31st Int’l Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival kicks off with Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘Aida’

The 31st International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, organized by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s State Opera and Ballet General Directorate, opened with a grand performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida” at the stunning Aspendos Ancient Theatre.

Tan Sagturk, the General Director of the State Opera and Ballet, expressed his joy during the festival’s opening at Aspendos, highlighting the venue’s remarkable architecture and acoustics. He proudly shared that this year has been a record-breaking success for their festivals.

“At our 15th Istanbul Opera and Ballet Festival, 7th International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival, and 21st International Bodrum Ballet Festival, we’ve achieved historic audience records. Now, it’s time for the Aspendos Festival. The support and interest of our art enthusiasts play a crucial role in these achievements. We are grateful for the motivation you provide us,” Sagturk stated.

Following his speech, the three-act opera “Aida,” which tells the tale of the impossible love between the Roman commander Radames and the captive Ethiopian Princess Aida, was performed by the Ankara and Antalya State Opera and Ballet companies.

Aida: A star-studded performance

The performance, conducted by Lorenza Castriota, featured the choirs of both companies under the baton of Mahir Seyrek. Historical research for the production was conducted by Ravivaddhana Monipong Sisowath, and it was directed by Vincenzo Grisostomi Travaglini.

International guest artists, Soprano Joana Zhelezcheva and Tenor Walter Fraccaro, took to the stage in leading roles.

The opera’s set design was crafted by Ozgur Usta, with costumes by Savas Camgoz and Gurcan Kubilay, choreography by Armagan Davran, Omur Uyanik, and Sergei Terechenko, and lighting design by Fuat Gok.

Zhelezcheva portrayed the role of Aida, while Fraccaro played Radames. Other key performers included Medine Tuganova as Amneris, Serhat Konukman as Amonasro, Engin Suna as Ramfis, Safak Guc as the Egyptian King, Ismail Enis Ok as the Messenger, and Serap Demirhan as Sacerdotessa.

The festival will continue on Sept. 16 with an “Opera Gala Night” concert.