Aida

In Memphis, the ancient city of the pharaohs, there is tension in the air. Egypt’s eternal enemy Ethiopia is preparing to invade the country, the priests at the temple withdraw to designate the commander-in-chief of the army and a nameless king passively watches events unfold while still enjoying his power. Inside the walls of the palace an erotic and dangerous game is being played between two women and a man. Aida, an Ethiopian slave girl to the king’s daughter Amneris, and Radames, the young and successful Egyptian commander-in-chief of the army, are in love. This is a forbidden and dangerous love, for Amneris too is dreaming of a life by the young officer’s side. Nor is the explosive situation conducive to amorous escapades. Political and state interests come face to face with personal passions and vendettas. What war and love can do to people.

Aida was the most exotic composition commission in Verdi’s career. His libretto was based on a work, inspired by Egyptian sources, by the world famous Egyptologist Mariette. The opera was commissioned by the Khedive of Egypt to celebrate the opening of his new opera house in Cairo. In Aida, Verdi continued his transformation of grand opera, which he had already exploited in Don Carlos, into musical drama. The intimacy with which the emotional and psychological conflicts between the main characters are expressed contrasts starkly with the monumentality of the thrumming triumphal processions and solemn temple rituals.

Duration: 20.00h - ca. 22.45h; afternoon performances 15.00h - ca. 17.45h.