AIDA takes the stage in Adelaide – with a star-studded cast
This is more than an opera; it’s an epic experience, decades in the making.
Direct from Italy’s Arena di Verona, Franco Zeffirelli’s awe-inspiring direction of Verdi’s AIDA will be staged exclusively in Adelaide against the iconic backdrop of Adelaide Oval. For two historic nights in February 2026 and in a world first, this once-in-a-generation event will bring the entire production of AIDA to Australia including principal performers, orchestra, chorus, ballet and 28 containers of scenery, props and costumes.
Renowned for his cinematic brilliance and lavish, larger-than-life staging, Zeffirelli turns Verdi’s beloved masterpiece into an all-encompassing spectacle. Towering, meticulously crafted sets recreate the grandeur of ancient Egypt, while opulent costumes and sweeping ensemble scenes conjure a world of royal courts, sacred temples, and battlefield glory with astonishing detail. The stage and scenery at Adelaide Oval will span across 100m of interactive stage architecture, designed to immerse and captivate audiences.
AIDA will be staged on an unprecedented scale, featuring over 400 internationally acclaimed artistic and technical teams from the Arena di Verona, and 300 local crew members, making it the largest opera production ever presented in Australia. At its heart is a 100-piece orchestra and a 150-member chorus, delivering Verdi’s powerful score in all its majesty. This monumental production brings together what is widely considered the most stellar operatic cast ever assembled for an Australian stage, led by a star-studded vocal lineup including 2 principal singers from Australia.
At the centre of the story are Jonas Kaufmann and Angel Blue, two of opera’s most celebrated stars. Kaufmann, hailed by The Telegraph UK as “the world’s greatest tenor,” will appear in an historic performance on Thursday February 5, as the Egyptian general Radamès. On Friday February 6, the role will be played by Brian Jagde, known for his dynamic tenor and powerful presence on major stages worldwide.
The title role of AIDA will be brought to life by two-time Grammy Award-winning soprano Angel Blue, who brings her luminous voice and emotional range to the role, and María José Siri, a celebrated Verdi specialist renowned for her lush vocality and compelling dramatic intensity.
Witness these remarkable artists share the stage in a production that promises breathtaking vocal artistry and unforgettable drama.