Paphos, Cyprus. The Pafos Aphrodite Festival will return on September 4 and 5 with Gaetano Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore as the main production of its 24th edition. The performances will take place in the square of Paphos’ Medieval Castle.
Festival production
The opera will be presented by the Armenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre with the participation of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. Organisers said the historic waterfront setting will once again serve as an open-air stage, with the medieval castle forming the backdrop to the performances.
Festival role in Cyprus
The Pafos Aphrodite Festival is regarded as a leading opera event in Cyprus and has established a reputation for presenting productions and artists from abroad to local audiences. Organisers said the 2026 edition continues their commitment to maintaining a high artistic standard following the festival’s revival in recent years.
About the opera
First performed in 1832, L’Elisir d’Amore is one of Donizetti’s best-known works and remains a regular part of the operatic repertoire. The opera follows Nemorino, a young villager who believes a love potion will help him win the affection of the woman he loves, in a story marked by humour, romance and misunderstandings.
Festival history
Organisers said the choice of opera reflects the festival’s aim of presenting works that are both accessible and artistically significant for experienced opera audiences and newcomers. Since its establishment in 1999, the festival has been organised by Pafos Aphrodite Festival Cyprus, whose sole shareholder is the Municipality of Paphos, and has played a role in Cyprus’ cultural life and international profile.
Performance details
The performances of L’Elisir d’Amore will begin at 7.30pm on September 4 and 5 at the Medieval Castle in Paphos. Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.cy.