Verona and the opera: an inseparable union

Verona and the Opera: From 1913 to the present day, with the Legacy of the "grandi Maestri", from Maria Callas to the Stars of today

Celebrated for its cultural heritage and romance, the city of Verona holds an iconic open-air opera venue, the Arena di Verona, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in Italy. 

The Arena represents the local cultural identity, being at the same time a symbol of Verona and one of the world's largest outdoor stages. Its modern history began in 1913, when, based on the idea of commemorating the centenary of Giuseppe Verdi's birth, the performance of Aida in the Arena marked a turning point not only for the city but for opera as a global art form. The production, directed by Giovanni Zenatello and Ottone Rovato, was monumental, introducing a new model of large-scale opera. Its success established the Arena Opera Festival, that became an annual event. 

The excellent acoustic and the vast capacity of the Arena draw audiences from all over the globe.

Over decades the Arena continued to attract major singers with the most beloved voices of the twentieth century. Among them, Maria Callas. At the debut in La Gioconda in 1947, the voice of the young soprano, already distinctive for its dramatic intensity and rich tonal color, immediately captivated the Verona audience.

Although the Divina's voice continues to echo in the memory of the ancient stones, the opera in Verona has evolved, embracing new technologies, artistic interpretations, ambitious coreographies blending tradition with innovation. Stars, such as Anna Netrebko and Jonas Kaufmann, have renewed the Arena's international prestige. Updated productions, innovative lighting and digital scenography coexist with classic repertory staples such as Aida, Carmen, and Nabucco.

Today, opera in Verona remains a successfull blend of history and innovation. The ability to attract the world's finest voices ensures that the Arena's legacy, forged by the masters of the past, continues to thrive in the present and inspire future generations.