Opera Australia and Opera Queensland will bring OA’s highly acclaimed digital production of Verdi’s famous Aida to Queensland for the first time this December with seven performances in Queensland Performing Arts Centre’s (QPAC’s) Lyric Theatre.
Hailed as “the future of opera” (Canberra Critics Circle) when it premiered in 2018, this jaw-dropping spectacular was the first production in the world to revolutionise opera with cutting-edge integrated digital technologies, bringing the art form into the 21st century.
Ten towering LED screens glide around the stage, filling the set with emotive imagery, stunning landscapes and rich symbolism, creating a truly immersive theatrical experience perfectly suited for the scale, depth and magnificence of Verdi’s monumental opera.
Acclaimed Italian Director Davide Livermore heightens the drama with breathtaking choreography, visually striking costumes, and magnificent operatic performances combining to transport audiences on an unforgettable, awe-inspiring journey.
A sensational cast will deliver heart wrenching editions of Verdi’s soaring arias, including star soprano Australian-Armenian Natalie Aroyan opposite OA favourite Diego Torre in the role of Radamès.
Admired on Australian stages for her bold singing and characterisations will be French-Russian Elena Gabouri as Amneris while talented bass Alexander Vinogradov returns to reprise his Ramfis.
Brisbane-born baritone Michael Honeyman will reprise his Amonasro and bass singer Conal Coad, who resides in the Gold Coast, will perform as the King.
Members of the Opera Queensland Chorus will join the Opera Australia Chorus to add impressive vocals to the drama and spectacle of this captivating production while Italian Maestro Lorenzo Passerini will conduct the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
From its moving opening with delicate strings in the orchestral prelude, to its famous Triumphal March, this is a score that demands attention. Serving as a wonderful introduction to opera for newbies, and delivering the best of the best for fans, this production is a highlight of OA’s repertoire.
Premiering in 1871 when Giuseppe Verdi was well established as the leading composer of his day, Aida was a spectacle from the start with no expense spared on the costumes and accessories. Its reputation has endured, Aida remains known as one of the most popular operas around the world.
For more information and to book head to opera.org.au/productions/aida-brisbane/
AIDA: 6-20 December 2023 | Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre
