From 19 June, the queen of opera takes to the Arena stage: the seasonal debut of the ‘crystal’ Aida
Six nights with an international cast conducted by Daniel Oren
The second opera of the 103rd Festival, Aida, the most beloved and frequently performed opera in the Arena’s history, will resound from 19 June for six evenings in the ‘crystal’ Stefano Poda staging. Interplays of light, transparencies, lasers, epic crowd scenes and sumptuous costumes come together in an innovative staging that blends the iconography of Ancient Egypt with high fashion and contemporary art. Maestro Oren conducts the artistic ensembles of the Fondazione Arena and an international cast, featuring Siri, Eyvazov, Margaine, Enkhbat and Lim. Following the opening night, performances are scheduled for 25 June and 2, 10, 19 and 24 July, all at 9.15 pm.
In keeping with tradition, following the opening title – the new production of La Traviata – the Arena Opera Festival’s signature masterpiece will take to the stage, just as it has since 1913. Verdi's masterpiece, Aida, strikes a perfect balance between spectacular crowd scenes and gripping, intimate drama. On Friday 19 June, for the first of six performances, the ‘crystal’ production that inaugurated the 100th Festival returns, having revolutionised opera at the Arena through the all-round vision of the award-winning Stefano Poda, who serves as director, set designer, costume designer, lighting designer and choreographer.
Interplays of light, unique transparencies and innovative materials enhance the majestic geometry of the two-thousand-year-old Arena di Verona, positioning it as a part of history, a venue for a collective ritual and a keystone in humanity's journey through love, jealousy, war and prayer. All this is achieved without abandoning the iconography of Ancient Egypt, which is also reflected in the sumptuous and intricately detailed costumes that serve as fine examples of both high fashion and contemporary art.
Verdi's most frequently performed opera at the Arena (Friday's performance will mark its 778th staging here) will feature an alternating cast of iconic international stars. Appearing in the title role as the Ethiopian princess forced into slavery in Egypt will be Maria José Siri for five evenings (with Alessandra Di Giorgio taking over on 19 July), while her romantic rival, Amneris, daughter of the Pharaohs, will be portrayed by Clémentine Margaine (alternating with Alisa Kolosova on 25 June, 2 and 10 July). Between the two, torn between love for his homeland and love for his enemy's daughter is the military commander Radamès, played by Yusif Eyvazov (who also starred as Alfredo in La Traviata), who will alternate with Gregory Kunde on 2 and 10 July. The ritualism of power and religion is a fundamental element of Aida: the high priest Ramfis will be performed by Simon Lim for the first four nights, followed by Alexander Vinogradov; the King of Egypt will be played by Abramo Rosalen; and Amonasro, the Ethiopian King and Aida’s father, will feature alternating performances by Amartuvshin Enkhbat (another star from the opening production) and Youngjun Park. Completing the cast are Carlo Bosi as the Messenger, alternating with Riccardo Rados and Matteo Macchioni, and Francesca Maionchi as the High Priestess.
The Orchestra of the Fondazione Arena and Chorus, prepared by Roberto Gabbiani, are conducted by Daniel Oren, drawing on his vast experience of over 550 appearances on the Arena podium across 38 seasons. Also taking to the stage are hundreds of mimes, extras, young child dancers and the Ballet ensemble coordinated by Gaetano Petrosino.
