Set in ancient Egypt at the intersection of myth and history, Aida is a musical masterpiece by Giuseppe Verdi that has captivated global audiences for over a century. Commissioned for the ceremonial opening of the Suez Canal and first staged in Cairo in 1871, the opera is a lavish depiction of ancient Egypt and a profound human story about love, duty, and exile. The libretto, by Antonio Ghislanzoni, was based on a storyline conceived by French Egyptologist and author Auguste Mariette, who sketched a plot intertwining tragic love with an exotic historical setting deemed ideal to celebrate the Suez Canal as a symbol of East meeting West. The opera’s plot centres on the love story between Aida, an Ethiopian princess, and Radamès, an Egyptian general. Aida is held captive at the Egyptian court, but their love is thwarted by the political strife between their nations.
One of Aida’s defining traits is its grandeur, beneath which lies an intimate human drama. Verdi contrasts introspective scenes with monumental choral passages and resplendent spectacle. Legend has it that Isma’il Pasha of Egypt, who commissioned the opera, was so moved by the triumphant chorus Gloria all’Egitto that he considered making it the Egyptian national anthem. The fusion of grandeur, human drama, and timeless themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice has made Aida a staple of opera repertoires across the globe.
This production was directed by Mario Pontiggia, an Argentinian opera director known for his commitment to the classical approach and meticulous interpretation, who has previously made significant artistic contributions to the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb with his stagings of Tosca and La Bohème. Musical direction was again under the baton of chief conductor Pier Giorgio Morandi.
The premiere partner is the Embassy of Italy in Zagreb.
