The Metropolitan Opera Presents (1977– )
Pharaoh's daughter Amneris loves general Radames, but he loves slave Aida. Aida's father leads the Ethiopian army to invade Egypt. When he's captured, he wants Aida to gain military secrets from Radames.
Director: Brian Large
Conductor: James Levine
Rodney Griffin ... choreographer
First performance at Cairo, December 24, 1871
Time: period of the Pharaohs’ power
Place: Memphis and Thebes
Although this is a monochrome production, the sets and costumes are beautiful, all in shades of white and gold with blue trim. The backdrops (actually 3-D walls with statuary and/or carvings) are magnificent, especially since the Met stage is so very high.
As shown on the poster, this is a cast of hundreds for some scenes. The triumphal processional after Egypt has won the war is very impressive, complete with a few horses.
The Ethiopian principals (Aida, Amonasro) wear dark makeup.
Cast:
THE KING OF EGYPT Bass : Dimitri Kavrakos
AMNERIS, his daughter Contralto : Dolora Zajick
AMONASRO, King of Ethiopia Baritone : Sherrill Milnes
AÏDA, his daughter and slave of Amneris Soprano : Aprile Millo
RADAMES, an Egyptian officer Tenor : Plácido Domingo
RAMPHIS, High Priest of Egypt Bass : Paata Burchuladze
A MESSENGER Tenor : Mark Baker
Met Opera, cond. Levine; 8
