Details

The essence of Grand Opera first performed in Cairo in 1871. Set in Egypt at the time of the pharoes. A captain of guard (Radames) is in love with Aida, an Ethiopian slave girl - who happens also to be the daughter of the king of Ethiopia. Her mistress, Amneris, is also in love with Radames. When the Ethiopians invade Radames is chosen to lead the army. When they return victorious Radames asks for all the Ethiopian slaves to be released - except Aida and her father who persuades her to trick Radames into revealing the plans of the Egyptian army - but he suggests that they all run away to Ethiopia together. When Radames is accused of treason he gives himself up to let Aida and her father escape but is condemned to be improisoned alive. As the last stones are put in place Aida appears and joins him in the tomb so that they might die together. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Staged in the round amidst the ruins of Ancient Egypt.

Cast/Performers

Chiara Taigi (Aida - Feb12 23 / Mar12 1 / 6 / 8 eve and Feb 25 / Mar12 3 / 10 mats), Marc Heller (Radames Feb12 23 / Mar12 1 / 6 / 8 eve and Feb 25 / Mar12 3 / 10 mats), Tiziano Carraro (Amneris Feb12 23 / Mar12 1 / 6 / 8 eve and Feb 25 / Mar12 3 / 10 mats), David Kempster (Amonasro Feb12 23 / Mar12 1 / 6 / 8 eve and Feb 25 / Mar12 3 / 10 mats), Claire Rutter (Aida Feb12 24 / 25 / 29 / Mar12 2 / 3 / 7 / 9 / 10), Joseph Wolverton (Radames Feb12 24 / 25 / 29 / Mar12 2 / 3 / 7 / 9 / 10), Liuba Sokolva Feb12 24, 25, 29, Mar12 2, 3, 7, 9, 10), Ashley Holland (Amonasro Feb12 24 / 25 / 29 / Mar12 2 / 3 / 7 / 9 / 10), Catrin Aur (Aida Feb12 26 / Mar12 4 / 11 Mats)

Creatives/Company

Music: Verdi
Lyrics: Ghislanzoni
Producer: Raymond Gubbay
Director: Stephen Medcalf
Design: Isabella Bywater
Costume: Isabella Bywater
Musical Director: Andrew Greenwood
Lighting: Andrew Bridge
Sound: Bobby Aitken
Company: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Andrew Greenwood