Aida in Adelaide postponed to February 2027

Fondazione Arena di Verona acknowledges the communication from TEG Live, promoter of the two scheduled performances of AIDA in Adelaide, Australia, announcing that, due to unforeseen challenges related to the international transport of artistic assets, the event has been postponed.

Delays caused by export complications combined with interruptions in maritime transport, have made it impossible to maintain the planned schedule for the shipment and arrival in Australia of 28 containers of materials, the completion of customs procedures, and the subsequent set-up and staging of the opera.

Fondazione Arena di Verona and TEG Live are currently exploring precise rescheduled dates which are expected to be in February 2027 and will be advised shortly.

Tim McGregor, TEG's Global Head of Touring, commented: "We have unfortunately encountered some significant challenges with the international freight arrangements for AIDA. The requirement is for 28 containers of props, instruments, equipment, scenery and costumes to be freighted from Verona to Adelaide, arriving in early January in time for customs clearances and bump into Adelaide Oval for rehearsals and the shows on 5 & 6 February. This is the very first time the production has ever left Verona and has required substantial preparatory work to allow these items to be approved for export from Italy as intended. Unfortunately, the delays we have endured combined with ongoing disruptions to global shipping have resulted us now being advised that we will miss our designated window to freight the 28 containers in time for the shows in Adelaide. We are confident of finalising and announcing the new dates in 2027 very shortly.  In the interim, we are delighted to announce that former Opera Australia Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini has formally commenced as the Executive Director of the production, which we are confident will ensure brilliant stewardship of this historic project moving forward."

"We are very sorry to have to postpone this major international event, given the great anticipation and enthusiasm it had generated," stated Cecilia Gasdia, General Manager of Fondazione Arena di Verona. "This production of AIDA, including costumes by Anna Anni and sets designed by Franco Zeffirelli, holds an inestimable artistic value and will be performed during the 2026 Festival in Verona. We wish to thank the organisers, who have acted with the utmost integrity in deciding to postpone the event before the shipment of the containers carrying the costumes and sets. Having an additional year will allow us to develop parallel initiatives and engage audiences across the entire Australasian continent."

Ticket holders will be contacted directly by TEG Live regarding their options for the rescheduled performances.