The first of Opera Australia’s critically acclaimed digital productions, Aida, by celebrated Italian director and choreographer Davide Livermore, will return to Sydney in June, kicking off OA’s 2021 winter season at the Sydney Opera House.
Using OA’s integrated digital technologies, Livermore’s interpretation of Verdi’s world of Egypt conveys the scale, depth and magnificence demanded by this monumental opera, transporting the audience experience to a whole new level.
OA’s Artistic Director Lyndon Terracini is pleased to bring back such an epic production. “This digital production of Aida demonstrates the leaps forward OA is making in theatrical staging,” he said.
“It is grand opera at its best; with a huge cast, amazing music, incredible costumes and a modern set using digital screens, all combining to create jaw-dropping impact,” said Mr Terracini.
Ten towering LED screens create an immersive theatrical experience, as ever-changing floor-to-ceiling set pieces present video design that ranges from rich symbolism to vivid landscapes. Coupled with Gianluca Falaschi’s magnificent costume designs, this production proves to be a feast for the senses.
Completing the picture, OA has assembled a cast featuring some of the world’s best singers. International sopranos Leah Crocetto and Elena Guseva will share the titular role of Aida next to tenors Stefano La Colla and Najmiddin Mavlyanov as Radamès to lead an outstanding cast of more than one hundred musicians, singers, dancers and actors in this extravagant production.
Reprising her 2018 portrayal of Amneris is the stunning French-Russian mezzo-soprano Elena Gabouri who will share the role with Agnieszka Rehlis, while basses Daniel Sumegi and David Parkin will share the role of Ramfis. Baritone Michael Honeyman returns as Amonasro, sharing it with Warwick Fyfe.
From its moving opening with delicate strings in the orchestral prelude, to its famous Triumphal March, this is a score that demands rapt attention. Sharing command of the cast, Opera Australia Chorus and Orchestra will be Italian Lorenzo Passerini and OA’s head of music, conductor Tahu Matheson.
Premiering in 1871 when Giuseppe Verdi was well established as the leading composer of his day, Aida was a spectacle from the start. Egypt needs a hero to lead their army against Ethiopia and the chosen Radamès hopes to win not just the battle but also the hand of beautiful slave girl Aida. However she is secretly an Ethiopian princess and is torn between her love for the Egyptian hero and her homeland.
Conductors: Lorenzo Passerini, Tahu Matheson Director & Choreographer: Davide Livermore Featuring: Leah Crocetto, Elena Guseva, Elena Gabouri, Agnieszka Rehlis, Stefano La Colla, Najmiddin Mavlyanov, Warwick Fyfe, Michael Honeyman, Daniel Sumegi, David Parkin, Gennadi Dubinsky, Jane Ede, Dean Bassett, Opera Australia Chorus, Opera Australia Orchestra Revival Director: Shane Placentino Set Designer: Giò Forma Costume Designer: Gianluca Falaschi Digital Content Designer: D-Wok Lighting Designer: John Rayment Assistant Director: Shaun Rennie
Aida
Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Season: 22 June – 13 August 2021
Information and Bookings: www.opera.org.au
Image: The Cast of Aida in Opera Australia’s 2018 production of Aida at the Sydney Opera House – photo by Prudence Upton