An introduction to Aida

This opera is a roller coaster of emotions told through powerful music. Come
to see this if you want opera on a grand scale!

Here’s everything you need to know about ENO’s new production of
_[Aida](https://www.eno.org/operas/aida/)._

## It’s an opera by Verdi

_Aida_ is an opera by Italian composer [Giuseppe
Verdi](https://www.eno.org/composers/giuseppe-verdi/). It was first performed
on 24 December in 1871 in Egypt, to celebrate the opening of the Khedival
Opera House in Cairo. Although Verdi himself didn’t attend the premiere, he
was still disappointed that the audience consisted of mainly invited
politicians and critics, and no members of the general public. He therefore
considered the Italian premiere at La Scala, Milan in February 1872 its _real_
premiere. Since then,_Aida_ has been performed frequently at opera houses
around the world.

You might recognise the composer’s name as he also wrote
[_Rigoletto_](https://www.eno.org/operas/rigoletto/)which was on at ENO in
February 2017, as well as [_La traviata_](https://www.eno.org/operas/la-
traviata/).

### The story of _Aida_

Set in Ancient Egypt, _Aida_ is a timeless story of love and betrayal against
the backdrop of war. Aida is an Ethiopian princess held captive in Egypt, in
love with a General, Radames, and he with her. When he is chosen to lead a war
with Ethiopia, we follow the conflict of Aida’s love for both Radames and for
her country.

[Read the full synopsis of _Aida_](https://www.eno.org/operas/aida/)

[YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/17xKA3U57Ho?feature=oembed)

Video

## Our production features some familiar ENO faces

This production of _Aida_ is directed by Olivier Award-winning director,
[Phelim McDermott](https://www.eno.org/artists/phelim-mcdermott/). Phelim has
been behind some of our most loved productions, including our sell-out
_[Akhnaten](https://www.eno.org/whats-on/akhnaten/),_ as well as another of
our upcoming revivals, _[Satyagraha](https://www.eno.org/operas/satyagraha/)._
Phelim brings back the same creative team from these previous productions,
including costume designer [Kevin Pollard](https://www.eno.org/artists/kevin-
pollard/) and set designer [Tom Pye](https://www.eno.org/artists/tom-pye/).

Aida was first performed at ENO in 1931 but hasn’t been on stage at the London
Coliseum for nearly 10 years. Traditionally Aida is set in Ancient Egypt with
lots of bright colours and often the addition of an elephant or two! This
production, however, will be strikingly different with a slightly more
contemporary feel.

###

Watch Director Phelim McDermott introduce his production of Aida

[YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/R8n-WMSBzIQ?feature=oembed)

Video

## You’ve probably heard it before

Perhaps the best-known part of the opera comes in the second act in the form
of the Triumphal March. Verdi is known for his big, catchy melodies – like
[this famous tune](https://www.eno.org/collections/women-abandon-us-verdis-
rigoletto/) in[ _Rigoletto_](https://www.eno.org/operas/rigoletto/) and the
Drinking Song in [_La traviata_](https://www.eno.org/operas/la-traviata/) –
and the Triumphal March is no exception.

One of the largest set pieces in opera, the Triumphal March shows a victorious
army returning home, often with a full chorus and dance troupe on stage. The
trumpets heard at the beginning of the March were specifically commissioned
for the Aida orchestra at the premiere as they play such a crucial part in the
piece – so make sure you listen out for them!

[YouTube Video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/8HaGe8BGy44?feature=oembed)

Video

Aida has also been turned into multiple feature length films due to the
cinematic nature of the story and setting. One of the films, from 1953,
starred Italian screen legend Sophia Loren in her first leading role, who lip-
synced to a recording of Italian opera star Renata Tebaldi who had originally
been considered for the role but did not want to appear on screen.

The epic story of _Aida_ also inspired pop icon [Elton John’s
musical](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KGBpb-e-bs) by the same name,
although it doesn’t feature any of Verdi’s music. It premiered in 2000 and won
five Tony Awards.