The opera will be performed in Italian with English subtitles
Plot
ACT I
Scene I:
Ancient Egypt. The young warrior Radamès dreams of leading the army to victory to win the heart of his secret love: Aida, a slave to Amneris (daughter of the Pharaoh), who herself is in love with (and jealous of) Radamès. When news arrives of Ethiopia's invasion of Egypt, the King appoints Radamès as supreme commander and calls for war. Aida (who is actually an Ethiopian princess) is torn between her love for Radamès and her loyalty to her homeland.
Scene II:
At the Temple of Vulcan, a solemn ceremony unfolds, wherein Radamès is bestowed with the investiture and the revered sacred sword.
ACT II
Scene I:
Amidst joyful song and dance, Amneris eagerly awaits the victorious army's return. Aida arrives, and with suspicions of her being a romantic rival, the princess cunningly tricks her into confessing her feelings for Radamès. This ignites a wrathful fury in Amneris, yet the arrival of the troops interrupts their confrontation.
Scene II:
Radamès's victory is celebrated with grandeur, and the Pharaoh offers him any reward he wishes. Among the captives from Ethiopia is King Amonasro, Aida's father, whose true identity remains concealed from the Egyptians. Radamès requests freedom for all prisoners, a wish granted by the Pharaoh. In return, he is promised Amneris's hand in marriage. However, the High Priest Ramfis intervenes, ensuring that Aida and her father remain captive.
ACT III
While Amneris prays at the Temple of Isis, Aida ventures to the banks of the Nile, where Radamès has arranged to meet her. She first reminisces about her distant homeland and is then joined by her father, who, through a mix of flattery and threats, persuades her to find out the location of the Egyptian army from Radamès. When Radamès arrives, Aida convinces him to flee with her using a safe route without any fear of discovery. Unaware of the deception, he reveals it to her. Amonasro rejoices, and Amneris, emerging from the temple, discovers everything. Aida and her father escape, while Radamès surrenders himself to the guards.
ACT IV
Scene I:
Torn between love and anger, Amneris begs Radamès to deny the charges of treason, disclosing that Amonasro is dead but Aida is still alive. He rejects her plea and confronts the judgment of the priests, led by Ramfis. The verdict is dire: he is to be buried alive. Amneris's despair proves futile, and the sentence is final.
Scene II:
Buried beneath the Temple of Vulcan, Radamès learns that Aida has hidden herself in the tomb to join him in death. Together, the two lovers bid farewell to life, yearning for happiness in the afterlife while Amneris beseeches Isis to grant eternal peace to her beloved.
The package includes:
-Admission to the opera performance in the seating category of your choice
-Guided city tour of Verona in German or English
Information Guided tour of Verona
Our guided tour takes you to the most important sights of Verona, the historic city centre and other impressive monuments. Our professional guides are available in different languages: German and English. Please let us know which language you would like in the comments field when booking. This way you can enjoy the tour in your favourite language and learn even more about the history and culture of Verona.
Meeting point: Archway 7 at 17:45 - start at 18:00
Important note:
If you would like to take part in the tour, please indicate in the comments field during the booking process in which language (German or English) you would like to take part.
Only with this information can we make a binding reservation for you.
Aida Ed. Stefano Poda - 24 July 2026
Bold and revolutionary: it's the “crystal” Aida by Stefano Poda, amidst transparencies and shimmering lights.
Direction, set design, costumes, lighting, choreography: Stefano Poda
Assistant to direction, set design, costumes, lighting, choreography: Paolo Giani Cei
Conductor: Daniel Oren
Orchestra, Chorus, Ballet and Technicians: Fondazione Arena di Verona
Chorus Master: Roberto Gabbiani
Ballet Coordinator: Gaetano Petrosino
Head of Stage Production: Michele Olcese
The King: Simon Lim
Aida: Maria José Siri
Radamès: Yusif Eyvazov
Amonasro: Youngjun Park
Ramfis: Alexander Vinogradov
A Messenger: Matteo Macchioni
Priestess: Francesca Maionchi
Amneris: Clémentine Margaine
Aida Zeffirelli Edition 2026 - From 30.07 to 10.09
Amidst golden pyramids and imposing scenery, Franco Zeffirelli's luxurious and fantastic Egypt is back at the Arena with Aida. In this majestic production, a legend is back for seven performances for the 2026 Festival.
Direction and set design: Franco Zeffirelli
Costumes: Anna Anni
Conductor: Francesco Ommassini
Orchestra, Coro, Ballo e Tecnici: Fondazione Arena di Verona
Chorus Master: Roberto Gabbiani
Dance Company Coordinator: Gaetano Petrosino
Director of stage design: Michele Olcese
The King: Abramo Rosalen • 30/07 • 15/08 | Simon Lim • 09/08 • 10/09 | Mariano Buccino • 23/08 • 30/08 • 04/09
Amneris: Clémentine Margaine • 30/07 • 09/08 • 15/08 • 23/08 • 30/08 • 04/09 • 10/09
Aida: Aleksandra Kurzak • 30/07 • 09/08 • 23/08 | Maria José Siri • 15/08 • 04/09 • 10/09 | Anna Netrebko • 30/08
Radamès: SeokJong Baek • 30/07 - Roberto Alagna • 09/08 • 23/08 | Yusif Eyvazov • 15/08 • 30/08 | Paolo Lardizzone • 04/09
Amonasro: Youngjun Park • 30/07 • 09/08 • 15/08 • 23/08 • 04/09 • 10/09 | Ludovic Tézier • 30/08
Ramfis: Alexander Vinogradov • 30/07 • 09/08 • 10/09 | Gianluca Buratto • 15/08 • 30/08 | Simon Lim • 23/08 • 04/09
A messenger: Carlo Bosi • 30/07 • 15/08 • 30/08 | Riccardo Rados • 09/08 • 23/08 • 04/09 • 10/09
High Priestess: Francesca Maionchi • 30/07 • 09/08 • 15/08 • 23/08 • 30/08 • 04/09 • 10/09