The 31st edition of the International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival has commenced at the historic Aspendos Ancient Theater with a grand opening night featuring Guiseppe Verdi’s renowned opera, Aida. Organized by the Directorate of State Opera and Ballet, the festival attracted nearly 3,000 spectators, offering an unforgettable cultural experience in one of the world’s most acoustically extraordinary ancient theaters.
Inaugurating the festival, Tan Sağtürk, the general director of the State Opera and Ballet, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage through the arts. Distinguished guests in attendance included Gita Kadambi, general director of the Finnish State Opera and Ballet, Riitta Kaivosoja from the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, and Henrik Dahl, chairman of Denmark’s Opera Hedeland.
The performance of Aida captivated the audience, delivering a majestic fusion of opera and the historical grandeur of the Aspendos Theater. The cast received a well-deserved standing ovation, setting the tone for the remainder of the festival, which will run until late September.
One of the festival’s most anticipated events is the Opera Gala Night, scheduled for September 16 at 9 p.m. This evening will feature stellar performances by sopranos Çiğdem Soyarslan and Dilan Ayata, mezzo-soprano Ezgi Karakaya, baritone Faik Mansuroğlu, and tenor Mert Süngü.
The festival will conclude on September 26 with a production of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca, staged by the Antalya State Opera and Ballet. Tenor Paolo Lardizzone will perform the role of Cavaradossi, with Nurdan Küçükekmekçi as Floria Tosca, Serhat Konukman as Baron Scarpia, Alaaddin Ataseven as Cesare Angelotti, and M. Yusuf Yıldız as Sciarrone. The production’s set and costume design are by Gülden Sayıl, lighting by Mustafa Eski, and choreography by Özge Ay.
Under the direction of world-renowned choreographers Alberto Alonso and Ricardo Amarante, the festival promises to bring a dynamic fusion of flamenco and tango to the stage, alongside its traditional opera and ballet offerings.
This year’s International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival continues to reinforce Antalya’s reputation as a cultural hub, seamlessly blending the ancient with the contemporary in a celebration of the performing arts.
