European festivals Association

The Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival was established in 1994, acquired international status in 1998 and was accepted as a member of the European Festivals Association in 2003, taking its prestigious place among other world festivals. The festival unites the unique history and wondeful acoustic of the 2000-year-old Aspendos Ancient Theatre with Antalya’s natural beauty and the power of art to reach beyond boundaries of language, religion and race. Indeed, 70% of the audience come from overseas.

Organised by the Directorate General of Turkish State Opera and Ballet, the International Aspendos Opera & Ballet Festivals have emerged as a significant event in the global art scene captivating art enthusiasts since 1994. The Festival presents the most outstanding examples of opera and ballet pieces within the historic setting of Aspendos Theatre. Each performance attracts an audience of 4,000 to 6,000. Aspendos Ancient Theatre is a venue known for its exceptional acoustics and historical richness welcoming artists and companies around the world and is also described as the meeting point of civilizations.