Adelaide Oval is set to become a stage for a global exclusive event this summer, as it hosts Zeffirelli’s monumental production of AIDA, created by the Fondazione Arena di Verona. This marks the first time the acclaimed opera will be performed outside of Italy, with performances scheduled for February 5th and 6th. The event is poised to be a significant cultural milestone for South Australia.
Directed by the legendary Franco Zeffirelli, renowned for his lavish opera productions, this rendition of AIDA has been enchanting audiences since its debut in Verona in 2002. The opera is celebrated for its extravagant costumes, grandiose sets, and Zeffirelli’s cinematic vision, which vividly brings to life the tragic love story set against the majestic backdrop of ancient Egypt. The production is famous for its opulent scenes, including the iconic Triumphal March.
Star-Studded Cast and Local Collaboration
The Adelaide performances will feature an illustrious lineup of performers, including Grammy Award-winner Angel Blue and the internationally acclaimed soprano Maria José Siri, who will share the title role across the two evenings. Other global opera luminaries such as Elīna Garanča, Jonas Kaufmann, and Brian Jagde will also take to the stage. They will perform alongside a vast ensemble of 389 international performers from the Fondazione Arena di Verona, including a 106-member orchestra and a 100-strong chorus, as well as the Ballet of the Fondazione Arena di Verona.
This international cast will be complemented by local talent, involving 300 local cast and crew members. This includes 155 extras and a 50-member chorus from State Opera South Australia, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary Golden Jubilee Year in 2026.
Strategic Collaborations and Support
State Opera South Australia’s Executive Director, Mark Taylor, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “The artistic vision for the Company as set out by our Artistic Director, Dane Lam is bold and ambitious with international and national collaborations being a key cornerstone for our future programming. We are really pleased to be partnering with Arena di Verona, TEG, Condon Presents and the SA Government to bring this magnificent production to Adelaide, in our special milestone year.”
This Italian masterpiece is making its way to Australia through a collaboration between TEG Live, Condon Presents, and with substantial support from the State Government. Tim McGregor, TEG Global Head of Touring, remarked, “Giuseppe Verdi’s AIDA is 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.”
Ticket Information and Public Engagement
Tickets for this exclusive event will be available for pre-sale from 12pm on Wednesday, September 10th. The general public will have the opportunity to secure tickets from 1pm on Wednesday, September 17th. The anticipation surrounding this event is palpable, as it promises to deliver a unique cultural experience, blending international excellence with local participation.
The announcement of this event comes at a time when the arts sector is seeking to rebound and re-engage audiences post-pandemic. The choice of Adelaide Oval as the venue underscores the event’s significance, transforming a sporting arena into a cultural hub, and highlighting the versatility and potential of such spaces in hosting diverse events.
As the city of Adelaide prepares to welcome this grand production, the implications for the local arts scene are profound. The event not only promises to boost the local economy by attracting visitors but also enhances Adelaide’s reputation as a destination for world-class cultural events.
With the combination of international and local talent, strategic partnerships, and the historic nature of the event, the upcoming performances of AIDA at Adelaide Oval are set to be a landmark moment in Australia’s cultural landscape.
