Watch Gladiator in concert under the stars at the Circus Maximus this summer

An epic night out

Ridley Scott's Oscar-winning epic gets the full live orchestra treatment at one of Rome's most storied ancient venues. The film will be projected in Italian with English subtitles, and conductor Ludwig Wicki leads the Rome Opera Orchestra and Chorus through the complete score. The real draw is a rare live appearance by Lisa Gerrard, the Golden Globe-winning composer and vocalist who co-wrote the score with Hans Zimmer and whose voice is the emotional backbone of the film. Hearing it live, in Rome, at night, is the kind of thing people talk about for years.

About that setting

Performances inside the actual Colosseum are extraordinarily rare. Conservation rules, structural load limits, and heritage protections mean the venue can only support small, carefully curated events, and even those are almost always charity or invitation-only affairs. The last time Gladiator screened with a live orchestra inside the Colosseum was in 2018, a one-night fundraiser for around 300 paying guests. The public performances that same week, just as with this summer's run, were held at the Circus Maximus nearby.

That's not a consolation prize. The Circus Maximus is the ancient chariot-racing arena that once held an estimated 150,000 spectators, and it's a genuinely spectacular open-air setting in its own right. Capacity is set at 6,000 per evening, which is large enough to feel like an event and small enough that tickets will go fast.

The dates and times

Both performances start at 9pm local time.

• Friday 3 July

• Saturday 4 July

Making a trip of it

Rome in early July is peak summer, so expect heat, crowds, and golden evening light that makes the city look exactly like the films. The Circus Maximus sits in the valley between the Aventine and Palatine hills, just a short walk from the Colosseum, which given the film is a detour worth making. If you're flying in, Rome Fiumicino (FCO) has direct flights from several major UK airports, and the city is well connected by train if you're combining your trip with other European stops.

Rome's summer opera season is a local institution, not just a tourist event, which means the crowd brings genuine enthusiasm. Nights outdoors in the city can cool down after sunset even in summer, so a light layer isn't a bad call. The show runs late by British standards, so plan your dinner accordingly or lean into the Italian rhythm and eat afterwards.

Watching Russell Crowe avenge his family while Lisa Gerrard sings Now We Are Free live, in a venue built by the ancient Romans, is the kind of travel moment that makes the whole trip. Both July nights are available now, so pick one before they're gone.

FAQ: Gladiator in Concert at Circus Maximus

What is the Gladiator in Concert event in Rome?

It's a special screening of Gladiator at the Circus Maximus, with the Rome Opera Orchestra and Chorus performing Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard’s full score live alongside the film.

When is the Gladiator concert in Rome?

There are two performances: Friday, 3 July, and Saturday, 4 July 2026. Both start at 9 PM local time.

Where is the event taking place?

At the Circus Maximus. The 2026 summer opera season has moved from the Baths of Caracalla due to restoration work.

Will Lisa Gerrard perform live?

Yes. The event is scheduled to feature a rare live appearance by Lisa Gerrard, who co-composed and performed vocals on the Gladiator soundtrack alongside Hans Zimmer.

Who is Lisa Gerrard?

Lisa Gerrard is a Golden Globe-winning Australian composer and vocalist who co-wrote the Gladiator score with Hans Zimmer. She is also known as one half of the influential art-music duo Dead Can Dance.

How many people can attend each night?

The venue has a capacity of 6,000 spectators per evening.

Will the film have English subtitles?

Yes. The film will be projected in Italian with English subtitles.

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available through the official Teatro dell'Opera di Roma website.