S I C I L I A C L A S S I C A F E S T I V A L

AIDA
An Opera by Giuseppe Verdi
Ancient Theatre, Sunday 24th AUgust 2025 @ 9:30pm
TICKETS on vivaticket (commissions not included)
Platea: –
Gallery, lateral: € 70,00/80,00
Gallery, central: € 90,00
Cavea, lateral: € 60,00
Cavea, central: € 70,00
Cavea, non-numbered seats: € 35,00
MORE INFO
Associazione Sicilia Classica Festival – www.facebook.com/siciliaclassicafestival
SYNOPSIS
Antecedent: The Egyptians have captured and enslaved Aida, a Nubian princess. An Egyptian military commander, Radamès, struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh. To complicate the story further, the Pharaoh’s daughter Amneris is in love with Radamès, although he does not return her feelings.
Act 1
Scene 1: A hall in the King’s palace; through the rear gate the pyramids and temples of Memphis are visible
Ramfis, the high priest of Egypt, tells Radamès, the young warrior, that war with the Nubians seems inevitable, and Radamès hopes that he will be chosen as the Egyptian commander (Ramfis, Radamès : Sì, corre voce l’Etiope ardisca / “Yes, it is rumored that Ethiopia dares once again to threaten our power”).
Radamès dreams both of gaining victory on the battlefield and of Aida, the Nubian slave, with whom he is secretly in love (Radamès: Se quel guerrier io fossi! … Celeste Aida / “Heavenly Aida”). Aida, who is also secretly in love with Radamès, is the captured daughter of the Nubian King Amonasro, but her Egyptian captors are unaware of her true identity. Her father has invaded Egypt to deliver her from servitude.
Amneris, the daughter of the Egyptian King, enters the hall. She too loves Radamès, but fears that his heart belongs to someone else (Radamès, Amneris: Quale insolita gioia nel tuo sguardo / “In your looks I trace a joy unwonted”).
Aida appears and, when Radamès sees her, Amneris notices that he looks disturbed. She suspects that Aida could be her rival, but is able to hide her jealousy and approach Aida (Amneris, Aida, Radamès: Vieni, o diletta, appressati / “Come, O delight, come closer”).
Set design by Philippe Chaperon for Act 1, Scene 2 at the Cairo première. The King enters, along with the High Priest, Ramfis, and the whole palace court. A messenger announces that the Nubians, led by King Amonasro, are marching towards Thebes. The King declares war and proclaims that Radamès is the man chosen by the goddess Isis to be the leader of the army (The King, Messenger, Radamès, Aida, Amneris, chorus: Alta cagion v’aduna / “Oh fate o’er Egypt looming”). Upon receiving this mandate from the King, Radamès proceeds to the temple of Vulcan to take up the sacred arms (The King, Radamès, Aida, Amneris, chorus: Su! del Nilo al sacro lido / “On! Of Nilus’ sacred river, guard the shores”).
Alone in the hall, Aida feels torn between her love for her father, her country, and Radamès (Aida: Ritorna vincitor / “Return a conqueror”).
Scene 2: Inside the Temple of Vulcan
Solemn ceremonies and dances by the priestesses take place (High Priestess, chorus, Radamès: Possente Ftha … Tu che dal nulla / “O mighty Ptah”). This is followed by the installation of Radamès to the office of commander-in-chief (High Priestess, chorus, Radamès: Immenso Ftha .. Mortal, diletto ai Numi / “O mighty one, guard and protect!”). All present in the temple pray for the victory of Egypt and protection for their warriors (Nume, custode e vindice/ “Hear us, O guardian deity”).
Act 2
Scene 1: The chamber of Amneris
Dances and music to celebrate Radamès’ victory take place (Chorus, Amneris: Chi mai fra gli inni e i plausi / “Our songs his glory praising”‘). However, Amneris is still in doubt about Radamès’ love and wonders whether Aida is in love with him. She tries to forget her doubt, entertaining her worried heart with the dance of Moorish slaves (Chorus, Amneris: Vieni: sul crin ti piovano / “Come bind your flowing tresses”).
When Aida enters the chamber, Amneris asks everyone to leave. By falsely telling Aida that Radamès has died in the battle, she tricks her into professing her love for him. In grief, and shocked by the news, Aida confesses that her heart belongs to Radamès eternally (Amneris, Aida: Fu la sorte dell’armi a’ tuoi funesta / “The battle’s outcome was cruel for your people …”).
Scene 2, set design for the Cairo premiere by Édouard Desplechin
This confession fires Amneris with rage, and she plans on taking revenge on Aida. Ignoring Aida’s pleadings (Amneris, Aida, chorus: Su! del Nilo al sacro lido / “Up! at the sacred shores of the Nile”), Amneris leaves her alone in the chamber.
Scene 3: The grand gate of the city of Thebes
Radamès returns victorious and the troops march into the city (Chorus, Ramfis: Gloria all’Egitto, ad Iside / “Glory to Egypt, to Isis!”). The Egyptian king decrees that on this day the triumphant Radamès may have anything he wishes. The Nubian captives are rounded up, and Amonasro appears among them. Aida immediately rushes to her father, but their true identities are still unknown to the Egyptians, save for the fact that they are father and daughter. Amonasro declares that the Nubian king (he himself) has been slain in battle. Aida, Amonasro, and the captured Ethiopians plead with the Egyptian King for mercy, but the Egyptians call for their death (Aida, Amneris, Radamès, The King, Amonasro, chorus: Che veggo! .. Egli? .. Mio padre! .. Anch’io pugnai / “What do I see?.. Is it he? My father?”).
Claiming the reward promised by the King, Radamès pleads with him to spare the lives of the prisoners and to set them free. Gratefully, the King of Egypt declares Radamès to be his successor and to be his daughter’s betrothed (Aida, Amneris, Radamès, The King, Amonasro, chorus: O Re: pei sacri Numi! .. Gloria all’Egitto / “O King, by the sacred gods …”). Aida and Amonasro remain as hostages to ensure that the Ethiopians do not avenge their defeat.
Act 3
“O patria mia”
On the banks of the Nile, near the Temple of Isis
Prayers are said (Chorus, Ramfis, Amneris: O tu che sei d’Osiride / “O thou who to Osiris art …”) on the eve of Amneris and Radamès’ wedding in the Temple of Isis. Outside, Aida waits to meet with Radamès as they had planned (Aida: Qui Radamès verra .. O patria mia / “Oh, my dear country!”).
Amonasro appears and makes Aida agree to find out the location of the Egyptian army from Radamès (Aida, Amonasro: Ciel, mio padre! .. Rivedrai le foreste imbalsamate / “Once again shalt thou gaze.”). When he arrives, Amonasro hides behind a rock and listens to their conversation.
Radamès affirms that he will marry Aida (Pur ti riveggo, mia dolce Aida .. Nel fiero anelito; Fuggiam gli ardori inospiti… Là, tra foreste vergini / “I see you again, my sweet Aida!”), and Aida convinces him to flee to the desert with her.
In order to make their escape easier, Radamès proposes that they use a safe route without any fear of discovery and reveals the location where his army has chosen to attack. Upon hearing this, Amonasro comes out of hiding and reveals his identity. Radamès feels dishonored. At the same time, Amneris and Ramfis leave the temple and, seeing Radamès with their enemy, call the guards. Amonasro and Aida try to convince Radamès to escape with them, but he refuses and surrenders to the imperial guards.
Act 4
Philippe Chaperon’s Act IV scene 2 set design for the 1880 Palais Garnier performance in Paris. File:Set design by Philippe Chaperon for Act4 sc2 of Aida by Verdi 1880 Paris.jpg Philippe Chaperon’s Act IV scene 2 set design for the 1880 Palais Garnier performance in Paris. Scene 1: A hall in the Temple of Justice. To one side is the door leading to Radamès’ prison cell.
Amneris desires to save Radamès (L’aborrita rivale a me sfuggia / “My hated rival has escaped me”). She calls for the guard to bring him to her.
She asks Radamès to deny the accusations, but Radamès refuses. Certain that, as punishment, he will be condemned to death, Amneris implores him to defend himself, but Radamès firmly refuses. He is relieved to know Aida is still alive and hopes she has reached her own country (Amneris, Radamès: Già i Sacerdoti adunansi / “Already the priests are assembling”). His decision hurts Amneris.
Radamès’ trial takes place offstage; he does not reply to Ramfis’ accusations and is condemned to death, while Amneris, who remains onstage, pleads with the priests to show him mercy. As he is sentenced to be buried alive, Amneris curses the priests while Radamès is taken away (Judgment scene, Amneris, Ramfis, and chorus: Ahimè! .. morir mi sento / “Alas … I feel death”).
Opening and close of act 4, scene 2: (“La fatal pietra” and “Morir! Sì pura e bella”, with some cuts in the middle), sung by Nicola Zerola in 1909 Problems playing this file? See media help. Scene 2: The lower portion of the stage shows the vault in the Temple of Vulcan; the upper portion represents the temple itself.
Radamès has been taken into the lower floor of the temple and sealed up in a dark vault, where he thinks that he is alone. As he hopes that Aida is in a safer place, he hears a sigh and then sees Aida. She has hidden herself in the vault in order to die with Radamès (Radamès and Aida: La fatal pietra sovra me si chiuse. / “The fatal stone now closes over me”). They accept their terrible fate (Radamès: Morir! Si pura e bella / “To die! So pure and lovely!”) and bid farewell to Earth and its sorrows.[31] Above the vault in the temple of Vulcan, Amneris weeps and prays to the goddess Isis. In the vault below, Aida dies in Radamès’ arms. (Chorus, Aida, Radamès, Amneris: Immenso Ftha / “Almighty Ptah.”)
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
Taormina Events 2025
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PERMANENT MUSEUMS
Ancient Theatre
Opening hours: 9:00am – 1 hour before sunset
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Opening hours: everyday 9.00am – 7.00pm
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JANUARY 2025
January 1 – New Year’s Concert by Taormina Plectrum Orchestra – Congress Hall @ 6.00pm
January 1 – Toast with the Mayor – Piazza IX Aprile @ 8.300pm
January 4 – From Morricone To Battiato – Ancient Theatre
January 4 – Event for children – The Chocolate Factory, treasure hunt and games – Congress Hall @ 4.00pm
January 4 – The Swan Lake, the ballet – Congress Hall @ 9.00pm
January 5 – First Sunday of the month > Free entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
January 9 – Antonella Ruggiero in “Una Voce una Fisarmonica” – Congress Hall @ 8.45pm
January 11 – La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi – Congress Hall @ 8.45pm
January 18 – Uccio De Santis Show – Congress Hall @ 8.45pm
January 25 – Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni – Congress Hall @ 8.45pm
January 31 – Emanuela Aureli – Congress Hall @ 8.45pm
February
February 2 – First Sunday of the month > Free entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
February 14 – Saint Valentine in Taormina
February 14 – Saint Valentine in Taormina
February 14 – Valentine Jazz Night
February 15 – Saint Valentine in Taormina
February 16 – Saint Valentine in Taormina
February 22 – Uccio De Santis in “Non So Che Fare Prima” – Congress Hall
February 22 – March 4 – Carnival in Taormina
March
March 1-4 – Carnival in Taormina
March 2 – First Sunday of the month > Free entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
March 8 – Taormina Sound Festival > La Musica è donna – Congress Hall (NOT CONFIRMED)
March 15 – Pagliacci – Congress Hall (NOT CONFIRMED)
March 22 – Manlio Dovì Show – Congress Hall (NOT CONFIRMED)
March 29 – The three tenors in concert – Congress Hall (NOT CONFIRMED)
April
April 20 – Cavalleria Rusticana (the Opera) – Ancient Theatre
April 2 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
April 4 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
April 6 – First Sunday of the month > FREE entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
April 11 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
April 11, 12, 13 – Festa di Primavera / Spring Festival – FREE EVENT
April 15 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
April 17 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
April 20 – Cavalleria Rusticana the opera – Ancient Theatre
April 22 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
April 24 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
April 25 – National Holiday – Liberation Day > FREE entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
April 25 – “Forza Venite Gente”, the musical – Ancient Theatre – FREE EVENT
April 30 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May
May 1 – Festival of the Sea – Taormina Mazzeo – FREE EVENT
May 1 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 2 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 4 – First Sunday of the month > FREE entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
May 5 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 6 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 7 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 8 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 9 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 12 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 13 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 14 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 15 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 16 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 19 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 20 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 21 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 22 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 23 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
May 26 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June
June 1 – First Sunday of the month > FREE entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
June 2 – National Holiday – Republic Day > FREE entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
June 2 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 3 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 4 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 5 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 6 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 9 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 10 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 11 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 12 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 13 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 14-19 – TAORMINA FILMFEST, 71° ed.
June 16 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 17 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 18-23 – TAOBUK, Taormina International Book Festival, 15° ed.
June 18 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 19 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 20 – Giovanni Allevi – Ancient Theatre
June 20 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 21 – Taobuk Gala – Ancient Theatre SOLD OUT
June 22 – Orcynus Orca – Ancient Theatre
June 23 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 24 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 25 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 26 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 27 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
June 27 – Belliniana, Divine Melodie Danzanti – Ancient Theatre
June 30 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July
July – Taomoda (DATES TO BE DETERMINED)
July 1 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 2 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 3 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 4 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 4 – Dream Theater – 40th Anniversary – Ancient Theatre
July 5 – Giovanni Allevi – Ancient Theatre
July 6 – First Sunday of the month > FREE entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
July 7 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 8 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 9 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 10 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 11 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 12 – Alessandra Amoroso – Ancient Theatre
July 14 – Placido Domingo – Ancient Theatre
July 14 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 15 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 16 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 15 – PFM – Ancient Theatre – FESTIVAL TAORMINA ARTE
July 17 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 18 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 18 – Roberto Bolle and Friends – Ancient Theatre
July 21 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 22 – Peppe Barra – Ancient Theatre
July 22 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 23 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 24 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 25 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 25 – Kraftwerk – Ancient Theatre
July 26 – Simple Minds – Ancient Theatre
July 27 – Simple Minds – Ancient Theatre
July 28 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 29 – Aida – Ancient Theatre
July 29 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 30 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
July 30 – CCCP – Ancient Theatre
July 31 – Hans Zimmer Tribute – Ancient Theatre
July 31 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August
August 1 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 2 – Ennio Morricone Tribute – Ancient Theatre
August 3 – First Sunday of the month > FREE entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
August 3 – Jimmy Sax and Symphonic Dance Orchestra – Ancient Theatre
August 4 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 4 – Loredana Bertè – Ancient Theatre
August 5 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 6 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 6 – Francesco Gabbani – Ancient Theatre
August 7 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 8 – Gipsy Kings by Andrè Reyes – Ancient Theatre
August 8 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 10 – Riccardo Cocciante – Ancient Theatre
August 11 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 12 – Astor, un secolo di tango – Ancient Theatre – FESTIVAL TAORMINA ARTE
August 12 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 13 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 14 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 15 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 16 – Homage to Ennio Morricone – Ancient Theatre
August 17 – La Traviata – Ancient Theatre
August 18 – Carmina Burana – Ancient Theatre
August 18 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 19 – Massimo Ranieri – Ancient Theatre
August 19 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 20 – Cavalleria Rusticana – Ancient Theatre
August 20 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 21 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 22 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 22 – Edoardo Bennato – Ancient Theatre
August 23 – Umberto Tozzi – Ancient Theatre
August 24 – Aida – Ancient Theatre
August 25 – Giulietta e Romeo – Ancient Theatre – FESTIVAL TAORMINA ARTE
August 25 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 26 – Tony Hadley and Band – Ancient Theatre – FESTIVAL TAORMINA ARTE
August 26 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 27 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 28 – Arisa – Ancient Theatre – FESTIVAL TAORMINA ARTE
August 28 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
August 29 – Enrico Brignano – Ancient Theatre
August 29 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September
September 1 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 2 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 2 – Antonello Venditti – Ancient Theatre
September 3 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 4 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 5 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 6 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 7 – First Sunday of the month > FREE entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
September 8 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 9 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 10 – Francesco De Gregori – Ancient Theatre
September 10 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 11 – Francesco De Gregori – Ancient Theatre
September 11 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 12 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 13 – Carmen – Ancient Theatre
September 15 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 16 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 17 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 18 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 19 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 22 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 23 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 24 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 25 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 26 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 29 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
September 30 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
October
October 1 – Leonard Bernstein Gala – Ancient Theatre
October 1 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
October 2 – Italian Opera Gala – Ancient Theatre
October 1 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
October 3 – Bolero! Gala Internazionale di Danza – Ancient Theatre
October 1 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
October 4 – Bellini Opera Gala – Ancient Theatre
October 5 – First Sunday of the month > FREE entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
October 5 – “Oh Sole Mio” Gala – Ancient Theatre
October 6 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
October 7 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
October 8 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
October 9 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
October 10 – Italian Opera Taormina – Teatro Nazarena
November
November 2 – First Sunday of the month > FREE entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
November 4 – National Holiday – Armed Forces Day > FREE entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
December
December 7 – First Sunday of the month > FREE entrance to the to Ancient Theatre, Isolabella and Archaeological Naxos Park
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
September 13, 2025 – Carmen by G. Bizet
S I C I L I A C L A S S I C A F E S T I V A L
Carmen
an Opera by Georges Bizet
Ancient Theatre, September 13 2025 @ 9:300pm
Carmen is an opera in four acts by the French composer Georges Bizet.
The libretto was written by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, based on the novella of the same title by Prosper Mérimée.
The opera was first performed by the Opéra-Comique in Paris on 3 March 1875, where its breaking of conventions shocked and scandalised its first audiences. Bizet died suddenly after the 33rd performance, unaware that the work would achieve international acclaim within the following ten years. Carmen has since become one of the most popular and frequently performed operas in the classical canon.
TICKETS on vivaticket (commissions not included)
Platea: –
Gallery, lateral: € 70,00/80,00
Gallery, central: € 90,00
Cavea, lateral: € 60,00
Cavea, central: € 70,00
Cavea, non-numbered seats: € 35,00
MORE INFO
Associazione Sicilia Classica Festival – www.facebook.com/siciliaclassicafestival
Synopsis
Place: Seville, Spain, and surrounding hills
Time: Around 1820
ACT 1
A group of soldiers relax in the square, waiting for the changing of the guard and commenting on the passers-by (“Sur la place, chacun passe”). Micaëla appears, seeking José. Moralès tells her that “José is not yet on duty” and invites her to wait with them. She declines, saying she will return later. José arrives with the new guard, which is greeted and imitated by a crowd of urchins (“Avec la garde montante”).
As the factory bell rings, the cigarette girls emerge and exchange banter with young men in the crowd (“La cloche a sonné”). Carmen enters and sings her provocative habanera on the untameable nature of love (“L’amour est un oiseau rebelle”). The men plead with her to choose a lover, and after some teasing she throws a flower to Don José, who thus far has been ignoring her but is now annoyed by her insolence.
As the women go back to the factory, Micaëla returns and gives José a letter and a kiss from his mother (“Parle-moi de ma mère!”). He reads that his mother wants him to return home and marry Micaëla, who retreats in shy embarrassment on learning this. Just as José declares that he is ready to heed his mother’s wishes, the women stream from the factory in great agitation. Zuniga, the officer of the guard, learns that Carmen has attacked a woman with a knife. When challenged, Carmen answers with mocking defiance (“Tra la la … Coupe-moi, brûle-moi”); Zuniga orders José to tie her hands while he prepares the prison warrant. Left alone with José, Carmen beguiles him with a seguidilla, in which she sings of a night of dancing and passion with her lover—whoever that may be—in Lillas Pastia’s tavern. Confused yet mesmerised, José agrees to free her hands; as she is led away she pushes her escort to the ground and runs off laughing. José is arrested for dereliction of duty.
ACT 2
Lillas Pastia’s Inn
Two months have passed. Carmen and her friends Frasquita and Mercédès are entertaining Zuniga and other officers (“Les tringles des sistres tintaient”) in Pastia’s inn. Carmen is delighted to learn of José’s release from two months’ detention. Outside, a chorus and procession announces the arrival of the toreador Escamillo (“Vivat, vivat le Toréro”). Invited inside, he introduces himself with the “Toreador Song” (“Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre”) and sets his sights on Carmen, who brushes him aside. Lillas Pastia hustles the crowds and the soldiers away.
When only Carmen, Frasquita and Mercédès remain, smugglers Dancaïre and Remendado arrive and reveal their plans to dispose of some recently acquired contraband (“Nous avons en tête une affaire”). Frasquita and Mercédès are keen to help them, but Carmen refuses, since she wishes to wait for José. After the smugglers leave, José arrives. Carmen treats him to a private exotic dance (“Je vais danser en votre honneur … La la la”), but her song is joined by a distant bugle call from the barracks. When José says he must return to duty, she mocks him, and he answers by showing her the flower that she threw to him in the square (“La fleur que tu m’avais jetée”). Unconvinced, Carmen demands he show his love by leaving with her. José refuses to desert, but as he prepares to depart, Zuniga enters looking for Carmen. He and José fight. Carmen summons her gypsy comrades, who restrain Zuniga. Having attacked a superior officer, José now has no choice but to join Carmen and the smugglers (“Suis-nous à travers la campagne”).
ACT 3
A wild spot in the mountains
Carmen and José enter with the smugglers and their booty (“Écoute, écoute, compagnon”); Carmen has now become bored with José and tells him scornfully that he should go back to his mother. Frasquita and Mercédès amuse themselves by reading their fortunes from the cards; Carmen joins them and finds that the cards are foretelling her death, and José’s. The smugglers depart to transport their goods while the women distract the local customs officers. José is left behind on guard duty.
Micaëla enters with a guide, seeking José and determined to rescue him from Carmen (“Je dis que rien ne m’épouvante”). On hearing a gunshot she hides in fear; it is José, who has fired at an intruder who proves to be Escamillo. José’s pleasure at meeting the bullfighter turns to anger when Escamillo declares his infatuation with Carmen. The pair fight (“Je suis Escamillo, toréro de Grenade”), but are interrupted by the returning smugglers and girls (“Holà, holà José”). As Escamillo leaves he invites everyone to his next bullfight in Seville. Micaëla is discovered; at first, José will not leave with her despite Carmen’s mockery, but he agrees to go when told that his mother is dying. He departs, vowing he will return. Escamillo is heard in the distance, singing the toreador’s song.
ACT 4
A square in Seville. At the back, the walls of an ancient amphitheatre
Zuniga, Frasquita and Mercédès are among the crowd awaiting the arrival of the bullfighters (“Les voici! Voici la quadrille!”). Escamillo enters with Carmen, and they express their mutual love (“Si tu m’aimes, Carmen”). As Escamillo goes into the arena, Frasquita and Mercédès warn Carmen that José is nearby, but Carmen is unafraid and willing to speak to him. Alone, she is confronted by the desperate José (“C’est toi!”, “C’est moi!”). While he pleads vainly for her to return to him, cheers are heard from the arena. As José makes his last entreaty, Carmen contemptuously throws down the ring he gave her and attempts to enter the arena. He then stabs her, and as Escamillo is acclaimed by the crowds, Carmen dies. José kneels and sings “Ah! Carmen! ma Carmen adorée!”; as the crowd exits the arena, José confesses to killing Carmen.
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
September 11, 2025 – Francesco De Gregori
Francesco De Gregori
Rimmel 2025
Ancient Theatre, Thursday 11th September 2025 @ 9:30pm
Francesco De Gregori OMRI (born 4 April 1951) is an Italian singer-songwriter. In Italy, he is popularly known as “Il Principe dei cantautori” (“The Prince of the singer-songwriters”), a nickname referring to the elegance of his lyrics. Although often referred as singer-songwriter and poet, he prefers to be identified simply as “artist”
In 2017 he received the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Italian: Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana), the most senior Italian order of merit.
TICKETS on ticketone
Platea: € 98,00
Gallery: € 98,00
Cavea, central, numbered seats: € 85,00
Cavea, lateral, non-numbered seats: € 59,00
MORE INFO
www.instagram.com/degregoriofficial – www.facebook.com/fdegregori
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
September 10, 2025 – Francesco De Gregori
Francesco De Gregori
Rimmel 2025
Ancient Theatre, Wednesday 10th September 2025 @ 9:30pm
Francesco De Gregori OMRI (born 4 April 1951) is an Italian singer-songwriter. In Italy, he is popularly known as “Il Principe dei cantautori” (“The Prince of the singer-songwriters”), a nickname referring to the elegance of his lyrics. Although often referred as singer-songwriter and poet, he prefers to be identified simply as “artist”
In 2017 he received the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Italian: Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana), the most senior Italian order of merit.
TICKETS on ticketone
Platea: € 98,00
Gallery: € 98,00
Cavea, central, numbered seats: € 85,00
Cavea, lateral, non-numbered seats: € 59,00
MORE INFO
www.instagram.com/degregoriofficial – www.facebook.com/fdegregori
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
September 2, 2025 – Antonello Venditti
Antonello Venditti
Notte prima degli esami TOUR
40th anniversary, 1984-2024
Ancient Theatre, Tuesday 2nd September 2025 @
Antonio “Antonello” Venditti (born 1949) is an Italian singer-songwriter and pianist who became popular in the 1970s for the social themes addressed in his songs.
TICKETS on ticketone
Platea: € 98,00
Gallery: € 98,00
Cavea, numbered seats: 85,00
Cavea, non-numbered seats: € 59,00
MORE INFO
www.facebook.com/AntonelloVendittiUfficiale
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
August 28, 2025 – Arisa
F E S T I V A L T A O R M I N A A R T E
Arisa
and Orchestra della Magna Grecia
Ancient Theatre, Thursday 28th August 2025 @ 9:30pm
Arisa (Rosalba Pippa, born 1982), is an Italian singer, actress, and television personality.
Her stage name is an acronym of her family members’ names: A from her father, Antonio; R from her own name, Rosalba; I and S from her sisters, Isabella and Sabrina; and A from her mother, Assunta.
Arisa rose to fame after her participation in the Sanremo Music Festival 2009. She placed first in the newcomers’ section and won the Mia Martini Critics Award with her entry, “Sincerità”
TICKETS on ticketone
Parterre: € 40,00
Gallery: € 30,00
Cavea (NON-numbered seats): € 20,00
MORE INFO
www.facebook.com/ArisaOfficialPage
Fondazione Taormina Arte – www.facebook.com/fondazionetaorminartesicilia – info@taorminaarte.org – Mob. +39 391 746 2146
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
August 26, 2025 – Tony Hadley
F E S T I V A L T A O R M I N A A R T E
Tony Hadley
and the fabulous TH Band
Taormina Ancient Theatre, Tuesday 26th August 2025 @ 9:30pm
Tony Hadley (Anthony Patrick Hadley, born1960) is an English pop singer. He rose to fame in the 1980s as the lead singer of the new wave band Spandau Ballet and launched a solo career following the group’s split in 1990,
This year Hadley is celebrating 45 years of music, passion and legends.
45, like the years of career
45, like the spins of the vinyl records that defined the golden age of pop and rock.
45, like the journeys Tony takes every year to bring his timeless voice and music all around the globe.
With his 𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐘 𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐋𝐄𝐘 𝟒𝟓 tour, the magic goes on. An unforgettable night full of timeless hits, solo tracks, and surprises that will make your heart race. Alongside him, the 𝐅𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐓𝐇 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 — a live experience that will be pure energy and great music.
(source: @thetonyhadley)
TICKETS on ticketone and boxol
Platea: € 40,00
Gallery: € 30,00
Cavea (non-numbered seats): € 20,00
MORE INFO
Fondazione Taormina Arte – www.facebook.com/fondazionetaorminartesicilia – info@taorminaarte.org – Mob. +39 391 746 2146
Tony Hadley – www.instagram.com/thetonyhadley
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
August 25, 2025 – Giulietta e Romeo
F E S T I V A L T A O R M I N A A R T E
Giulietta e Romeo
Ancient Theatre, Monday 25th August 2025 @9:30pm
The most beautiful love story of all time, freely inspired by William Shakespeare’s tragedy, danced by the Balletto di Roma.
Choreography and Direction: Fabrizio Monteverde
Music: Sergej Prokofiev
TICKETS on ticketone and boxol
Platea: € 30,00
Gallery: € 20,00
MORE INFO
Fondazione Taormina Arte – www.facebook.com/fondazionetaorminartesicilia – info@taorminaarte.org – Mob. +39 391 746 2146
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
August 24, 2025 – Aida by G. Verdi
S I C I L I A C L A S S I C A F E S T I V A L
AIDA
An Opera by Giuseppe Verdi
Ancient Theatre, Sunday 24th AUgust 2025 @ 9:30pm
TICKETS on vivaticket (commissions not included)
Platea: –
Gallery, lateral: € 70,00/80,00
Gallery, central: € 90,00
Cavea, lateral: € 60,00
Cavea, central: € 70,00
Cavea, non-numbered seats: € 35,00
MORE INFO
Associazione Sicilia Classica Festival – www.facebook.com/siciliaclassicafestival
SYNOPSIS
Antecedent: The Egyptians have captured and enslaved Aida, a Nubian princess. An Egyptian military commander, Radamès, struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh. To complicate the story further, the Pharaoh’s daughter Amneris is in love with Radamès, although he does not return her feelings.
Act 1
Scene 1: A hall in the King’s palace; through the rear gate the pyramids and temples of Memphis are visible
Ramfis, the high priest of Egypt, tells Radamès, the young warrior, that war with the Nubians seems inevitable, and Radamès hopes that he will be chosen as the Egyptian commander (Ramfis, Radamès : Sì, corre voce l’Etiope ardisca / “Yes, it is rumored that Ethiopia dares once again to threaten our power”).
Radamès dreams both of gaining victory on the battlefield and of Aida, the Nubian slave, with whom he is secretly in love (Radamès: Se quel guerrier io fossi! … Celeste Aida / “Heavenly Aida”). Aida, who is also secretly in love with Radamès, is the captured daughter of the Nubian King Amonasro, but her Egyptian captors are unaware of her true identity. Her father has invaded Egypt to deliver her from servitude.
Amneris, the daughter of the Egyptian King, enters the hall. She too loves Radamès, but fears that his heart belongs to someone else (Radamès, Amneris: Quale insolita gioia nel tuo sguardo / “In your looks I trace a joy unwonted”).
Aida appears and, when Radamès sees her, Amneris notices that he looks disturbed. She suspects that Aida could be her rival, but is able to hide her jealousy and approach Aida (Amneris, Aida, Radamès: Vieni, o diletta, appressati / “Come, O delight, come closer”).
Set design by Philippe Chaperon for Act 1, Scene 2 at the Cairo première. The King enters, along with the High Priest, Ramfis, and the whole palace court. A messenger announces that the Nubians, led by King Amonasro, are marching towards Thebes. The King declares war and proclaims that Radamès is the man chosen by the goddess Isis to be the leader of the army (The King, Messenger, Radamès, Aida, Amneris, chorus: Alta cagion v’aduna / “Oh fate o’er Egypt looming”). Upon receiving this mandate from the King, Radamès proceeds to the temple of Vulcan to take up the sacred arms (The King, Radamès, Aida, Amneris, chorus: Su! del Nilo al sacro lido / “On! Of Nilus’ sacred river, guard the shores”).
Alone in the hall, Aida feels torn between her love for her father, her country, and Radamès (Aida: Ritorna vincitor / “Return a conqueror”).
Scene 2: Inside the Temple of Vulcan
Solemn ceremonies and dances by the priestesses take place (High Priestess, chorus, Radamès: Possente Ftha … Tu che dal nulla / “O mighty Ptah”). This is followed by the installation of Radamès to the office of commander-in-chief (High Priestess, chorus, Radamès: Immenso Ftha .. Mortal, diletto ai Numi / “O mighty one, guard and protect!”). All present in the temple pray for the victory of Egypt and protection for their warriors (Nume, custode e vindice/ “Hear us, O guardian deity”).
Act 2
Scene 1: The chamber of Amneris
Dances and music to celebrate Radamès’ victory take place (Chorus, Amneris: Chi mai fra gli inni e i plausi / “Our songs his glory praising”‘). However, Amneris is still in doubt about Radamès’ love and wonders whether Aida is in love with him. She tries to forget her doubt, entertaining her worried heart with the dance of Moorish slaves (Chorus, Amneris: Vieni: sul crin ti piovano / “Come bind your flowing tresses”).
When Aida enters the chamber, Amneris asks everyone to leave. By falsely telling Aida that Radamès has died in the battle, she tricks her into professing her love for him. In grief, and shocked by the news, Aida confesses that her heart belongs to Radamès eternally (Amneris, Aida: Fu la sorte dell’armi a’ tuoi funesta / “The battle’s outcome was cruel for your people …”).
Scene 2, set design for the Cairo premiere by Édouard Desplechin
This confession fires Amneris with rage, and she plans on taking revenge on Aida. Ignoring Aida’s pleadings (Amneris, Aida, chorus: Su! del Nilo al sacro lido / “Up! at the sacred shores of the Nile”), Amneris leaves her alone in the chamber.
Scene 3: The grand gate of the city of Thebes
Radamès returns victorious and the troops march into the city (Chorus, Ramfis: Gloria all’Egitto, ad Iside / “Glory to Egypt, to Isis!”). The Egyptian king decrees that on this day the triumphant Radamès may have anything he wishes. The Nubian captives are rounded up, and Amonasro appears among them. Aida immediately rushes to her father, but their true identities are still unknown to the Egyptians, save for the fact that they are father and daughter. Amonasro declares that the Nubian king (he himself) has been slain in battle. Aida, Amonasro, and the captured Ethiopians plead with the Egyptian King for mercy, but the Egyptians call for their death (Aida, Amneris, Radamès, The King, Amonasro, chorus: Che veggo! .. Egli? .. Mio padre! .. Anch’io pugnai / “What do I see?.. Is it he? My father?”).
Claiming the reward promised by the King, Radamès pleads with him to spare the lives of the prisoners and to set them free. Gratefully, the King of Egypt declares Radamès to be his successor and to be his daughter’s betrothed (Aida, Amneris, Radamès, The King, Amonasro, chorus: O Re: pei sacri Numi! .. Gloria all’Egitto / “O King, by the sacred gods …”). Aida and Amonasro remain as hostages to ensure that the Ethiopians do not avenge their defeat.
Act 3
“O patria mia”
On the banks of the Nile, near the Temple of Isis
Prayers are said (Chorus, Ramfis, Amneris: O tu che sei d’Osiride / “O thou who to Osiris art …”) on the eve of Amneris and Radamès’ wedding in the Temple of Isis. Outside, Aida waits to meet with Radamès as they had planned (Aida: Qui Radamès verra .. O patria mia / “Oh, my dear country!”).
Amonasro appears and makes Aida agree to find out the location of the Egyptian army from Radamès (Aida, Amonasro: Ciel, mio padre! .. Rivedrai le foreste imbalsamate / “Once again shalt thou gaze.”). When he arrives, Amonasro hides behind a rock and listens to their conversation.
Radamès affirms that he will marry Aida (Pur ti riveggo, mia dolce Aida .. Nel fiero anelito; Fuggiam gli ardori inospiti… Là, tra foreste vergini / “I see you again, my sweet Aida!”), and Aida convinces him to flee to the desert with her.
In order to make their escape easier, Radamès proposes that they use a safe route without any fear of discovery and reveals the location where his army has chosen to attack. Upon hearing this, Amonasro comes out of hiding and reveals his identity. Radamès feels dishonored. At the same time, Amneris and Ramfis leave the temple and, seeing Radamès with their enemy, call the guards. Amonasro and Aida try to convince Radamès to escape with them, but he refuses and surrenders to the imperial guards.
Act 4
Philippe Chaperon’s Act IV scene 2 set design for the 1880 Palais Garnier performance in Paris. File:Set design by Philippe Chaperon for Act4 sc2 of Aida by Verdi 1880 Paris.jpg Philippe Chaperon’s Act IV scene 2 set design for the 1880 Palais Garnier performance in Paris. Scene 1: A hall in the Temple of Justice. To one side is the door leading to Radamès’ prison cell.
Amneris desires to save Radamès (L’aborrita rivale a me sfuggia / “My hated rival has escaped me”). She calls for the guard to bring him to her.
She asks Radamès to deny the accusations, but Radamès refuses. Certain that, as punishment, he will be condemned to death, Amneris implores him to defend himself, but Radamès firmly refuses. He is relieved to know Aida is still alive and hopes she has reached her own country (Amneris, Radamès: Già i Sacerdoti adunansi / “Already the priests are assembling”). His decision hurts Amneris.
Radamès’ trial takes place offstage; he does not reply to Ramfis’ accusations and is condemned to death, while Amneris, who remains onstage, pleads with the priests to show him mercy. As he is sentenced to be buried alive, Amneris curses the priests while Radamès is taken away (Judgment scene, Amneris, Ramfis, and chorus: Ahimè! .. morir mi sento / “Alas … I feel death”).
Opening and close of act 4, scene 2: (“La fatal pietra” and “Morir! Sì pura e bella”, with some cuts in the middle), sung by Nicola Zerola in 1909 Problems playing this file? See media help. Scene 2: The lower portion of the stage shows the vault in the Temple of Vulcan; the upper portion represents the temple itself.
Radamès has been taken into the lower floor of the temple and sealed up in a dark vault, where he thinks that he is alone. As he hopes that Aida is in a safer place, he hears a sigh and then sees Aida. She has hidden herself in the vault in order to die with Radamès (Radamès and Aida: La fatal pietra sovra me si chiuse. / “The fatal stone now closes over me”). They accept their terrible fate (Radamès: Morir! Si pura e bella / “To die! So pure and lovely!”) and bid farewell to Earth and its sorrows.[31] Above the vault in the temple of Vulcan, Amneris weeps and prays to the goddess Isis. In the vault below, Aida dies in Radamès’ arms. (Chorus, Aida, Radamès, Amneris: Immenso Ftha / “Almighty Ptah.”)
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta
August 23, 2025 – Umberto Tozzi
Umberto Tozzi
L’Ultima Notte Rosa
Ancient Theatre, Saturday 23rd August 2025 @21:30
Umberto Antonio Tozzi is an Italian pop and rock singer and songwriter. Throughout his career, he has sold over 70 million records in different languages internationally, and his biggest international hits are: “Stella Stai”, “Gloria”, “Tu” and “Ti Amo”.
TICKETS on ticketone
Platea: € 80,50
Gallery: € 80,50
Cavea, central, numbered seats: € 69,00
Cavea, non-numbered seats: € 49,50
MORE INFO
www.instagram.com/umbertotozziofficial
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera – Hotel Villa Schuler – Hotel Villa Ducale – Hotel Villa Carlotta