ST DAVID’S HALL will transform into the extravagance of ancient Egypt for one night only as Verdi Aida comes to town on Wednesday 19 April!
Get ready to experience the pharaohs coming back to life before your eyes as Opera & Ballet International proudly presents an Ellen Kent production with international soloists, an acclaimed chorus and full orchestra.
This breathtaking new interpretation of the classic opera stars the internationally renowned French soprano Alyona Kistenyova as Aida, and the equally revered American mezzo-soprano Zara Vardanean as Amneris.
Aida – the grandest of all Ellen Kent’s operas – features a stunning new set created by Set-Up Scenery, who also build sets for the Royal Opera Covent Garden. The splendour of Egypt is set against the grandeur of the Coliseum of Rome with Ellen Kent’s direction influenced by the ancient Greek dramas of Euripides and the powerful religious hold of the Egyptian priests. Expect cascades of glittering gold, magnificent 7ft ebony statues and gold replicas from the Tutankhamen collection, plus spectacular dancing Poi fire spinners.
This tragic story of war, jealousy and revenge revolves around the doomed love of the beautiful Ethiopian slave girl Aida, and the Egyptian hero Radames. Aida is widely regarded as the best score that Verdi ever wrote, and it features the great arias Celeste Aida, Ritorna Vincitor and the classic Triumphal March, which is accompanied by a captivating temple dance.
Ellen said: “I have produced and directed many Aida’s over the years and it still remains the biggest challenge a producer can face. My vision of Aida, matches Verdi’s vision and I try and give Aida the grandeur which Verdi achieved in the first production in Egypt when he was commissioned to write an opera for the opening of the Suez Canal and premiered in Cairo1871.”
From ornate alabaster fountains and fiery walls of fire to beautifully bejeweled elephants and Bedouin dancers, Verdi Aida has it all!
Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Cast subject to change.
“Visually and vocally gripping from start to finish” The Independent
“Bursting with colour, grandeur and wealth” Edinburgh Evening News
“Aida has one of the most imposing sets you will see on an operatic stage” Manchester Evening News
| Standard Price | £15 | £19 | £23.50 | £27 | £32 |
| Friends of Ellen Kent Club / Friends of St David’s Hall | £5 per ticket off top 3 prices up to a maximum of 4 tickets (cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer) |
| Under 16s | Students | Claimants | Disabled people +1 companion | Half-Price |
| Overs 60s | £2 off |
| Groups 10-19 | £1 off each ticket |
| Groups 20+ | £2 off each ticket |
All ticket prices are subject to an additional £3.95 Ticket Service Charge per transaction and an optional £1 postage fee.
To book your seats, please visit www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk
or call the Box Office on 029 2087 8444.
