31st International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival dazzles with Opera Gala Night

The 31st International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, organized by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s General Directorate of State Opera and Ballet, delighted audiences with a spectacular “Opera Gala Night.”

Held at the historic Aspendos Ancient Theatre, the event featured performances by accomplished young opera soloists from the Turkish State Opera and Ballet. Among the stars were soprano Cigdem Soyarslan and Dilan Ayata, mezzosoprano Ezgi Karakaya, baritone Faik Mansuroglu, and tenor Mert Sungu.

These talented artists were accompanied on stage by the Antalya State Opera and Ballet Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Lorenzo Castriota Skanderbeg. The concert showcased an extensive repertoire, including masterpieces by renowned composers such as Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Verdi, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Prior to the concert, Conductor Skanderbeg shared his excitement with reporters, expressing the joy of performing in the iconic Aspendos venue. “We are thrilled to present a grand gala concert tonight. The first half will feature serious arias, while the second half will be more lighthearted, with popular arias and duets. It has been a pleasure working with these soloists, and the audience is in for a culturally rich and diverse evening,” he said.

Having conducted opera performances in Türkiye since 2011, Skanderbeg praised the country’s exceptional voices and high production standards.

Baritone Faik Mansuroglu, performing at Aspendos for the second time, expressed the unique experience of singing in such a historical venue. “Performing in an ancient theater like this is truly special for an opera singer. The atmosphere of this beautiful theater adds a deeper dimension to the performance,” he said.

Tenor Mert Sungu, making his debut at Aspendos, noted the excellent acoustics of the well-preserved theater and wished the audience an enjoyable evening.

The festival will continue on September 20 with the Izmir State Opera and Ballet’s performance of “Swan Lake.”