Pure as air

The ninety-ninth opera season at the Verona Arena will last June 17 to September 4. The Festival was initiated in 1913 thanks to the vision of Veronese tenor Giovanni Zenatello and impresario Ottone Rovato, who betted their own money to celebrate Giuseppe Verdi’s 100th birthday. On August 10, 1913, a performance of the Aida was the beginning of the Arena’s new life as a majestic, open-air opera house. Now at full occupancy after COVID, nearly all operas in programme will follow the vision of Franco Zeffirelli, who authored triumphant stagings for this majestic theatre.

Carmen, Aida, Traviata, and Turandot will be an homage to Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, while the Nabucco will be presented in its Arnaud Bernard direction, who collocated the story in its rightful historical timeframe. Ballet is also on the programme, with Roberto Bolle and Friends due July 20, which will soon give way to symphony: the Carmina Burana on August 12 will see the unleashed power of a full orchestra, two boys’ choirs, and soloists Lisette Oropesa, Filippo Mineccia, and Mario Cassi. Placido Domingo will perform on August 25 for the Verdi Opera Night, together with Maria José Siri, Fabio Sartori, Clémentine Margaine, and Ildar Abdrazakov, at his Arena debut. A comment from the Arena’s superintendent Cecilia Gasdia: “We faced the most difficult moments with responsibility and, above all, love for the Arena and all it stands for. We must see things with enthusiasm, hope, and anticipation.”