Every autumn, the ancient Aspendos Theatre becomes a center of global music and ballet culture. This year, the 32nd International Opera and Ballet Festival will be held in the legendary historic amphitheater from September 14 to October 1, 2025. It is one of Turkey's most important cultural events, where classical music meets history, and great masterpieces meet the unique atmosphere of a theater over two thousand years old.
Organized by the General Directorate of the Turkish State Opera and Ballet, the festival attracts audiences from around the world and offers a rich program combining opera and ballet. The festival first took place in 1994, and since 1998 has earned international recognition and been a member of the European Festivals Association (EFA).
Organized by the General Directorate of the Turkish State Opera and Ballet, the festival attracts audiences from around the world and offers a rich program combining opera and ballet. The festival first took place in 1994, and since 1998 has earned international recognition and been a member of the European Festivals Association (EFA).
The ancient theatre of Aspendos is renowned for its perfect acoustics and impressive architecture, making every concert an unforgettable experience combining music, history and nature.
2025 Program
- September 14, 2025 (Sunday) — Turandot (G. Puccini) — opening of the festival. A grand opera about love and the mysterious Princess Turandot, performed by soloists from Antalya and Ankara
- September 17, 2025 (Wednesday) — Zorba the Greek — a vibrant, emotional ballet with music by Theodorakis
- September 20, 2025 (Saturday) — Swan Lake — a Tchaikovsky classic, performed by the best dancers of the State Ballet
- September 24, 2025 (Wednesday) — Don Quixote — a dynamic and colorful ballet full of dances and virtuoso steps
- September 27, 2025 (Saturday) — Tosca (G. Puccini) — a dramatic and passionate story of love, power, and betrayal
- October 1, 2025 (Wednesday) — La Traviata (G. Verdi) — an immortal classic about love, sacrifice, and destiny, staged with an international troupe
Where and how to see
The Aspendos Ancient Theatre is a historic amphitheater in the Serik district of Antalya, one of the most impressively preserved Roman theaters in the world, with outstanding acoustics and atmosphere.
All performances begin at 9:00 PM in the evening—perfect for watching under the stars in the historic amphitheater.
All performances begin at 9:00 PM in the evening—perfect for watching under the stars in the historic amphitheater.
Join the celebration of art! The Aspendos Festival is a wonderful opportunity to combine a trip to Turkey with a world-class cultural experience.
