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On 27 February, the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb presented a new, lavish production of Verdi’s Aida, one of the most important works of the operatic repertoire, as part of a major European co-production with Teatro Massimo Palermo and the Csokonai National Theatre in Debrecen. The Zagreb premiere is the first in a series, to be followed by performances in Italy and Hungary. This is an exceptionally demanding and prestigious production, bringing together in Zagreb the finest Croatian opera artists, i.e. the soloists, chorus and orchestra of the Croatian National Theatre Opera, alongside guest appearances by leading artists from the world’s major opera stages. It is precisely this combination of a strong in-house ensemble and internationally acclaimed performers that gives this production of Aida its distinctive artistic importance and international character.

This monumental opera, which combines intimate human drama with grand stage spectacle, is directed by the distinguished Argentinian director Mario Pontiggia, known for his classical, thoughtful approach and precise dramaturgical interpretation, while the performance is conducted by Pier Giorgio Morandi, Chief Conductor of the Croatian National Theatre Opera in Zagreb. Audiences have already had the opportunity to encounter this artistic team in the highly successful production of La bohème in May 2024. Set in the mythical and historical world of ancient Egypt, Aida was first performed in Cairo in 1871 and remains one of Verdi’s most impressive works. Beneath its monumental choral scenes and sumptuous music lies a deeply intimate story of love, duty, sacrifice and identity, shaped by Verdi with extraordinary emotional power.

At the heart of the opera is the tragic love story between Aida, an Ethiopian princess, and Radamès, an Egyptian military commander. The role of Aida is performed by Kristina Kolar and Julija Vasiljeva, Radamès by Stefano La Colla, Tomislav Mužek, Stjepan Franetović and Damir Klačar (cover), while the role of Amneris is shared by Sofija Petrović and Emilia Rukavina. The King of Egypt is sung by Mate Akrap and Toni Nežić, Ramfis by Luciano Batinić and Ivica Čikeš, and Amonasro by Ljubomir Puškarić and Badral Chuluunbaatar. Other roles are performed by Ivo Gamulin, Lovre Gujinović and Josip Švagelj as Messengers, and Josipa Lončar and Hana Ilčić as Priestesses. The production also features the Orchestra and Chorus of the Croatian National Theatre Opera, as well as the Ballet of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb. The exceptional audience interest is further confirmed by the fact that all performances of Aida this season were sold out weeks ahead of the premiere, once again demonstrating how strongly Croatian audiences respond to major classical titles of the operatic repertoire.

A highlight of the run is the gala performance on 5 March, featuring Stefano La Colla as Radamès, one of today’s leading Italian tenors and a regular guest at the world’s most prestigious opera houses, including Teatro alla Scala in Milan, the Wiener Staatsoper, the Royal Opera House Covent Garden in London, the Bavarian State Opera in Munich, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Sydney Opera House.

Speaking about the new production, the Director of the Opera of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb, Željka Barišić Pulig, emphasised that Aida is one of the great triumphs of the operatic repertoire – a work audiences continually seek out and cherish, while at the same time setting the highest artistic and performance standards. She added: “This production confirms the strength of the Zagreb Opera, its ability to participate on equal terms in major European co-productions, and the importance of cultivating classical repertoire through thoughtfully conceived yet artistically true interpretations.”

The new Aida at the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb presents Verdi’s masterpiece in its full splendour; as a major European project, a powerful artistic event and an operatic spectacle, highlighting the Zagreb Opera’s strong international standing.