The opera festival returns for a summer in Verona and brings with it a star-studded cast
Comedy and tragedy, love and heartbreak, lust and obsession – it can only be a night at the opera. This summer promises lovers of drama and spectacle a special Italian treat. In its 101st year, the Arena di Verona festival celebrates Giacomo Puccini, with a selection of work from the world’s best known and most performed opera composer, on the centenary of his death.
The season will open with Franco Zeffirelli’s production of Turandot, Puccini’s final opera set in a fantasy China where Princess Turandot devises a plan for her hand in marriage: successfully answer three riddles or face execution.
Returning alongside performances of Aida and Il Barbiere di Siviglia, the beloved La Bohème graces the Verona Arena’s stage for the first time in 13 years. Conducted by the renowned Daniel Oren and starring the award-winning Armenian soprano Juliana Grigoryan, Puccini’s tragic romance takes to the stage for a two-night event on 19 and 27 July.
Also returning to Arena di Verona is Anna Netrebko, this century’s reigning prima donna. From opening the Winter Olympics in 2014 to four Grammy nominations, Netrebko is a star of the opera world and her rendering of the role of Floria Tosca in Tosca will be keenly anticipated. For three performances only, Netrebko will appear alongside Yusif Eyvazov and Luca Salsi in Hugo De Ana’s interpretation of the operatic thriller.
Closing out the show is Zeffirelli’s iconic production of Bizet’s Carmen, a tale of jealousy and rebellion, choreographed by El Camborio and costumes designed by Academy Award nominee Anna Anni.
With starring roles still to be announced, fans await spectacular performances and a world of wonder – summer in the city of Verona set to capture the imaginations of Italians and international guests with operatic fervour.