Back by popular demand, one of the greatest opera’s ever, Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece Aida returns to Dubai Opera for the opening of the 2024-2025 season this September! Performed by the Polish National Opera Orchestra, Choir and Soloists under the baton of conductor Patrick Fournillier and the direction of Roberto Laganà Manoli, this timeless tale of love, sacrifice and betrayal in ancient Egypt is a must-see for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Background:

Aida tells the story of an Ethiopian princess captured and enslaved by the Egyptians. She falls in love with Radamès, an Egyptian military commander, leading to a tragic love triangle involving the Pharaoh's daughter, Amneris. The opera, which first premiered in Cairo in 1871, is renowned for its powerful music and dramatic narrative.

 Why it’s a must-see:

  • Iconic Score: Enjoy Verdi's iconic, powerful score performed by the acclaimed National Polish Opera

  • Powerful Performances: Be captivated by the incredible voices and sweeping drama of the tragic story with powerful and emotive performances

  • Spectacular Visuals: Experience grand, visually stunning sets and costumes that transport you to the exotic world of ancient Egypt.

  • Dramatic Love Story: Witness the gripping tale of forbidden love amidst political turmoil, featuring a tragic love triangle and intense emotions that will leave you in awe.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the grandeur and drama of one of the greatest opera’s of all time, Aida at Dubai Opera. Book your tickets now and let Verdi's timeless masterpiece sweep you away on a journey of love, sacrifice, and betrayal.

Premiere night tickets for September 13 will include a glass of champagne.

This show is celebrated by Audi.

  • Conductor: Patrick Fournillier

  • Choreographer: Emil Wesołowski

  • Director, set and lighting designer: Roberto Laganà Manoli

  • Chorus Master: Mirosław Janowski

  • Aida 1: Marigona Qerkezi (13,15)

    Aida 2: Oxana Nosatova (14)

  • Amneris 1: Agnieszka Rehlis (13,15)

    Amneris 2: Monika Ledzion (14)

  • Radames 1: Hovhannes Ayvazyan (13,15)

    Radames 2: Milen Bozhkov (14)

  • Amonasro 1: Andrzej Dobber (13,15)

    Amonasro 2: Stepan Drobit (14)

  • Ramfis 1: Iura Maimescu (13,15)

    Ramfis 2: Remigiusz Łukomski (14)

  • Pharaoh: Bartosz Kieszkowski

  • A Priestess: Katarzyna Trylnik

  • Messenger: Piotr Maciejowski

Act I

Scene 1: At Pharaoh’s palace in Memphis, Ramfis, the high priest of Isis, meets with young warrior Radames. It turns out that the goddess is to choose the commander who will lead the Egyptian forces against the Ethiopians. He is in love with a young slave called Aida who was captured during previous battles with the invaders. He hopes that grateful Pharaoh will then give Aida her freedom and consent to his marriage to his beloved (“Celeste Aida”). Pharaoh’s daughter Amneris approaches the young man immersed in his dreams. She has loved Radames for a long time and is worried by his indifference. A messenger brings news of an Ethiopian attack under King Amonasro’s command. Pharaoh calls upon his compatriots to fight and announces that the goddess Isis has already chosen a commander who will lead the Egyptian forces. Aida faces a dilemma: she would like to wish Radames victory, but that would mean defeat and hardship for her country. (“Ritorna vincitor”).

Scene 2: A ceremony is in progress at the temple of Vulcan, with virgin priestesses dancing religious dances in front of a statue of the god Ftha. To the accompaniment of singing, Ramfis hands Radames a holy sword before the battle (“Nume, custode e vindice”).

Act II

Scene 1: Amneris in her chambers awaits the return of the victorious Egyptian forces. A conversation with Aida satisfies Pharaoh’s daughter that the Ethiopian slave loves Radames. Amneris proudly confesses that she is her rival in love (“Fu la sorte dell’armi”).

Scene 2: Pharaoh arrives with Amneris and Ramfis the high priest. Aida is terrified to see her father, King Amonasro, among the Ethiopian prisoners. To Pharaoh’s enquiry he replies that he is Aida’s father and claims that his king, Amonasro, was killed and begs for mercy. Radames, too, asks for freedom for the vanquished. The Egyptian ruler agrees with the high priest and gives Radames one more token of gratitude for his victory: the hand of his daughter. Radames, however, love is more important than a crown, and Pharaoh’s prize leaves him torn apart.

Act III

Amneris goes to the temple of Isis on the Nile riverbank. Pharaoh’s daughter wishes to spend the night before her wedding on prayer. Aida arrives a moment later for a tryst with her beloved. Her heart is filled with longing for her country (“O patria mia”). Amonasro unexpectedly appears as well. Knowing that Radames is readying for another war expedition, he persuades his daughter to use the Egyptian commander’s love to further the Ethiopian cause (“Ciel! Mio padre!”). Aida refuses, but ultimately surrenders to her father’s will.

Act IV

Scene 1: Pharaoh’s daughter would like to save her beloved Radames and orders that the prisoner be brought to the palace. Before he stands before a court of priests, Amneris promises to obtain a pardon for him if he marries her and renounces Aida. Radames refuses, he would rather die than live without Aida. He stands silent before the court, and the priests led by Ramfis sentence him to death in disgrace.

Scene 2: Radames has been walled up in his tomb. His warm thoughts keep running to Aida. He does not know that she eluded the chase, knows of the court sentence, and hid in the crypt earlier to die with him. Their final meeting is suffused with feelings of love and eternal bliss (“O terra addio”). The deeply grieving Amneris comes to the temple to pray at Radames’ tomb for the peace of his soul.

Approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes including an intermission

Dubai Opera is the ideal venue to celebrate elegance and style. Kindly avoid overly casual or provocative attire, such as shorts or flip flops, to uphold our venue standards. Guests not complying with the dress code will not be permitted entry.

6+ years would require a ticket to enter the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.

Below 6+ years are not permitted into the Dubai Opera Main Auditorium.

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