The 2025 Arena di Verona Opera Festival is gearing up to present an extraordinary season, spotlighting world-renowned talent and special tributes. Kicking off on June 13 and 14 with a fresh production of Nabucco, the season will unfold with five celebrated operas, eight gala events, and various dance performances, totaling 51 stellar evenings of music and drama. This year’s festival also honors Carmen on its 150th anniversary, alongside a tribute to Georges Bizet and a celebratory 30 years of Franco Zeffirelli’s renowned Arena production.
The season’s lineup features 100 performers, rising stars, and well-known interpreters including Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann, Nadine Sierra, and newcomers Angel Blue and Pene Pati. The acclaimed directors Pinchas Steinberg, Andrea Battistoni, Francesco Ivan Ciampa, and Speranza Scappucci will lead the Fondazione Arena orchestra and chorus.
Opera highlights of the 2025 Opera Festival
Nabucco
Opening on June 13 and 14, Nabucco returns to the Arena in a new production. Stefano Poda who directed the highly acclaimed Aida production in 2023, will oversee all artistic aspects, from staging to choreography. The renowned cast includes baritone Amartuvshin Enkhbat who leads with the dynamic Pinchas Steinberg conducting. Fans can also look forward to Anna Netrebko making her Italian debut as Abigaille, and performances by Roberto Tagliavini, Francesco Meli, and Vasilisa Berzhanskaya.
Aida
Aida, the “Queen” of Arena operas, runs from June 20 to September 4 and features outstanding singers under Daniel Oren’s baton. This summer, Maria José Siri, Brian Jagde, and Marina Rebeka will perform together with Anna Netrebko, Ludovic Tézier, and Gregory Kunde.
La Traviata
From June 27 to August 2, La Traviata will captivate audiences with its sumptuous Hugo De Ana staging. This is director Speranza Scappucci‘s first operatic production at the Arena, and American soprano Angel Blue will debut as Violetta. She will be joined by recognized performers Rosa Feola and Nadine Sierra, making this Traviata a season highlight.
Carmen
Bizet’s Carmen, which opens on July 4, will mark both the 150th anniversary of Bizet’s death and Zeffirelli’s Arena staging. The production, led by Francesco Ivan Ciampa will feature star mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina, Aleksandra Kurzak, and Roberto Alagna, along with over 500 performers.
Rigoletto
Verdi’s Rigoletto will be performed at the Arena from August 8 to September 6, with Ettore Fagiuoli’s set design from 1928 restoring the elegance of the original production. The cast, directed by Michele Spotti, includes standout performers. Nadine Sierra, Erin Morley, and Pene Pati will bring Verdi’s incredible tragedy to life in its timeless majesty.
