classic concert performances have also been given in the Arena. Classical ballets and traditional dances from all over the world have been seen. In 1976, Maurice Béjart brought the Ballet du XXe Siècle from La Monnaie in Brussels and choreographed Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. This première was interrupted by rain, but the performance continued to a cassette tape of the music and without the orchestra. Use of Blackface In July 2022, following the release of publicity photos for a performance of Aida at the Arena di Verona, soprano Anna Netrebko and the opera company both faced heavy criticism for the use of blackface; the titular character of the opera being an Ethiopian princess. Responding to criticisms, the festival cited historical precedent, claiming it is "very hard to change" the production to avoid the use of blackface. Of note, this staging dates from 2002. Subsequently, soprano Angel Blue canceled her upcoming performances at the Arena di Verona, citing the company's insistence on maintaining the practice. In an Instagram post, she wrote: "The use of blackface under any circumstances, artistic or otherwise, is a deeply misguided practice based on archaic theatrical traditions which have no place in modern society. It is offensive, humiliating, and outright racist." Other notable singers to have publicly spoken out against the use of blackface in opera include the mezzo-soprano Jamie Barton who cited this performance directly, and Stephanie Blythe, who suggested an abstention from performing operas that have typically featured white singers made up to appear as other ethnicities. Nigerian American baritone Babatunde Akinboboye posted on TikTok and Instagram, condemning Netrebko's use of blackface and disputing the opera company's claim that blackface is still a necessary practice. Teatro Filarmonico Since 1976 the organization has expanded its artistic activities from October of one year to May of the following year in the rebuilt Teatro Filarmonico, a theatre which had been destroyed in World War II. With this new addition, the organization could accumulate a permanent collection of artists (the orchestra, the choir and the corps de ballet) and technicians who represent the productions that are staged in Verona and transported nationally and internationally. See also List of opera festivals References External links Verona Arena website, in English Culture in Verona Opera festivals Classical music festivals in Italy Tourist attractions in Verona Blackface theatre