Fondazione Arena di Verona at the European Parliament

The heart of European democracy beats to the rhythm of opera. The Arena di Verona presented the Arena Opera Festival at the European Parliament in Brussels and, with a concert celebrating the excellence of the Italian operatic tradition, won over the audience.

Last night, in the Yehudi Menuhin Hall, the event Opera Heritage: The Arena di Verona Highlights took place in the presence of European institutions, cultural stakeholders, representatives from the business world, and many young people. The initiative, organized by Member of the European Parliament Daniele Polato, was attended by all MEPs from Verona.

«Every evening the Arena can welcome between 10 and 12 thousand people from more than 130 countries around the world – explained Superintendent Cecilia Gasdia. – All this is made possible thanks to the work of more than one thousand professionals both on stage and behind the scenes. Being here today, at the heart of Europe, gives us a sense of how vast and powerful the Arena’s embrace truly is. We work every day to ensure that the Arena di Verona truly belongs to everyone: from children to people with disabilities, a theatre unique in the world and open to the world».

«Fondazione Arena is a source of pride and an Italian excellence, a symbol of art and culture – added Honourable Daniele Polato. – As a Veronese citizen, it is an honour to have organized this event in the home of European democracy. In the current and complex situation we are living through, music and singing can build bridges, unite peoples, facilitate dialogue, and generate and spread beauty throughout the world. The Arena is increasingly at the centre of the international scene and of the Italian and European artistic panorama, and the success of this evening proves it».

The institutional part of the evening was officially opened by speeches from Vice-President of the European Parliament Antonella Sberna and Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Brussels Pierre di Toro. Representatives from the Embassies of Albania, Algeria, Brazil, Egypt, and the United States were also present, along with the Consul General of Italy in Brussels, Francesco Varriale.

«It is an honour to welcome you here in Brussels – added Antonella Sberna. – This is an important opportunity to present to Europe a jewel of our cultural heritage and to create dialogue, so that our work here may bring concrete benefits back to our territories, allowing our communities to benefit from the opportunities offered by Europe, first and foremost through the improvement of existing legislation».

«Promoting our culture abroad means building bridges between peoples, generating esteem and respect through art. It is precisely in this cultural dialogue that the value of our diplomatic activities is also strengthened», said Pierre di Toro.

During the evening, Stefano Trespidi, Deputy Artistic Director of Fondazione Arena and Interim Marketing Director, also spoke, emphasizing how «the Arena di Verona represents not only art and culture, but also well-being, capable of generating value for the territory and for people. The recent Nomisma study confirms this: almost 2 billion euros in economic impact for the country, 206 million euros in tax revenue generated, and an incredible multiplier effect: every euro invested in the Arena generates 6.3 euros».

Enchanting the audience were singers Mariangela Sicilia and Vittoriana De Amicis, Piero Pretti and Gëzim Myshketa, accompanied on piano by Cecilia Gasdia. The concert, which moved the audience in attendance, featured famous arias from the Italian repertoire, including works by Puccini (Tosca, Turandot, La Bohème), Giordano (Andrea Chénier), and Verdi (La Traviata), culminating in the famous Brindisi from La Traviata, which will open the Festival next June 12.

The event represented an important opportunity for dialogue between culture and European institutions, confirming the universal value of opera and Italian lyrical singing, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Arena Opera Festival 2026, scheduled in Verona from June 12 to September 12, will offer more than 50 evenings of performances in one of the world’s most iconic open-air theatres, consolidating a tradition that for more than a century has made the Arena a landmark of the international opera scene.

Information
Press Office – Fondazione Arena di Verona

Via Roma 7/D, 37121 Verona - ufficio.stampa@arenadiverona.it

tel. (+39) 045 805.1861-1905-1891-1939 -1847-1942