Adelaide Oval will be transformed into a glittering operatic wonderland as Fondazione Arena di Verona’s monumental production of Franco Zeffirelli’s AIDA will be performed outside of Verona for the first time.
In what has been hailed as a cultural coup for South Australia and the nation, the spectacular version of the famous Giuseppi Verdi opera will make its international debut in Australia from 5-6 February 2026.
Adelaide will welcome the full Italian company featuring 389 international performers and staff, including the 106 musicians of the renowned Fondazione Arena di Verona Orchestra, the 100 members of the Chorus of the Fondazione Arena di Verona, and the Ballet of the Fondazione Arena di Verona.
The international ensemble will be complemented by 300 local cast and crew including 155 extras and a 50-member chorus from State Opera South Australia.
The stellar Adelaide cast includes Grammy Award-winner Angel Blue, who brings her radiant voice and magnetic presence to the title role of Aida on Thursday 5 February, while Maria José Siri, one of the most important sopranos on the international operatic stage, will perform the role on Friday 6 February.
The legendary Elīna Garanča stars as Amneris on Thursday night, with Agnieszka Rehlis performing the role on Friday, with Jonas Kaufmann singing Radamès on the Thursday and Brian Jagde performing the role the following night.
Amonasro will be performed by Amartuvshin Enkhbat on Thursday and Youngjun Park on Friday, while Morris Robinson appears as Ramfis and Teddy Tahu Rhodes as the King on both nights. Australian soprano Natalie Aroyan will appear as the High Priestess.
The Zeffirelli production was first staged in Verona in 2002 and revered as one of the director’s crowning achievements. This production of AIDA has drawn capacity crowds from around the world to the Verona’s 2000-year-old coliseum.
TEG Global Head of Touring Tim McGregor said Verde’s AIDA was, "more than an opera, it’s an unforgettable sensory experience".
"To bring this internationally revered production, directed by Franco Zeffirelli to Australia for the first time is a defining moment for live performance in this country," Mr McGregor said.
"With Jonas Kaufmann and Angel Blue leading what is arguably the most stellar operatic cast ever assembled in the southern hemisphere, it will be one of the most extraordinary theatrical events ever staged here."
Pre-sale tickets start from noon, Wednesday 10 September, ahead of general public on sale from 1pm, Wednesday 17 September.
