The third to last opera in Verdi’s catalogue, with a libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni, Aida debuted on 24 December 1871 at the Cairo Opera House. After a long negotiation, Verdi had accepted the proposal of the Khedive of Egypt to compose the opera on an Egyptian subject for the inauguration of the Suez Canal. Although undoubtedly modelled on the canon of grand opéra due to the presence of a historical-political plot, grandiose mass scenes and dances, Aida is also an opera about individuals, first and foremost the protagonist.

Aida, a former Ethiopian princess reduced to the rank of handmaiden to Amneris, the daughter of the Pharaoh, is torn between the love she feels for the head of the Egyptian army Radamès and the love for her homeland, according to a well-known and tried-and-tested cliché of Italian melodrama. The reasons of her heart clash with the loyalty she owes to her father, King Amonasro, who is ready to march on Thebes to free his daughter from slavery. However, in order to remain at her beloved's side, Aida chooses death, buried alive together with her Radamès in one of the most iconic opera finales of Verdi's theatre.

Welcomed triumphantly at its debut, Aida was for many years Giuseppe Verdi's most popular opera. Generally remembered for its trumpets, fanfares, triumphal march and monumental choral pages, Aida is also a work of extremely rarefied musical moments, outlined with precious and delicate orchestral colours, such as for example in the famous finale.

Bayerische Staatsoper staging
More characters TBD (updated: August 22)

Poster © Gianluigi Toccafondo

Pics by Bayerische Staatsoper staging

The performance of the 25th June will be be broadcast live on Rai Radio 3

Meeting with the audience - Parlando di opera

Wednesday, June 18th, 4:30 p.m.
“Piramidal, col tuo fascino egizio non conosci artifizio: Aida, Amneris, Osiris”
by Alberto Batisti

In collaboration with Il Foyer - Amici della Lirica di Firenze
Free admission until all available seats are taken