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Global opera, ballet stars to perform in ancient Ephesus for 8th international festival

6th International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival, at Ephesus Ancient Theater, in Izmir, Türkiye, July 11, 2023. (Photo by AA Photo)
6th International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival, at Ephesus Ancient Theater, in Izmir, Türkiye, July 11, 2023. (Photo by AA Photo)
June 12, 2025 09:27 AM GMT+03:00

The eighth International Ephesus Opera and Ballet Festival will take place from June 27 to July 13 at the majestic Ephesus ancient city, blending history and the performing arts in one of Türkiye’s most treasured archaeological sites.

Organized by the General Directorate of State Opera and Ballet, this prestigious festival will once again transform the ancient ruins into a world-class cultural stage, bringing together iconic works of opera and ballet and internationally acclaimed performers.

A majestic opening with Swan Lake

The festival will open with one of the most beloved classics of the ballet repertoire—"Swan Lake". The celebrated dancers Daniil Simkin and Iana Salenko will bring Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece to life under the stars in Ephesus Ancient Theatre.

Performances are scheduled for 27 and 28 June at 9 p.m., accompanied by artists from the Izmir State Opera and Ballet under the baton of conductor Tolga Tavish.

Rich program of global masterpieces

This year’s festival program features an impressive selection of classical masterpieces, including Mozart’s "The Abduction from the Seraglio," Carl Orff’s "Carmina Burana," Verdi’s "La Traviata" and a ballet adaptation of Halit Ziya Usakligil’s Turkish literary classic "Ask-i Memnu."

The event promises to be a spectacular journey through musical history, offering audiences unforgettable performances in a unique archaeological setting.

Engaging young audiences with colourful storytelling

Catering to families and young viewers, the children’s opera "Sekeronya" will be staged at the Bornova Culture and Arts Center, Necdet Aydin Stage. This vibrant performance emphasizes the value of reading through imaginative storytelling and will be presented in two showings.

Festival finale: Zorba ballet with music by Mikis Theodorakis

On July 13, the festival will conclude with "Zorba," a dramatic ballet inspired by Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis. The powerful performance will close the festival on a high note, uniting Mediterranean cultural themes with breathtaking choreography.

Tickets are available on Biletinial and physical box offices at the Izmir State Opera and Ballet Bornova Culture and Arts Center, Ephesus Ancient Theatre, and Kusadasi Kervansaray Bazaar.

June 12, 2025 09:27 AM GMT+03:00
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