The 51st Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago opened with a new production of an opera that is perhaps the composerโs most underestimated work: โLa Fanciulla del Westโ โ often dismissed as a mere โwestern operaโ. The musical director was Alberto Veronesi, artistic director of the festival. Ivan Stefanutti was the stage director, with spectacular sets by American painter Nall and an all-star cast including Daniela Dessรฌ and Fabio Armiliato (the singers are regarded as two of the leading interpreters of Italian soprano and tenor roles) and the baritone Lucio Gallo.