The International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival is Turkey's first opera and ballet festival. The Ministry of Culture and State Opera and Ballet General Directorate organizes it. The festival has been meeting art lovers since 1994. It is held at the Aspendos Antique Theater in the Serik district.
The International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival offers a magnificent musical feast to its guests in the impressive atmosphere of the Aspendos Antique Theatre. It was built between 138-164 and, has a capacity of approximately 12.000 people and is famous for its magnificent acoustics, whose story is told from language to word. While it draws great attention along the coast, tens of thousands of local and foreign tourists flock to the festival.
It has reached an international dimension five years after its inception. The festival increases its artistic quality every year and brings opera and ballet lovers together with quality works. The International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival was accepted to the European Festivals Association (EFA). It is one of the most important and respected organizations in Europe. On October 24, 2003, it continued to be the pride of our city and our country, taking its place among other important festivals in the world. In addition, the International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival has the distinction of being the first and only festival in the world to receive the 'Quality Management Certificate' in 2015.
The International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival is one of the most popular festivals in our country. Its worldwide audience reaches 60,000 people every year, and the world's distinguished opera and ballet ensembles line up to take part. It has been an important part of Turkey's cultural and artistic life and tourism.
