Aida (Zeffirelli Edition): Arena di Verona Opera Festival 2026

About the Event

Relish the spectacle as Franco Zeffirelli's iconic production of Verdi's 'Aida' takes the stage at the Arena di Verona once again._

Ancient Egypt is provided with a contemporaneous backdrop by the Roman‐era arena, as Verdi's immense score, both lyrical and dramatic, plays out to its tragic end.

'Aida' is an opera in four acts composed by Giuseppe Verdi, on a libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni.

Act 1: Ramfis, High Priest of Egypt, tells Radamès that war with the Ethiopians seems inevitable. Radamès hopes that he will be chosen as the Egyptian commander, dreaming both of victory and of Aida, the Ethiopian slave, with whom he is secretly in love. Aida, who returns Radamès love, is the daughter of the Ethiopian King Amonasro, an identity hidden from her Egyptian captors.

Amneris, the daughter of Pharaoh, enters. She also loves Radamès, but fears that Aida may be her rival. Pharaoh enters, with the High Priest, and the whole court, to news that the Ethiopians are marching on Thebes. The King declares war and proclaims Radamès leader of the army.

Left alone, Aida is torn between her love for her father, her country, and Radamès.

Radamès is installed as commander‐in‐chief. The Egyptians pray for victory and protection for their warriors.

Act 2: Radamès' victory is celebrated, but Amneris doubts Radamès' love and suspects Aida is in love with him. When Aida enters the chamber, Amneris lies, telling her that Radamès has died in the battle. Shocked and grieving, Aida confesses her love for Radamès. Amneris is enraged and swears vengeance on Aida.

Radamès returns and the troops march into the city in triumph. Pharaoh declares that Radamès may have anything he wishes. The Ethiopian captives are led onstage in chains, King Amonasro among them. Amonasro proclaims to the Egyptians that the Ethiopian king has been slain in battle, and the captives plead with the Egyptian King for mercy, but Ramfis and the Egyptian priests call for the prisoners’ death. Claiming the King’s promised reward, Radamès pleads for mercy for the prisoners. The King grants Radamès' wish, declaring that Radamès will be the King's successor and will marry Amneris. Aida and Amonasro will remain hostage to ensure that the Ethiopians do not avenge their defeat.

Act 3: On the eve of Amneris and Radamès' wedding, Aida waits outside the Temple of Isis to meet Radamès. Amonasro appears and orders Aida to discover the location of the Egyptian army. Aida reluctantly agrees.

Amonasro hides behind a rock and listens to Aida and Radamès. Radamès swears that he will marry Aida and Aida convinces him to flee with her. Radamès suggests a safe route, revealing the location of his army. Amonasro comes out of hiding and reveals his identity. Radamès realizes he has unwittingly revealed a crucial military secret to the enemy.

Amneris and Ramfis leave the temple and call for the imperial guards. Amonasro draws a dagger, but Radamès disarms him. Ordering Amonasro to flee with Aida, Radamès surrenders himself to the imperial guards, who arrest him as a traitor.

Act 4:Amneris calls for the guard to bring Radamés to her, and asks him to deny the accusations, but he refuses. Ramfis recites the charges, Radamès refuses to defend himself, and is condemned to death. Amneris protests that Radamès is innocent, and pleads for mercy, but he is sentenced to be buried alive.

Radamès has been sealed in a dark vault. He hears a sound and then sees Aida, who has hidden herself in the vault in order to die with Radamès. They accept their terrible fate and bid farewell to Earth and its sorrows. Above the vault, Amneris weeps and prays to the goddess Isis. The lovers die in each other’s arms as the priests, offstage, pray to the god Ftha.

Practical Information

Included are:
- Ticket to the opera performance in the chosen category
- One month's free access to a premium classical music streaming service
- self‐guided audio tour of Verona in English

Cast / Production

Il Re
Abramo Rosalen 30/07 15/08
Simon Lim 09/08 10/09
Mariano Buccino 23/08 30/08 04/09

Amneris
Clémentine Margaine 30/07 09/08 15/08 23/08 30/08 04/09 10/09

Aida
Aleksandra Kurzak 30/07 09/08 23/08
Maria José Siri 15/08 04/09
Anna Netrebko 30/08

Radamès
SeokJong Baek 30/07
Roberto Alagna 09/08 23/08
Yusif Eyvazov 15/08 30/08
Paolo Lardizzone 04/09

Amonasro
Youngjun Park 30/07 09/08 15/08 23/08 04/09 10/09
Ludovic Tézier 30/08

Ramfis
Christian Van Horn 30/07
Alexander Vinogradov 09/08 10/09
Gianluca Buratto 15/08 30/08
Simon Lim 23/08 04/09

Un messaggero
Carlo Bosi 30/07 15/08 30/08
Riccardo Rados 09/08 23/08 04/09 10/09

Sacerdotessa
Francesca Maionchi 30/07 09/08 15/08 23/08 30/08 04/09 10/09

Customer Reviews

4.7 of 5

  • Niho T, イタリア

    Sep 2026

    初めてアレーナで野外オペラを鑑賞しましたが、オーケストラの演奏が始まった途端、音と歌声が響き渡り、大変感動しました。このような野外オペラは初めてだったので、ものすごい臨場感に圧倒され、時間もあっという間に過ぎていきました。ポルトローナで席も良くて、オペラグラスも不要でした。本当に夢のような時間でした。

  • Maria S, Deutschland

    Sep 2026

    Sehr beeindruckend

  • Katherine B, Deutschland

    Sep 2026

    Leider wegen schlechten Knien, wo ich gesetzt habe war schwierig. Sonst es war ein unvergesslichen Abend. Es war wunderschön !!! Nächste mal sitze ich auf den besseren Platz.

  • Norbert W, Deutschland

    Sep 2026

    Ein wundervolles Erlebnis

  • Norbert S, Deutschland

    Sep 2026

    Monumental

  • Max S, Deutschland

    Sep 2026

    Es ist immer wieder ein Spektakel

  • Margaret A, United Kingdom

    Sep 2026

    It was excellent

  • Christine F, Canada

    Sep 2026

    So beautiful! The ensemble, costumes, performers! Stunning presentation!

  • Martina A, Netherlands

    Sep 2026

    Very nice

  • Marc L, Suisse

    Sep 2026

    Un moment magique dans un cadre enchanteur!

  • Andreas B, Deutschland

    Sep 2026

    Eine wunderbare Inszenierung. Sehr schöne Stimmen, besonders Amneris und Aida. Den Radames empfand ich als etwas schwächer. Die Gestaltung duchr das Orchester war hervorragend, großes Lob an den Dirigenten. Mein Platz war gut. Wenngleich die Plätze an den Seiten akustisch besser sind. Dabei ist es negativ, dass man nicht direkt die gewünschten Plätze wählen kann, sondern nur die Kategorie.

  • Brigitte G, Deutschland

    Sep 2026

    Tolle Vorstellung, wunderschöne Inszenierung, sehr gute Stimmen und eine gute Organisation!

  • Eva O, Deutschland

    Aug 2026

    Es war fantastisch

  • Maria K, Italien

    Aug 2026

    Es war ein tolles Erlebnis…nur wäre es besser beim Ticket bestellen darauf hinzuweisen,dass man sich bei dieser Kategorie nicht anlehnen kann,was in unserem Alter schon eine Herausforderung war. Auch das keine Essen mitgebracht werden durfte war nirgendwo zu lesen…was schwierig war,wenn mann einen Tagesausflug nach Verona macht.

  • Adam K, Polska

    Aug 2026

    Wspaniała impreza Aida, w dniu 23 sierpnia 2026. Świetna obsada, zwłaszcza świetny wokal Aleksandry Kurzak. No i stara szkoła choreografii — wg Zafirell'ego (specjalnie przykryto szklaną scenę;)

  • Jonathan S, United Kingdom

    Aug 2026

    A breathtaking performance and experience. The setting, stage presence, story and performers made a wonderful evening truly spectacular.

  • jordi d, Spain

    Aug 2026

    Nos gustó mucho , pese a que nos tocó el poste de la luz justo en medio .

  • Glenda C, Italy

    Aug 2026

    Seats are very small and not 100% comfortable but a great experience.

  • Beata Ś, Polska

    Aug 2026

    Szybko i sprawnie — polecam !

  • Beatrix L, Deutschland

    Aug 2026

    Ein absolut fantastisches Erlebnis

  • Marc R, France

    Aug 2026

    Soirée inoubliable ! Tout était au RV, l’ excellente prestation des artistes , les décors dans ce site exceptionnel.

  • PATRICK B, France

    Aug 2026

    Une soirée flamboyante, magistrale et profondément émouvante, dans l’un des plus beaux théâtres que l’on puisse imaginer. AIDA à Vérone, un 15 août : une nuit d’été absolument inoubliable.

  • Geza H, Hungary

    Aug 2026

    Fantastic experience, one of the best ever

  • Luigo N, Italy

    Jul 2026

    The only problem was with the acoustic

  • maryvonne e, France

    Jul 2026

    Merveilleux grandiose spectacle !

  • Monika M, Poland

    Jul 2026

    Incredible expierence in such an unique arena with polish superstar Mrs. Kurzak

  • Luis T., Brazil

    Jul 2022

    Did not give 5, because the subtitles were not working.

  • Dávid G, Hungary

    Sep 2019

    It was fantastic, professional organization and lecture

  • Eamonn D, Ireland

    Sep 2019

    Stunning Experience

  • Hazel O, United Kingdom

    Sep 2019

    Wonderful in every way!!

  • Astrid R, Australia

    Sep 2019

    Amazing — WOW what an experience — easy entry‐ we’ll organise — sound and visuals absolutely magnificent.

  • Judit S, Hungary

    Sep 2019

    Imposing spectacle,high quality singers /especially the two ladies/and musicians,amazing atmosphere!

  • Harald B, Österreich

    Sep 2019

    Mega Event echt beeindruckend top organisiert tolle Plätze gute Akustik

  • Fatma Sibel O, Turkey

    Aug 2019

    I admired the performance

  • Ray M, United Kingdom

    Aug 2019

    This was a fantastic event and worth every Cent. The production was amazing, the sets brilliant and the organisation first class with easy entry and exit from the Arena. It was hard to believe that four hours could slip past so quickly. Well done.

  • Frank d, Netherlands

    Aug 2019

    Very impressive!

  • Nicolina G, Deutschland

    Aug 2019

    🎼Tolle Atmosphäre 🎼

  • Dominic R, United Kingdom

    Jul 2019

    It was wonderful. The music and theatrical staging were inspiring.

  • Niamh C, Ireland

    Jul 2019

    Absolutely brilliant production of Aida, truly captivating staging and wonderful performers.

  • Marie U, France

    Jul 2019

    Parfait bon emplacement des places une soirée fabuleuse

  • SUMIO N, 日本

    Jul 2019

    とてもいいお席で良かったです

  • Philippe T, France

    Jul 2019

    La durée est longue, donc une fin trop tardive. L'idéal est de débuter à 20h

  • René N, France

    Jul 2019

    Bonjour Très beau spectacle, décors fabuleux, comédiens talentueux très bonne ambiance j'y retournerai pour voir un autre spectacle merci;

  • Dr. Friedrich G, Deutschland

    Jul 2019

    Extrem gute Aufführung. Sowohl was Bühnenbild und Choreographie betrifft, als auch die Leistung der Sänger und des Orchesters. Ein großartiges Erlebnis

  • Amanda D, Ireland

    Jul 2019

    It was fantastic it was well done it was easy to get to our seat we had no problems it was wonderful

  • MASAMI K, 日本

    Jun 2019

    会場に入るまではとても心配していましたが、スムーズに入場できました。スタッフも親切でお天気にも恵まれアイーダを楽しく感動して見ることが出来ました。

  • Dick S, Netherlands

    Jun 2019

    Total experience very worthwhile

  • johan f, United Kingdom

    Jun 2019

    superbly sublime

  • RODOLFO S, Chile

    Jun 2019

    Unforgatable has been at 700 presentation of Aida at Verona Arena

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