Adelaide Secures Exclusive Performance of Verdi’s ‘AIDA’
This is the first time the historic opera AIDA will be performed outside of Verona, Italy.
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Opera fans rejoice as South Australia has been chosen as the location for two exclusive performances of Giuseppe Verdi’s epic opera AIDA.
TEG Live and Condon Presents are excited to announce Fondazione Arena di Verona’s monumental production of Franco Zeffirelli’s take on AIDA will be held outside of Italy for the very first time next year when it makes its international debut at Adelaide Oval on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 Febraury 2026.
The production features an incredible 389 international performers and staff, which includes the Fondazione Arena di Verona Orchestra, the Chorus of the Fondazione Arena di Verona and the Ballet of the Fondazione Arena di Verona. 300 local extras will also make up the production, with 155 extras and 50 members from State Opera South Australia.
Directed by the great Franco Zeffirelli, expect massive sets and grandiose costumes as AIDA transports audiences to Ancient Egypt in a tale of love, war, betrayal and destiny.
The cast features Grammy Award-winner Angel Blue in the title role of Aida on Thursday 5 February and Maria José Siri in the role on Friday 6 February.
Also making up the cast are Elīna Garanča as Amneris on Thursday night and Agnieszka Rehlis on Friday night, Jonas Kaufmann taking on Radamès on Thursday and Brian Jagde on Friday, Amartuvshin Enkhbat playing Amonasro on Thursday and Youngjun Park taking on the role on Friday and Morris Robinson appearing as Ramfis and Teddy Tahu Rhodes as the King on both nights.
Australia’s own Natalie Aroyan will appear as the High Priestess on both nights, with the Messenger role to be announced locally.
Pre-sale begins on Wednesday 10 September at 12pm local time, with general on-sale taking place at 1pm local time on Wednesday 17 September. For full ticketing information, visit teglive.com.au.
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Announcing the news, SA Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison, says, “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.
“The world-exclusive production adds to a blockbuster events calendar which makes South Australia a must-visit events destination for everyone – from the Santos Tour Down Under and LIV Golf Adelaide, to Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival and WOMADelaide.”
Tim McGregor, TEG Global Head of Touring, adds, “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.
“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.”
State Opera South Australia Executive Director, Mark Taylor, says, “Since 1976, State Opera South Australia has brought world-class opera to South Australian audiences, and we are thrilled that we are playing such an important part in this wonderful production of Aida as we celebrate our 50th anniversary Golden Jubilee Year in 2026.
“We have a rich history of providing opportunities for local SA-based talent to perform alongside some of the world’s greatest operatic singers and this production is another great example of this.
“The artistic vision for the Company as set out by our Artistic Director, Dane Lam, is bold and ambitious with international and national collaborations being a key cornerstone for our future programming. We are really pleased to be partnering with Arena di Verona, TEG, Condon Presents and the SA Government to bring this magnificent production to Adelaide, in our special milestone year.”
AIDA takes place at Adelaide Oval on Thursday 5 February and Friday 6 Febraury 2026. For ticketing information, visit teglive.com.au.
