Curtains go up in Aspendos, setting the stage for events to unfold
32nd International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival Kicks Off in Antalya
The 32nd International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival has officially begun in Antalya, Turkey. The festival, organized by the General Directorate of State Opera and Ballet, is set to run until October 1st.
The opening performance was the opera "Turandot," followed by a rich program that includes three operas and three ballets. The ancient theater in Aspendos provides an even more enriching experience for the festival's audience.
On September 20, Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" will be performed, with the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet taking the stage. The festival will continue on September 24 with the ballet "Don Quixote," adapted from Miguel de Cervantes' novel.
Puccini's "Tosca," conducted by Lorenzo Castriota Skanderberg and featuring Nurdan Küçükekmeçi and guest artist Ivan Magri, will be performed on September 27. The Uzbek State Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater named after Alisher Navoi will close the festival with Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata" on October 1.
The festival's audience is primarily composed of newcomers, which is valuable for the organizers as it ensures return audiences with the right programming. The Antalya State Opera and Ballet will stage "Don Quixote" and "Tosca" with guest tenor Ivan Magri, while the Ankara State Opera and Ballet will perform the "Zorba" ballet.
The General Director and Artistic Director of the State Opera and Ballet, Tan Sağtürk, expresses excitement about organizing the festival in an ancient theater in Türkiye. Sağtürk has performed in ancient theaters in various parts of the world and appreciates the significance of Anatolia's ancient monuments.
Free shuttle services are provided for festival attendees, with departure points and timings available on the State Opera and Ballet's social media accounts. The performances will take place in the Aspendos Ancient Theater in Antalya's Serik district.
The 1st Denizli Opera and Ballet Festival was recently launched and drew great interest. Sağtürk's enthusiasm for ancient theater performances is evident, as he strives to bring world-class opera and ballet to these historical sites.
"La Traviata" is a two-act opera that tells the tragic story of Violetta, a celebrated beauty of Paris' nightlife. "Don Quixote" and "Swan Lake" also offer captivating narratives that are sure to enthrall audiences.
The 32nd International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, blending the beauty of ancient theater architecture with the passion and artistry of international opera and ballet performances.
