AIDA

Opera in four acts. Aida, a beautiful and monumental opera, was commissioned in 1869 by Ismail Pasha, the Khedive of Egypt, for the ceremonial opening of the Suez Canal. Initially, Verdi was not interested in the libretto's subject matter, but a fabulous honorarium of 150,000 francs in gold and a free hand in selecting performers for all roles quickly convinced him to collaborate. Under these comfortable conditions, a timeless and unforgettable masterpiece was created. The premiere took place in its natural setting in Cairo on December 24, 1871. The libretto tells the story of Aida, daughter of the Ethiopian King Amonasro, who as a slave at the Egyptian court falls mutually in love with the Egyptian commander Radames. Unfortunately for her, the daughter of the Egyptian king, Amneris, is also in love with him.