Verdi’s A Masked Ball

Verdi’s A Masked Ball comes to Festival Theatre Edinburgh from Wednesday 26 to Sunday 30 August 2026 as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.

Zurich Opera presents the UK production premiere, with the Orchestra of the Zurich Opera House conducted by Gianandrea Noseda. The Edinburgh International Festival lists tickets from £30 and a running time of around 2 hours 50 minutes, including one interval.

Key Event Details

What To Expect

A Masked Ball is a Verdi opera centred on desire, betrayal, and political danger. The EIF listing says it is performed in Italian with English surtitles.

The cast alternates across the run. Stephen Costello and Elena Stikhina appear as Riccardo and Amelia on 26 and 30 August, while Piero Pretti and Erika Grimaldi appear on 27 and 29 August.

The listing also flags strobe lighting and a gunshot sound, so check the need-to-know notes before booking if that matters for your party.

Tickets & Entry

Tickets are available via the official Edinburgh International Festival event page. Prices start from £30, with availability depending on date and seat choice.

There is no performance listed for Friday 28 August, so double-check the date before booking hotels, dinner or travel around it.

Location

The opera takes place at Festival Theatre on Nicolson Street. The venue sits just south of the Old Town and is close to South Bridge.

Getting There

Edinburgh Waverley Station is around 15 minutes away on foot. Buses along South Bridge and Nicolson Street are usually the easiest public transport option.

Roads and pavements in this part of Edinburgh can be busy in late August, so build in extra time before a 7pm curtain.

Our Tips

• Check the cast dates to see if a particular singer is scheduled.
• Note that Sunday, 30 August, is a 2pm matinee.
• Use public transport if you are travelling through the city centre.
• Read the need-to-know notes for lighting and sound effects.