Viva Verdi! – Retired Opera Singers and Musicians Get a Third Act in Yvonne Russo’s Documentary | Trailer

Set in Milan’s iconic retirement home, Casa Verdi, the documentary Viva Verdi! follows distinguished opera singers and musicians living out their “third act” while still creating, teaching and performing.

Directed by Yvonne Russo, the film features aged virtuosos between 77 and 103 – mentors, storytellers, artists – alongside the next generation of students they guide.

Viva Verdi! premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival, followed by the West Coast premiere at Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and a screening at Toronto’s Hot Docs‘ Doc Soup. It premiered theatrically at Laemmle’s Theatres’ Monica Film Center beginning October 3, 2025, and next screens at E2AC Social Impact Film Series, Lincoln Center, New York, on December 3, 2025.

Here is the official synopsis: Viva Verdi! is an intimate glimpse into the lives of the celebrated opera singers and musicians currently living out their ‘third act’ while mentoring international music students who live among them at Milan’s unique retirement home, Casa Verdi, built by the composer Guiseppe Verdi in 1896.

From these ‘Guests of Verdi,’ aged 77 to 107, comprised of international opera singers, ballet dancers, musicians, conductors and composers, we hear an extraordinary array of personal and professional stories filled with music, magic and passion, and ultimately learn why Verdi called this remarkable home his “best work.”

“In 2010, while producing an episode, Milan’s Big Heart! for National Geographic Television, I discovered Casa Verdi, a distinctive and unique retirement home for aging opera singers, musicians and artists. I was moved by the residents’ vibrancy; compelled to learn about their lives; and inspired to document their stories. I kept asking myself: Who are these people? What were they like in their prime? What’s their secret to living such a joyful life at the ripe old age of 80 or 90? Why aren’t retirement homes more like this? Is music really medicine for the soul?” said director Yvonne Russo

Watch the trailer for Viva Verdi! below.