Opera in four acts
Music: Giuseppe Verdi (1814-1901)
Libretto: Antonio Ghislanzoni and Camille du Locle, based on a novel by Auguste Mariette Bey.

Aida was composed for the opening of the Suez Canal and was subsequently performed for the first time with great success in the Cairo Opera on 24 December 1871. At the time Verdi was already held in high regard as a composer throughout Europe, but the success of Aida consolidated his international fame.

In Aida Verdi produced an opera on the model of the French grand opera, characterised by mass scenes (large choirs and monumental scenery, special effects etc.)
The story is set in ancient Egypt (Memphis and Thebes) during the New Kingdom. Aida tells the story of the love between Aida, an Ethiopian princess taken into slavery in Egypt and Radames, an Egyptian general and commander of the troops who are occupying Aida’s country. This love is opposed by Amonasro, Aida's father who is thirsting for revenge, and Amneris, pharaoh’s daughter who is also in love with Radames.

Conductor: Dan Ettinger

Main characters and roles:

• Aida, Ethiopian princess (soprano): Kristin Lewis
• The King of Egypt (bass)
• Amneris, the king's daughter (mezzo-soprano): Olga Borodina
• Radames, Captain of the Guard (tenor): Marcello Giordani
• Amonasro, Aida's father, King of Ethiopia, (baritone): Markus Marquardt
• Ramfis, high-priest (bass)
• A Messenger (tenor)
• Voice of a Priestess (soprano)