In November 2026, Istanbul State Opera and Ballet brings Gaetano Donizetti’s opera Lucia di Lammermoor to the Türk Telekom Opera Hall of the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) on Taksim Square. The production is staged by Monégasque director Jean-Louis Grinda and was first presented by the company as the opening work of the 17th International Istanbul Opera and Ballet Festival. Performances are on 19 and 21 November 2026 at 20:00. For guests staying in Beyoğlu, it is an easy way to add an opera performance to their Istanbul itinerary.

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Lucia di Lammermoor Istanbul 2026: What to Expect

Historic costume design for Lucia and Alisa in Donizetti's opera Lucia di Lammermoor — Historic image: costume design for Lucia and Alisa by Felice Cerrone (1835). Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

According to the AKM event page, the opera is performed in two acts and lasts about 135 minutes. The AKM event page lists Antonio Pirolli and Zdravko Lazarov as conductors of the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet Orchestra, and the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet Chorus is prepared by chorus master Paolo Villa. Set design is by Ferhat Karakaya, costumes by Serdar Başbuğ and lighting by Laurent Castaing.

About the Opera

Gaetano Donizetti (1797–1848) wrote Lucia di Lammermoor to a libretto by Salvadore Cammarano, based on Sir Walter Scott’s novel The Bride of Lammermoor. Set in Scotland, it tells the story of Lucia, who loves Edgardo while her brother Enrico wants her to marry for the family’s sake. The opera is one of the best-known works of the bel canto repertoire, and Lucia’s “mad scene” is one of the most demanding scenes written for soprano.

Dates, Venue and Tickets

Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) building on Taksim Square, Istanbul — Photo: Kurmanbek / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Thursday, 19 November 2026: 20:00
Saturday, 21 November 2026: 20:00
Later dates: Sanat Cepte also lists 6 and 9 January 2027; check the time when tickets go on sale
Venue: AKM Türk Telekom Opera Hall, Taksim Square, Beyoğlu
Company: Istanbul State Opera and Ballet
Conductors: Antonio Pirolli / Zdravko Lazarov · Director: Jean-Louis Grinda
Duration: about 135 minutes, two acts
Event information: official AKM event page
Tickets: for tickets and availability, see Sanat Cepte

All times are Istanbul time. AKM asks guests to be at the door with their ticket at least one hour before the start, and late entry is not permitted once the performance has started. Recording is prohibited, and AKM’s published rules also prohibit bringing recording devices into the venue. You can find more upcoming performances on our Istanbul events page.

Staying in Beyoğlu for Lucia di Lammermoor

Executive Suite with Balcony - Faik Pasha Hotels, Beyoglu Istanbul — Executive Suite with Balcony at Faik Pasha Hotels

Faik Pasha Hotels is in Çukurcuma, Beyoğlu, the same district as AKM. Set in four historic 19th-century buildings, we offer rooms furnished with antiques, as well as suites and apartments with kitchens. Homemade breakfast is served in the courtyard. You can compare all options on our room types page.

Before and After the Opera

AKM stands on Taksim Square, where İstiklal Avenue begins. During your stay, you can also explore Çukurcuma’s antique shops and cafés.

Practical Tips

Be at the door with your ticket at least one hour before the start, as AKM asks; late entry is not permitted.
Check ticket availability on Sanat Cepte before you travel.
For the January 2027 dates, check the start time on Sanat Cepte once tickets are on sale.
Taksim metro station (M2) is at Taksim Square.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Lucia di Lammermoor at AKM?

On Thursday, 19 November and Saturday, 21 November 2026 at 20:00, in the Türk Telekom Opera Hall of the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) on Taksim Square. Sanat Cepte also lists 6 and 9 January 2027.

Who is performing?

Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, with its orchestra and chorus, in a production directed by Jean-Louis Grinda. The AKM event page lists Antonio Pirolli and Zdravko Lazarov as conductors.