Arena di Verona opens tomorrow with the Netrebkos
OperaThe Italian festival will tomorrow give the controversial couple their biggest showcase since the Ukraine invasion.
Press release:
The opening night of the 100th edition of Verona Arena Opera Festival brings a visionary adaptation of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida. Crystal pyramids and mesmerising lighting designs blend seamlessly within the ancient Roman amphitheatre, creating a technologically advanced yet intimate rendition of this beloved opera. The multifaceted artist Stefano Poda takes the helm as the director, making his Arena debut.
The grand premiere of Verdi’s timeless masterpiece, a symbol of the Arena since its inception, will take place on Friday, 16 June at 9pm. The performance will be broadcast live worldwide on Rai1 by Rai Cultura, featuring the celebrated star Anna Netrebko in the titular role, alongside the tenor Yusif Eyvazov as Radamès. They will be joined by Olesya Petrova as Amneris, Roman Burdenko as Amonasro, and Michele Pertusi as Ramfis.
Describing his creation, which encompasses direction, set design, costumes, lighting and choreography, Poda explains, “The audience will be greeted with a grand installation: modernity is not merely about chasing after the contemporary but taking a leap into the future. The ancient Egyptian heritage becomes Verdi’s own, transformed into an all-Italian treasure represented within a secular cathedral—a sacred and age-old space ready to harness the finest energy Italy has to offer”.
B list cast befitting of a circus.
Netrebko Is a warmonger and should not be allowed to perform in Verona.
Or really anywhere outside her befouled native land (NOT the one she lives in currently and which was foolish enough to give her citizenship.
Once again Italy displaying its seemingly genetic love for right-wing fascists (very common among Italian-origin people in the U.S. as well as the Giuliani, De Santis etc. phenomenon amply demonstrate).