About
The Opera Festival at the Verona Arena has a rich history, starting on 10 August 1913 with its inaugural performance of Aida.
This production was commissioned by two influential figures: the renowned Veronese tenor, Giovanni Zenatello, and theater impresario Ottone Rovato. Their goal was to honor the centenary of Giuseppe Verdi's birth. With the exception of two brief cancellations during times of war, this world-renowned festival has been held every summer for over a hundred years. The splendid Roman amphitheater is transformed into an extraordinary open-air opera house for this event.
