The opera "Aida" by Giuseppe Verdi is not only set in Egypt and premiered in Cairo, but throughout the history of its origin it is closely linked to the country on the Nile and its viceroy, the Khedive Ismael Pasha. How Verdi initially reacted to the request to compose the opera and how strongly the contemporary developments in Europe and Egypt influenced the work in addition to the interest in archeology, Johann Casimir Eule tells in the opera guide online.

Aida

Semperoper Dresden

Christmas Eve, 1871. In Cairo’s newly built opera house, the curtain rises on the premiere of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida. This is a turning point in cultural history, when an occidental passion for exoticism and an oriental interest in European high culture come together to create great art. Very few works of opera have achieved such widespread popularity. And rightly so: with its thrilling musical effects, exotic sounds and tableaux, the colourful instrumentation and monumental scenes alternating with moments of great intimacy, Aida is a true musical and dramatic treasure trove. And that’s not all. Through the tragic love affair between the Ethiopian princess Aida and the Egyptian army commander Radamès, torn between the interests of state, church and family, Giuseppe Verdi reflects on the crisis-ridden plight of the modern individual, ending with a highly moving plea for the utopian power of love.

Christopher Tölle

Events

Upcoming events

11 - 28 Jun, 2026

Aida · Semperoper Dresden

Past events

Mar 5, 2022 - Jan 15, 2023

Aida · Semperoper Dresden

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