Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival

Where Ancient Stones Sing

Every September, the 2000-year-old Aspendos Theater near Antalya, Turkey, comes alive with the soaring arias of opera and the graceful movements of ballet. The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival, running for about three weeks, transforms this ancient Roman amphitheater into a breathtaking stage where past and present collide. With its perfect acoustics and capacity for 12,000 spectators, the theater offers a unique opportunity to experience world-class performances under the starry Mediterranean sky.

Main Attractions

Spectacular Performances

As the sun sets, the ancient stone walls of the Aspendos Theater glow golden, and anticipation builds among the audience. The festival opens with a grand production of Verdi's "Aida," its powerful choruses reverberating off the millennia-old walls. The following nights might feature the graceful leaps of "Swan Lake" or the passionate choreography of "Carmen." Each performance is a feast for the senses, with the warm night air carrying the music across the amphitheater and into the surrounding hills.

Stunning Costumes and Set Design

The festival is renowned for its lavish productions. Ornate Egyptian-inspired costumes glitter under the stage lights during "Aida," while delicate tutus flutter in the gentle breeze during ballet performances. Ingenious set designs make use of the theater's ancient architecture, seamlessly blending the old with the new. The sight of a full moon rising over an elaborately decorated stage is truly unforgettable.

Culinary Delights

During intermissions, the air fills with the aroma of Turkish coffee and freshly baked börek. Local vendors offer a variety of traditional snacks, from sweet baklava to savory gözleme. Many attendees bring picnic baskets filled with local cheeses, olives, and wine to enjoy in the warm evening air. The combination of exquisite music and delicious local flavors creates a truly immersive cultural experience.

Cultural and Historical Background

The Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival was first organized in 1994 by the Turkish State Opera and Ballet, with the aim of bringing world-class performances to this remarkable historical site. The festival quickly gained international recognition, becoming a member of the European Festivals Association in 2003.

For the people of Antalya and Turkey as a whole, the festival represents a proud fusion of their ancient heritage with contemporary artistic expression. It has become a symbol of Turkey's place on the global cultural stage and plays a significant role in the country's cultural tourism. The festival not only preserves the legacy of the Aspendos Theater but also keeps it vibrant and relevant in the modern world.

Participant's Voice

I stumbled upon this festival by chance while visiting Antalya. To be honest, I wasn't much of an opera fan before. But watching "Carmen" in this breathtaking venue completely captivated me. The power of the music, the passionate performances of the singers, and the magical atmosphere created by the ancient ruins under the starry sky... it was all overwhelming. During the intermission, I had the chance to chat with a local couple sitting nearby. Amazingly, they've been coming to this festival for 20 years without fail. As they shared stories of memorable performances from the past, their enthusiasm was contagious. Before I knew it, I had decided, "I must come back next year!" This experience not only became the highlight of my Antalya trip but also completely changed my perspective on opera.

Fun Facts

The Aspendos Theater is so well-preserved that it's been in continuous use for over 2,000 years - from gladiator fights in Roman times to rock concerts in the 20th century.
In 2015, the Aspendos Festival became the first and only festival in the world to receive the 'Quality Management Certificate'.
The theater's perfect acoustics are said to be the result of a clever architectural trick: large pottery jars placed under the seats act as natural amplifiers.