In a major cultural milestone for Australia, Franco Zeffirelli’s breathtaking production of Verdi’s AIDA, direct from Italy’s legendary Arena di Verona, will be staged exclusively at Adelaide Oval for two epic performances on 5 & 6 February 2026.
For the first time since its creation, Fondazione Arena di Verona’s monumental production of Zeffirelli’s AIDA will be performed outside of Verona, Italy, making its historical international debut in Australia.
In a stunning coup for Adelaide, this landmark event will feature the authentic production of AIDA from Arena di Verona, brought to Australia by TEG Live and Condon Presents and will be a truly once-in-a-generation experience to captivate devoted opera lovers and first-time audiences alike.
“Having produced sold out stadium versions of AIDA in the past in Sydney and Melbourne, it has been my lifelong dream to bring Arena di Verona’s authentic, masterpiece production of AIDA to Australia. Now with Zeffirelli’s production coming to Adelaide, together with the full Italian company and some of the world’s greatest performers, that dream becomes a historic reality,” said Founder of Condon Presents, Patrick Condon.
Hailed as a masterwork of operatic theatre, AIDA will be performed by 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, featuring 389 international performers and staff.
The international ensemble will be complemented by 300 local cast and crew including 155 local extras, plus a dedicated 50-member chorus provided by State Opera South Australia. The production will be conducted by world-renowned Italian Maestro Nicola Luisotti.
The stellar 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. Kaufmann and Jagde will share the role of Radamès across the two performances.
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, with the Messenger role to be announced locally.
Directed by the great Franco Zeffirelli, whose lavish vision redefined opera for a global audience, this production is renowned for its towering sets, opulent costumes, and cinematic splendour. Audiences will be transported to ancient Egypt as the sweeping tale of love, war, betrayal and destiny unfolds under the stars at Adelaide Oval.
“We are proud to host the historic first production of Zeffirelli’s AIDA performed outside of Verona, Italy, which will bring opera lovers from across the country and globe to South Australia. Adelaide Oval is an iconic sporting venue the world over, and now thanks to this monumental production, it will be for art lovers as well, playing host to arguably the world’s best opera singers,” said Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison.
“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,” said TEG Global Head of Touring, Tim McGregor.
“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.”
First staged at Arena di Verona in 2002 and revered as one of Zeffirelli’s crowning achievements, this production of AIDA has drawn capacity crowds from around the world to the Verona’s 2,000 year old coliseum.
Now, in partnership with Fondazione Arena di Verona and with Stefano Trespidi (Zeffirelli’s longtime associate) as Stage Director, Australian audiences will finally experience the full might of this historic production, complete with its signature processions, sacred temple scenes, and the incredible Triumphal March, in a stadium built for mass theatrical spectacle.
AIDA will play Adelaide Oval on Thursday 5 & Friday 6 February 2026. Join the waitlist now for early access. For more information, visit: www.arep.co for details.
Image: Verdi’s AIDA (supplied)