Arena di Verona: Il Trovatore

Every summer, thousands of music fans flock to one of the world's most stunning cities for the opera season at Verona's ancient Arena. This 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater, with its massive stage and over 22,000 seats, ranks among the largest and best-preserved structures of its kind—and is surely one of the most breathtaking open-air venues anywhere. Franco Zeffirelli, the celebrated opera director who passed away just before Il Trovatore premiered, designed a legendary staging featuring giant armored knights, a fortress transforming into a glowing cathedral, a huge choir, horses, and thrilling combat scenes—called "perhaps his finest arena production" by Opernglas. It brings Anna Netrebko to Verona for her eagerly awaited debut in one of Verdi's most beloved operas.