Ancient Egypt, forbidden love, and costumes that could feed a small nation for a year.
With its cast of hundreds, thrilling score, and sweeping tale of love and heroics in ancient Egypt, Verdi’s Aida has long been a fixture on the stages of every major opera house in the world. For the 2018 revival of Sonja Frisell’s monumental production of this grand masterpiece, the Met assembled a truly all-star cast. Soprano Anna Netrebko takes on the title role for the first time at the Met, and mezzo-soprano Anita Rachvelishvili plays her rival, the conniving princess Amneris. Tenor Aleksandrs Antonenko is Radamès, the warrior that both women love, and Quinn Kelsey lends his robust baritone to Aida’s father, the fallen king Amonasro. Maestro Nicola Luisotti is on the podium to conduct this epic performance, filmed as part of the Met’s series of Live in HD cinema transmissions.
Acting
Netrebko's debut Aida—technically flawless, emotionally devastating.
Production
Frisell's massive sets could swallow lesser operas whole.
Score
Verdi's Triumphal March hits like a sonic pyramid.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This production's sets and costumes originally debuted in 1988 and weigh literal tons—stagehands call it 'the workout opera.'
Verdi composed Aida for Cairo's opera house opening in 1871, making it colonial-era propaganda that audiences now reclaim as anti-colonial tragedy.
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