Verdi’s “Aida” Opens the Fourth International Zagreb Opera FestivalOpera — 12. September 2026.
The Fourth International Zagreb Opera Festival officially opened last night with Verdi’s Aida, a major international co-production of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, Teatro Massimo in Palermo and the Csokonai National Theatre in Debrecen.
The opening night of the Festival featured a powerful and impressive performance of one of the world’s best-known operas, directed by renowned Argentinian director Mario Pontiggia, which was greeted with prolonged applause by the Zagreb audience. Conducted by Pier Giorgio Morandi, Chief Conductor of the Opera of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, Aida brought together international and Croatian opera soloists, the Opera Orchestra and Chorus, and the Ballet of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb.
Italian tenor Stefano La Colla appeared as Radames as the special guest of this year’s opening night. He returned to Zagreb after performing the same role in the new production of Verdi’s Aida in March this year, when he thrilled the Zagreb audience.
Alongside La Colla, the principal roles were performed by Kristina Kolar as Aida, Sofija Petrović as Amneris, Ivica Čikeš as Ramfis, Ljubomir Puškarić as Amonasro, Luciano Batinić as the King, Josipa Lončar as the High Priestess, and Ivo Gamulin as the Messenger. The Opera Orchestra and Chorus of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb also gave outstanding performances, while the Ballet ensemble of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb further enhanced the production’s visual splendour.
The gala opening marked the beginning of ten festival days during which the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb will host leading opera artists and acclaimed European opera productions. The Fourth International Zagreb Opera Festival runs until 20 September 2026, and for the first time this year its main programme is presented across three stages: the main stage of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, its foyer, and the new HNK2 stage, alongside numerous accompanying events.
Until the Festival concludes, audiences can look forward to major opera productions, guest performances by international ensembles, concerts, artistic collaborations and encounters with artists, with the Gala Concert on 20 September occupying a special place in the programme. The Festival will conclude with a performance by one of the world’s leading tenors, Piotr Beczała, and internationally acclaimed soprano Marigona Qerkezi, joined by soloists Sofija Petrović, Luciano Batinić and Ljubomir Puškarić, and the Opera Orchestra of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb conducted by Chief Conductor Pier Giorgio Morandi.
