New Production

The English National Opera bring together the combined force of their performers, chorus, and orchestra for Verdi's epic. First performed in Cairo in 1871, Aida has come to be synonymous with grand operas and is still one of the most performed works in the canon. With militaristic flourishes and tender romance, it is one of Verdi's finest scores and when paired with the sorry tale of passion and loyalty, is truly an exceptional theatrical experience from the opera novice to the veteran.

This new production is helmed by Improbable director Phelim McDermott, the Olivier winning mind behind last year's Akhnaten with the title role shared by two sopranos making their ENO debuts; Latonia Moore and Morenike Fadayomes.

Forbidden love

Set in Ancient Egypt, the story centres around the conflict between forbidden love and hatred for one's enemies. Aida, a seemingly lowly Nubian slave girl is in love with her Egyptian captor Radames, a distinguished warrior on the battlefield. Unbeknownst to everyone however, she is in fact the captured princess from Ethiopia, whose furious father is on his way to rescue, laying waste to Egypt in his path. Adding to the sense of danger is Amneris, the Egyptian princess, whose love for Radames cannot shake the feeling that Aida just may be her rival in love.