AIDA, an Ethiopian princess, is captured and brought into slavery in Egypt. A military commander, Radamès, struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh. To complicate the story further, Radamès is loved by the Pharaoh's daughter Amneris, although he does not return her feelings. Sonja Frisell’s production captures all the grandeur and excitement of Verdi’s monumental opera, particularly the great triumphal scene where the Egyptian army, led by Radamès (Plácido Domingo), returns victorious from war. Aprile Millo is Aida, the slave girl whose love for Radamès has her squaring off with Amneris (Dolora Zajick), the Egyptian princess who also loves him. Sherrill Milnes is Amonasro, and James Levine leads The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Chorus, and Ballet.
Acting
Domingo and Millo's devastating chemistry
Production
That triumphal scene with actual elephants probably
Direction
Brian Large's intimate camera in massive sets
Director
Brian Large
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was the first Metropolitan Opera production ever broadcast live in HD to movie theaters, basically inventing opera cinecasts.
Verdi wrote Aida for Cairo's opera house opening, making this the most elaborate colonial apology in music history. The 1989 Met version leans into the spectacle while sidestepping the awkward 'Egypt good, Ethiopia bad' politics.
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