The Arena di Verona has announced its casting for the 2018 festival, showcasing some of the biggest stars in the opera world. Here is a breakdown of what stars will grace the stage of the famous arena.

Carmen 

Three mezzos take on the iconic role of “Carmen” including Anna Goryachova and Carmen Topciu. They are joined by four Don José’s including Brian Jagde, Marcelo Puente, Francesco Meli, and Luciano Ganci. Mariangela Sicilia, Ruth Iniesta, Serena Gamberoni, and Eleonora Buratto share the role of  Micaëla. Meanwhile Alexander Vinogradov, Erwin Schrott, and Alberto Gazale alternate Escamillo. 

Aida 

Five sopranos share the role of Verdi’s “Aida” including Anna Pirozzi, Kristin Lewis, Maria José Siri, Susanna Branchini, and Hui He. They will be joined by Yusif Eyvazov, Marco Berti, Carlo Ventre, Gregory Kunde, and Walter Fraccaro alternating Radamès. Violeta Urmana, Carmen Topciu, and Judit Kutas alternate Amneris while Luca Salsi, Sebastian Catana, Ambrogio Maestri, Amartuvshin Enkhbat, Federico Longhi, and Gocha Abuladze share the role of Amonasro.

Turandot 

Anna Pirozzi and Rebeka Lokar alternate “Turandot” with Gregory Kunde and Murat Karahan sharing the role of Calaf. The role of Liù will be performed by three different sopranos including Vittoria Yeo, Ruth Iniesta, and Eleonora Buratto.

Nabucco 

Amartuvshin Enkhbat and Luca Salsi alternate the title role in Verdi’s epic. Susanna Branchini and Rebeka Lokar sing Abigaille, while Rafał Siwek and Riccardo Zanellato take on the role of Zaccaria.

Il Barbiere di Siviglia

Nino Machaidze sings the role of Rosina alongside two tenors, Dmitry Korchak and Leonardo Ferrando. Leo Nucci and Mario Cassi share the title role, while Ferruccio Furlanetto and Roberto Tagliavini sing Basilio. Ambrogio Maestri and Luca Dall’Amico round out the cast sharing Bartolo.

Verdi Opera Nights 

The season will conclude with a concert featuring acts from “La Traviata,” “Il Trovatore” and “Rigoletto.” The evening will showcase Lisette Oropesa, Luca Salsi, Rame Lahaj, Simone Piazzola, Francesco Meli, Violeta Urmana, Maria Mudryak, and Luciano Ganci.