7-21 Aug 2006. Apart from the classic masterpieces of the Rossini repertoire restored to their authentic form, such as this years LItaliana in Algeri, the festival also boasts a long list of unknown and forgotten works, which have travelled from Pesaro to theatres all over the world. The crowning moment of the festivals revival of Rossinis unknown works was the recovery of Il Viaggio a Reims in 1984, the mythical score that disappeared after its first performances in 1825, and of which not even manuscript copies seemed to have survived. Its accidental re-discovery and its revival in Pesaro in 1984 constitute one of the most important musical events of the 20th century.

Pesaros Rossini Opera Festival (7-24 Aug 2006), the most awaited event of the Italian summer opera season gets underway with Torvaldo e Dorliska (7-21 Aug), which makes its first appearance at the festival. It is also Rossinis first semi-serious opera, which unfortunately makes use of a rather unsuccessful libretto. However, there are also quite difficult virtuoso pages, languishing love duets, and very expressive, moving arias that were written to bring out the best in exceptional singers. The direction has been entrusted to Mario Martone, a cinema director who has dedicated himself with conscientiousness and enthusiasm to opera for years and who returns to the festival after the acclaimed staging of Matilde di Shabran in 2004.