Opera Birmingham

by Giuseppe Verdi
in Italian with English titles
Friday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 31 at 2:30 p.m.
Wright Center, Samford University
Sung in Italian with projected English titles Buy Tickets

CAST:

(subject to change)

Aida: Kristin Lewis
Amneris: Jane Dutton
Radames: Roy Cornelius Smith
Amonasro: Kevin Short
Ramfis: Harold Wilson
King: Jason Hardy
High Priestess: Veronica Chapman-Smith
Messenger: Elias Hendricks, III

Stage Director: William Florescu
Conductor: Joseph Mechavich
The Opera Birmingham Chorus
The Stillman College Concert Choir
The Alabama Symphony Orchestra

Listen

Celeste Aida 
Ritorna vincitor
Triumphal March 
Vieni, o guerriero vindice 

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Opera Synopsis

ACT I

Near the ancient Egyptian palace of Memphis, Radamès learns from Ramfis, the high priest, that war may come soon to the region. Radamès hopes that he will be chosen to lead the army, and envisions triumph that will allow him to free his beloved Aida, the Ethiopian slave to Princess Amneris. Amneris herself loves Radamès, and her jealousy abounds when he meets with her and Aida. The Kings arrives in procession, announcing that the Ethiopians are moving toward Thebes. He appoints Radamès commander of Pharaoh’s armies as the crowd shouts victory. Left alone, Aida is torn between her love for Radamès and her native homeland. Though a slave now, she is the daughter of the Ethiopian king Amonasro. She prays to the gods to have mercy. The temple priestesses then praise the god Ptah as the priests consecrate the sword of Radamès.

ACT II

Radamès and his army have defeated Ethiopia. Amneris is entertained by slaves while preparing for Radamès’ triumphal entry into Thebes. Aida approaches, and the princess tries to pry her innermost thoughts from her by pretending that Radamès has died in battle, and then telling her that he survived. Convinced by Aida’s reactions to these pieces of news that she indeed loves Radamès, Amneris leaves for the festivities. Aida reiterates her prayers.

A parade and dance mark Radamès’ triumphal entry into the city. Captured Ethiopians follow him, among them Amonasro, Aida’s father, who signals to her not to betray his identity as king. Impressed by Amonasro’s plea for mercy, Radamès asks the King to commute the death sentence. The King grants his request, along with the hand of Amneris, but Amonasro is kept in custody.

ACT III

Amneris is led by Ramfis to the temple of Isis for a wedding vigil. Nearby, Aida, who has been waiting for Radamès, is overcome with nostalgia for her homeland. Amonasro appears and preys on her feelings; Aida is forced to agree to ask Radamès where the Egyptian army will enter into Ethiopia. Radamès, in a fit of love, reveals the military secret, and Amonasro steps out from the shadows just as Amneris and Ramfis exit the temple. Aida barely escapes with her father, and Radamès surrenders to the priests as a traitor.

ACT IV

At the temple of judgment, Radamès awaits trial. He is unmoved by Amneris’ offer to save his life if he will marry her in place of Aida. He is led away, and Amneris reveals her love. Radamès is condemned to death, and an enraged Amneris curses the priests. Radamès is buried alive in a crypt, but is joined by Aida, who has been hiding there to share in his fate. The lovers bid farewell to earthly life as Amneris, above the crypt, prays for peace.