The summer of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma is moving house. While the Terme di Caracalla undergo restoration work, the 2026 programme moves to the Circo Massimo, from 29 June to 31 July, with capacity rising to around 6,000 seats. The programme, presented today, 10 March 2026, brings together opera, dance, cinema and pop music.
The programme
- 29 June: Francesco. Un santo scomodo, a lecture-performance by the historian Alessandro Barbero.
- 3 and 4 July: Gladiator in concert, with the soundtrack performed live under Ludwig Wicki and the presence of Lisa Gerrard.
- 12, 15, 18, 22, 26 and 28 July: Verdi’s Aida in a new production directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, with Daniele Callegari conducting.
- 14 July: Roberto Bolle and Friends.
- 24 and 25 July: Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet in John Cranko’s choreography, with the Corps de Ballet of the Opera di Roma.
- 31 July: Orff’s Carmina Burana conducted by Wayne Marshall, with a video installation by Anagoor.
The pop concerts
Alongside the opera and symphonic programme, the Circo Massimo hosts three pop concerts: Riccardo Cocciante on 6 July, Edoardo Bennato on 20 July and Patti Smith on 27 July. Three very different stories, from Italian songwriting to New York rock, in the space that was once the largest entertainment venue of ancient Rome.
Practical info
- When: from 29 June to 31 July 2026; performances start at 21:00, Carmina Burana at 21:30.
- Where: Circo Massimo, Rome.
- Tickets: from €15 to €170, on sale from Friday 13 March 2026.
- Official website: operaroma.it.
Frequently asked questions
Why not at Caracalla?
The Terme di Caracalla are undergoing restoration work: for 2026 the season moves to the Circo Massimo.
When can tickets be bought?
From Friday 13 March 2026, with prices from €15 to €170 depending on the show and the section.