The 2025 Arena di Verona Opera Festival is set to deliver an exceptional season, showcasing celebrated talents and special tributes. Starting with a new production of Nabucco on June 13 and 14, the season features five beloved operas, eight gala events, and dance performances, amounting to 51 dazzling nights of music and drama. This year, the festival marks the 150th anniversary of Carmen, honoring Georges Bizet, and celebrates 30 years of Franco Zeffirelli’s iconic production at the Verona Arena.
The lineup includes 100 performers, from renowned figures like Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann, and Nadine Sierra, to emerging talents like Angel Blue and Pene Pati. Acclaimed conductors such as Pinchas Steinberg, Andrea Battistoni, Francesco Ivan Ciampa, and Speranza Scappucci will lead the Fondazione Arena orchestra and chorus.
Opera Highlights of the 2025 Season
Nabucco
Opening on June 13 and 14, Nabucco returns with a fresh production by Stefano Poda, acclaimed for his direction of Aida in 2023. Baritone Amartuvshin Enkhbat stars with conductor Pinchas Steinberg, and Anna Netrebko makes her Italian debut as Abigaille, alongside Roberto Tagliavini, Francesco Meli, and Vasilisa Berzhanskaya.
Aida
From June 20 to September 4, Aida, the “Queen” of Arena operas, will showcase talents like Maria José Siri, Brian Jagde, and Marina Rebeka under Daniel Oren’s direction, joined by Anna Netrebko, Ludovic Tézier, and Gregory Kunde.
La Traviata
Running from June 27 to August 2, La Traviata will captivate audiences with Hugo De Ana’s lavish staging. Directed by Speranza Scappucci, American soprano Angel Blue debuts as Violetta, with Rosa Feola and Nadine Sierra also performing.
Carmen
Opening on July 4, Carmen will commemorate both Bizet’s legacy and Zeffirelli’s celebrated Arena production, led by Francesco Ivan Ciampa. Aigul Akhmetshina, Aleksandra Kurzak, and Roberto Alagna are featured, supported by over 500 performers.
Rigoletto
Verdi’s Rigoletto runs from August 8 to September 6, showcasing Ettore Fagiuoli’s classic 1928 set design. Directed by Michele Spotti, the cast includes Nadine Sierra, Erin Morley, and Pene Pati, breathing life into Verdi’s timeless masterpiece.
