Rome Chamber Music Festival

The Rome Chamber Music Festival returns this summer, from June 26th to 29th.
The festival was founded by famed violinist Robert McDuffie in 2003 and is now in its nineteenth season. The Rome Chamber Music Festival will take stage for the first time at the prestigious Teatro Argentina, located in the historic heart of Rome.
In addition to the acclaimed musicians and the participants of the festival’s Young Artist Program, the festival will debut its newest educational initiative, the Steven Della Rocca Young Professional Program, which aims to provide meaningful performance opportunities for artists who are just starting their careers.
Now is the time to grab a ticket to one of the June 26 to June 29 performances. Head to this link to grab a ticket.
If you'd like to support the festival consider becoming a benefactor or friend. As a sponsor, benefactor or friend you will be listed in this year's festival program.
Another thing to think about is providing the $3000 necessary funds to send one student to Rome to participate in an educational experience of a lifetime at this year's festival.

The Teatro Argentina

The Teatro Argentina is right in the historic center of Rome in Largo di Torre Argentina. It's one of the oldest theaters in Rome and it's built over part of the curia section of the Theater of Pompeii – exactly where Julius Caesar was assassinated. The theater is laid out in a horseshoe shape and can accommodate nearly 700 spectators.

The Teatro dell'Opera

Head to the gorgeous Rome Opera House - also known as Teatro Costanzi - for an opera. There's a selection of not just operas but musicals, concerts and theater. Here's the full schedule for the 2021/2022 season which includes performances at the Teatro Costanzi, Teatro Nazionale and the summer outdoor theater at Caracalla.

The Teatro Nazionale

This theater is an extension of the Teatro dell'Opera and for performances scheduled at this theater just head to the Teatro dell'Opera website.

The Teatro Quirino

This theater, on Via delle Virgini, was originally built in 1871 and hosted opera and ballet. Now it's a theater for plays and musicals and hosts 13 performances per year. Get tickets here.

The Teatro Sistina

The Teatro Sistina on Via Sistina is mainly used for theater and cabaret performances. The theater is closed for the summer season but once fall rolls around you can buy tickets here.

The Teatro Valle

The Teatro Valle was built in 1726 by renowned architect Tomaso Morelli. It originally hosted opera and later only hosted theater performances. It was shut down in 2010 as part of Italian government budget cuts and then in 2011 it was squatted by a group of protesters including actors, musicians, directors and other creatives. They were evicted in August 2014 and then re-occupied in 2016. The fate of this theater remains to be seen.

Rome outdoor performances this summer

Teatro Caracalla

Here's what the theater website says about this unique Teatro Caracalla location: "The marvellous archeological site of the Roman Baths; Terme di Caracalla, an absolutely unique theatrical stage. The ancient Romans called them Antonian after their founder Marcus Aurelius Antonino Bassiano, known as Caracalla. The Baths were opened in 216 a.d., during his reign."
Here's the summer calendar for 2022. You'll find everything from opera to contemporary performers like Claudio Baglioni.

Opera truck in Rome?

Opera isn't always accessible to everyone and one initiative was the traveling opera truck - Opera Camion. I've not found details about it for this summer 2022 but in the past the traveling opera truck headed to different Rome neighborhoods and residents brought a chair from home to watch some fabulous opera performances. Let's hope it happens this summer so stay tuned to the Teatro del Opera website for updates and details.

Secret Garden Summer Opera Extravaganza

Just outside of Rome there's an outdoor Secret Garden Summer Opera season all lined up and well worth checking out! For information and details on this summer's performances go here, or head to the Facebook page.

Are you looking for other fun things to do this summer in Rome?

Try a day trip out of the city to Sperlonga, Naples or Ariccia.
Take a deep dive into the best of Rome's cuisine with a Flavor of Italy Culinary Walking Tour.
Or how about a wine-tasting at the Jacobini winery just outside of Rome in Genzano?

Do you have a comment or something you'd like to share with me? Scroll down to the very, very end of this page to reach the Please Leave Your Comment section.
I'd love to have your feedback and questions!

I earn a modest commission from purchases made via links on my website. Rest assured, prices remain the same for you. Choosing to buy through my links directly contributes to sustaining my efforts in providing you with exceptional recipes, podcast episodes, and valuable culinary and travel insights.