“I don’t want to work in ballet or opera, where people say, ‘Keep this thing alive that no one cares about anymore.'” This is the phrase that sparked responses from numerous theaters and ballet companies around the world. Timothée Chalamet, an actor known for his portrayals of Willy Wonka and Marty Mauser, uttered these words on February 21, 2026 , in an interview with Matthew McConaughey.
A phrase said lightly, but which went viral on the web. Theaters, artists, musicians, and enthusiasts had a field day responding to the American actor on social media. Among the most viral responses was that of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, one of the most evocative places in the capital where you can listen to live music or admire classical ballet performances.
“Hi Timothée, we know you’re a Roma fan, but something tells us you should broaden your horizons and come visit us: you’ll discover other passions too. Because yes, opera and dance are alive and well, in Rome and around the world: missing out on them would be a real shame.”
This is what the caption of the video posted on the official Instagram profile of the Rome Opera House reads. A classy, slightly sarcastic response that echoes Chalamet’s words and follows them with a series of video clips depicting artists and audiences inside the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. We weren’t the only ones who liked this video; thousands of people did too: the reel has racked up over 700,000 views and almost 40,000 likes!
Opera, ballet, and live music in Rome for those who still care
If you want to rediscover opera and ballet in grand style, the Teatro dell’Opera is definitely the place for you. Among the events not to be missed, and still at affordable prices, is Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, on stage from June 21 to 30, 2026. As for ballet, from June 9 to 14, 2026, there will be the premiere performance of George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a choreographic work that brings Shakespeare’s classic to the Costanzi stage with timeless elegance.
There is no shortage of brilliant candlelit classical music events. Candlelight Roma presents the music of timeless classical composers such as Vivaldi and hits by world-famous contemporary artists in a classical version that will leave you speechless. Try it for yourself!
Opera and ballet in Rome: a bit of history
The tradition of Roman dance has its roots in the Renaissance courts of popes and noble families, but it took professional shape with the opening of the Teatro Costanzi (now the Opera) in 1880, where choreographer Carlotta Brianza, the first Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, fused classical elegance and Italian melodrama.
Here, between the end of the 19th century and the splendor of the 20th century, ballet and opera grew side by side, with conductors such as Arturo Toscanini leading the scene. From 1880 onwards, the Costanzi established itself as the beating heart of the Verdi and Puccini repertoire, with historic premieres such as Tosca that enchanted the whole world. Today, it remains the undisputed epicenter of ballet, classical concerts, and opera in the capital, welcoming international stars in productions that enchant season after season.
