My Aida Adventure

I’m finishing off writing this post as I wait to catch my coach which leaves for Verona at 4:20 pm.  I am planning a wonderful adventure this evening, a visit to the Verona Opera Festival to watch the marvellous opera “Aida”.

Aida-Set-2010
The Aida Set From My Visit In 2010

This is a special trip for me as a few years ago I visited Verona for the first time and I went to the arena and I watched the stage hands prepare the set for Aida.  I have a vivid memory of a huge golden and blue sphinx head being lifted into position by a huge crane and I was so excited.

Down-By-Staget-2010
Down By The Stage – 2010

At the time I was just venturing into the world of opera and now I am so excited that I get the opportunity to go to watch the production. I wonder if the set will be similar or whether it is a completely different adaptation.

Outside-The-Areana-2010
Outside The Arena – 2010
Aida-Arena-2010
The View From Down By The Stage – 2010

We have just arrived at 8:40 pm in Verona as it took ages to get here 🙂
Here are a couple of pictures outside the arena.

Outside-The-Arena-2015
Outside Waiting To Go In – 2015
Ticket
Here’s My Ticket
Inside-2015
Inside And Getting Ready For The Opera To Start

I have been so busy that I have not had time to write my own synopsis of the opera so I have borrowed the one below to give you a flavour of the story:

Composer:  Giuseppe Verdi

Aida, ACT 1
Outside of the royal palace near Memphis, Ramfis (Egypt’s high priest) informs Radames (a young warrior) that armies from Ethiopia are making their way towards the Nile valley.

Radames expresses his hope of being appointed the commander of Egypt’s army where he can lead his troops to victory, as well as rescue Aida, his Ethiopian lover captured by Egyptian troops. Unbeknownst to him, as well as the rest of Egypt, Aida is the daughter of Ethiopia’s king, Amonasro. Since her capture, Aida has served as slave to the Egyptian princess, Amneris. Amneris is in love Radames, but senses he is in love with another woman. It isn’t long before Amneris figures out who the mystery woman is when she sees the longing glances shared between Radames and Aida. Able to hide her jealousy, Amneris continues to keep Aida as her slave. The king of Egypt arrives and announces that Ramfis’ information was correct and that Ethiopian troops, lead by the King of Ethiopia himself, have already made their way into Thebes. The king appoints Radames as the leader of the army while simultaneously declaring war on Ethiopia. An overjoyed Radames makes his way to the temple to complete his coronation ritual.

Left alone in the hall, Aida becomes distraught as she is forced to choose between her lover and her father and country.

Aida, ACT 2

After their victorious battle, Radames and his troops are returning from Thebes. Inside Amneris’ chambers, she has her slaves entertain her in light of the battle. Doubting her suspicions of Aida and Radames, she decides to test Aida. She dismisses all of her slaves except for Aida. She tells Aida that Radames has died in battle. Aida breaks down and confesses her love for Radames, to which Amneris becomes furious and vows revenge.

Radames makes his triumphal return to Memphis as he and his troops march through the city. The captured Ethiopians follow. Aida rushes to her father, but he makes her promise not to reveal their true identities. The king of Egypt, so delighted with Radames performance, honors him by granting him anything he asks for. Amonasro declares that the King of Ethiopia has been killed, and asks the Egyptian king to set them free. The people of Egypt, however, chant for their death, and the King gives in to their desires. In order to save his lover’s life, he cashes in on the King’s generosity and asks the King to spare the lives of the Ethiopians. The King happily grants him his request and declares Radames his successor and future husband of Princess Amneris. Aida and her father remain in custody to prevent any Ethiopian revolt.

Aida, ACT 3

As preparations are made for the upcoming wedding between Radames and Amneris, Aida waits outside of the temple for Radames in an previously agreed upon spot. Aida’s father, Amonasro, pressures Aida to find out where the Egyptian army is kept. Feeling nostalgic for her homeland, she agrees to her fathers wishes. When Radames comes out of the temple to meet Aida, Amonrasro hides and eavesdrops on their conversation. Aida and Radames talk about their future lives together, and after Aida asks, he tells her where the army is located. Amonasro makes reveals himself and his identity just as Amneris and the high priest come out of the temple. When Aida and Amonasro escape, Aida pleads for Radames to follow them. Instead, Radames submits himself to Amneris and the priest as a traitor.

 

Aida, ACT 4

Frustrated with Radames, Amneris pleads with him to deny his accusations. Full of pride and love for his country, he does not. He accepts his punishment, but is happy to know that Aida and her father have escaped. This hurts Amneris even more so. She tells him that she will save him if he renounces his love for Aida, but again, he refuses. The high priest and his court condemn Radames to death by being buried alive. Amneris begs for their mercy, but they do not budge.

Radames is taken to the lowest level in the temple and is sealed away into a dark tomb. Moments after being locked away, he hears someone breathing in a dark corner; it is Aida. She confesses her love for him and has chosen to die with him. The two embrace as Amneris weeps several floors above them.

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I have also added some pictures from our first our first performance last Wednesday ( 15th July ) as part of the Trentino Music Festival for Mezzano Romantica, it was a Broadway Gala held on the new stage in the square at Mezzano.

We had a tremendous audience and all the performers had a fabulous time. It was wonderful to work with such talented and lovely musicians and I even got the chance to get a little sassy on the dance floor during the performance of “America” from West Side Story.

For my duet I performed “All I Ask Of You” from the Phantom Of The Opera, with Piotr from Poland as Raoul and myself as Christine Daae.

Me-And-The-Girls

Broadway-Group

Broadway-Group-After-The-Show

49 thoughts on “My Aida Adventure”

      2. Thanks, ive noticed that sometimes I tap on the like star and it doesn’t go through. Hope you’re well, you’d love the lace and embroidery here ☺️.
        Best wishes
        Charlotte

  7. Have fun! I expect to hear all about it afterwards :-). And congratulations on your own performance! You all looked gorgeous, and I’m sure sang that way as well!

    Best regards,

    Cate

    Reply

  11. We have visited the Arena in Verona but unfortunately haven’t seen an opera there. My eldest daughter went with a friend two years ago. I hope you enjoy the performance tonight and I look forward to hearing your report. You seem to be having a wonderful and busy time!

    Reply

    1. We had a similar day in Verona years ago with just a one day visit and I always knew I’d come back an experience a performance. I keep myself busy this has been a very different experience for me. I have so much to memorise and I’ve been adding Italian dishes to my cooking repertoire 🙂

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

      1. Italian food is usually quick to prepare and cheap as well as tasting good. I love it! You are so busy! I hope you are going to have a holiday this summer. Clare xx

      2. Yes two weeks ☺️ can’t wait. Holidays for us usually involves lots of walking, visiting caves, castles, etc. it will be nice to give my brain a break from memorising 😀.
        Best wishes
        Charlotte

    1. Not this visit Don but last time I did go onto Juliet’s balcony, it gets very busy, and I loved reading the sticky love notes on the wall.

      Best wishes
      Charlotte

      Reply

  16. I am SO envious. I went to Verona several times as a child and the last time we had tickets for the opera… and they had had a big fire the night before. I have still not seen an opera there. You all look fabulous.

    Reply

  18. Hi Charlotte,

    You look happier than a little kid locked in a candy store (again, 2nd time this week). I will have to revisit the Opera’s Synopsis when I’m not in such a rush. What is it with these triangle love stories, anyway? Often the drama..well, it is an ‘opera’ so I’m starting to think it comes with the territory.

    Take care.
    Eric

    Reply

  19. Um..I have to show them how to write a proper romantic story. This..this is not it. It ended all wrong. I’m glad Disney didn’t end “Beauty & the Beast” like this. Haven’t they ever watched “The Little Mermaid”..”Mulan”..the neighbors across the street? Come on, people, work with me.

    Reply

  20. I know exactly where you’re coming from Eric I’m a Disney kid 🙂 happy endings, Princesses, dancing, singing, happy endings. I’ve learnt to love the tragedies too it sort of puts everyday little problems into perspective.

    Best wishes
    Charlotte

    Reply

  22. What a great venue ~ to have just experienced being in such a place would have been something, but to then have seen and witnessed Aida…too cool. Great photos of yourself as well 🙂

    Reply

  23. What a magnificent set! Imagine all that work with cranes and such to set up for a performance. Glad you’d attended the performance and shared with us the story. It must be quite a sight to see Aida outdoors and starting at 21:00. 😉

    Reply

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