Arena di Verona Festival 2025: Nabucco

Anna Netrebko stars as Abigaille in Verdi’s Nabucco, one of opera’s most demanding roles, in a spectacular new production set in the ancient amphitheatre of Verona. Featuring futuristic scenery and striking special effects, this modern staging transforms Verdi’s beloved choral drama into a powerful, immersive experience. Directed and designed by Stefano Poda, the production reimagines the story beyond history, presenting a timeless vision of conflict, unity and hope. “Netrebko manages to shape every sound with intention. A performance that combines charisma and discipline, pathos and control” (Rivista Musica)

Turandot

Visionary stage director Stefano Poda continues his successful collaboration with conductor Gianandrea Noseda. He stages Puccini’s masterpiece about Princess Turandot, whose cold heart is won by her cunning suitor Prince Calaf, as “a stirring theatrical spectacle of great sensuality” (Operalounge). Grammy Award nominee Noseda at the helm of the “impeccable” orchestra of the Teatro Regio Torino impressively conducts the Italian composer’s final opera “as modern as you have rarely experienced it. Chapeau!” (Operalounge)

Faust

By placing a giant black ring centre-stage that casts an ominous shadow over the singers and dominates the action, director, set and costume designer Stefano Poda has moved the storyline of the restless searcher Faust, to an abstract, seemingly futuristic hall, thereby ensuring that the most fascinating stage moments are not due only to sophisticated lighting. Thanks to the excellent and enthusiastic cast, Poda deftly guides the opera to triumph. Charles Castronovo in the title role is especially convincing, with his brilliant acting and mellifluous singing. Russian bass Ildar Abdrazakov – a regular in all major opera houses around the world – stars as the demonic Méphistophélès. As the innocent young girl Marguerite we see Moldovan soprano Irina Lungu, who demonstrates her ability with crystal-clear timbre.