As one of the most popular masterpieces created by opera master Verdi, Aida is always favored by worldwide opera lovers - the vivid three-dimensional characterization and passionate melodies. The creative team is joined by Italian set designer Ezio Frigerio and costume designer Franca Squarciapino, who were creative members of NCPA's production of Nabucco.
Aida was premiered in 1871. The plot focuses on the love story between Ethiopian princess Aida and Egyptian hero Radames. At the choice between love and loyalty for defending the country, the couple is indecisive in a dilemma. The opera is full of strong contrast for emotions: Aida loves with infatuation for motherland and Radames, Radames celebrates victory and decides on 'unjust act', and Egyptian princess Amneris has overbearing desire for Radames. The story features plump texture so that people lament for this beautiful love.
In order to achieve accurate representation of regional features and cultural characteristics of the whole storyline, Verdi repeatedly went to museums to watch Egyptian antiquities and asked Egyptian experts for advice. He blends the ancient musical materials into the opera presentation with lively and profound understanding. The grand stage set makes it suitable for outdoor auditoriums.
Music by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni
Premiered on December 24, 1871 at the Cairo Opera Theatre
Coro y Orquesta del National Centre for the Performing Arts de Pekín
Artistic team
Conductor | Zubin Mehta
Stage director | Francesco Micheli
Set designer | Ezio Frigerio
Costume designer | Franca Squarciapino
Lighting designer | Vinicio Cheli
Projection designer | Sergio Metalli
Choreographer | Marco Pelle
Chorus master | Paolo Vero
Cast
Aida | He Hui
Radamès | Jorge de León
Amneris | Marina Prudenskaya
Amonasro | Carlos Almaguer
Ramfis | Tian Haojiang
The King | Chen Peixin
Priestess | Zhou Xiaolin
Messenger | Wang Yang
Sekhmet | Lu Na
Yemaja | Qiu Siting