VERDI’ S AIDA
Act I
VERDI’ S AIDA
CONDUCTED BY HEYWARD
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall Friday, June 13, 2025, at 8 pm
The Music Center at Strathmore Sunday, June 15, 2025, at 3 pm
Jonathon Heyward, conductor Marcus Shields, stage director Aaron M. Copp, scenic & lighting designer Michael Baitzer, repetiteur
CAST in order of vocal appearance: Mark S. Doss, Ramfis Limmie Pulliam, Ramadès Jamie Barton, Amneris Angel Blue, Aida Matthew Anchel, The King Jonathan Pierce Rhodes, Messenger Amber Monroe, High Priestess Reginald Smith, Jr., Amonasro
CHORUS The Washington Chorus
Eugene Rogers, Artistic Director synopsis
Courtesy of Detroit Opera Egypt in the time of the Pharaohs
Act I
SCENE 1 Ramfis, the Egyptians’ chief priest, tells Radamès that the god Isis has chosen the general who will lead the Egyptian armies into battle against the invading Ethiopians. Radamès hopes that he has been chosen so that he may return victorious to Aida, an enslaved Ethiopian woman, whom he loves. Amneris, Princess of Egypt, secretly loves Radamès but suspects a relationship between him and Aida. The Pharaoh hears reports of the invasion. He announces that Isis has chosen Radamès as Egyptian commander-in-chief and leads everyone in demanding revenge on the Ethiopians. Amneris urges Radamès to return victorious.
Aida, who is actually the daughter of the Ethiopian king, Amonasro, is torn between her love for her country and for Radamès. In despair, she implores the pity of the gods.
SCENE 2 Ramfis brings Radamès to the altar in the temple, where he receives a sword and the gods’ blessing on the campaign.
GIUSEPPE VERDI
Aida
( Complete, in Italian with English supertitles) Libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni
Act I Act II
INTERMISSION
Act III Act IV
This program is made possible by the support of the BSO’ s Opera Giving Circle.
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Dedicated in Memory of Vincent Gioacchino Castellano