Year delay for Adelaide showing of world-class opera
International opera AIDA – much-spruiked by the state government as being an “historic” first production outside of Italy – has been delayed by a year.
Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison welcomed news in September of the opera making its Australian debut in Adelaide, saying it was “historic” and showed South Australia “punches above its weight when it comes to hosting major international events”.
Now, AIDA organisers have announced the event, slated for February 5 and 6 2026, would not go ahead at Adelaide Oval until 2027.
It is a blow to the state government as it also awaits news about whether Adelaide would win hosting rights to global climate conference, COP31.
Organisers Fondazione Arena di Verona and the promoter responsible for the Adelaide performances, TEG Live, said they were “exploring precise rescheduled dates” which would be advised shortly.
Tickets had been on sale since September 10 and organisers said ticket holders would be contacted directly by TEG Live.
A statement from organisers released on Friday said maritime export complications were to blame, making it “impossible” for 28 containers of materials for the opera to arrive in time for the original February 2026 shows.
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“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 five and six February,” TEG global head of touring Tim McGregor said.
“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 in us now being advised that we will miss our designated window to freight the 28 containers in time for the shows in Adelaide.”
A government spokesperson said it was “disappointing the event has had challenges which means it is unable to go ahead in February 2026 as planned”.
“As an international debut, we understand there are complexities involved in such a large logistical exercise and we look forward to the event being brought to South Australia in 2027.”
Fondazione Arena di Verona general manager Cecilia Gasdia apologised for the delay.
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“We are very sorry to have to postpone this major international event, given the great anticipation and enthusiasm it had generated,” she said.
“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.”
SA Liberal Arts spokesperson Jack Batty said it was “very disappointing news for opera lovers and our tourism sector”.
“We welcome high-profile shows and investment in the arts – and we hope this production can still go ahead in the future,” he said.
“But I’d assumed the government would have sorted out the basic logistics before making a big announcement and urging everyone to buy a ticket.”
When the opera was announced in September, an AIDA spokesperson said it was expected to attract national and international visitors to the state.
“Ernst & Young modelling shows 31,500 visitors were expected to come from outside of Adelaide for the event, spending at least $36 million, with the overall economic impact predicted to be $75 million,” she said.
