This September, Italian tenor Riccardo Massi and Russian soprano Olga Maslova are performing at Türkiye’s Ancient Theatre of Aspendos, a place where Roman audiences sat almost 2,000 years ago. The 32nd International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival (September 14 – October 1) is bringing music and dance to this historic amphitheaters, turning it into a stage that shines just like the world’s best opera houses.
What is making this festival extraordinary: Imagine experiencing Puccini’s “Turandot” or Verdi’s “La Traviata” in a venue where ancient artists once entertained crowds – with acoustics so perfect that a whisper from the stage reaches the highest seats without amplification.
The festival has opened on September 14 with a powerhouse cast performing “Turandot” – Puccini’s tale of the ice-cold Chinese princess. International opera sensation Riccardo Massi and acclaimed Russian soprano Olga Maslova lead the production by the Ankara and Antalya State Opera and Ballet Directorates, promising the kind of vocal fireworks that made this venue famous across the Roman Empire.
World-renowned tenor Ivan Magrì headlines “Tosca” on September 27, bringing his internationally acclaimed voice to one of opera’s most dramatic masterpieces in a setting that amplifies both the music and the emotional intensity. The festival concludes with a cultural bridge-building moment: Uzbekistan’s prestigious State Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre (named after poet Alisher Navoi) presents Verdi’s heart-wrenching “La Traviata” on October 1, marking a rare international collaboration in this historic venue.
Beyond opera, the festival showcases ballet masterpieces that transform the ancient stone stage into a dance paradise:
Built in the 2nd century AD, Aspendos Theatre isn’t just Türkiye’s best-preserved Roman theatre – it’s considered among the finest examples of Roman architecture worldwide. A proud member of the European Festivals Association since 2003, the festival has become a cultural pilgrimage site for opera and ballet lovers from across Europe and beyond. The acoustic miracle: Unlike modern venues requiring complex sound systems, Aspendos’ 2,000-year-old design naturally amplifies performances to reach all 15,000 seats – a feat of ancient engineering that continues to astound artists and audiences alike.