The anticipation had been building for months—three long months, to be exact—before the night of August 10th, 2024, arrived, marking the premiere of Aida 1913 at the Arena di Verona. This wasn’t just any performance; it was the revival of the original production of Aida, first staged at Verona in 1913. A historic night, under the stars and warm skies of Verona, the experience was nothing short of spectacular. Words fall short in describing the grandeur, the magnificence, and the sheer abundance of this staging. It was a visual and auditory feast, leaving the audience utterly captivated. If there is one opera to see in Verona this year, it has to be Aida 1913—for the history, for the breathtaking production, and for Verdi’s timeless masterpiece.
The evening was masterfully conducted by Daniel Oren, whose command over the orchestra was as flawless as ever, guiding the music with the precision and passion that Verdi’s work demands.
A special mention must go to Ekaterina Semenchuk, who absolutely stole the show as Amneris. Her performance was nothing short of extraordinary, delivering her role with such finesse and authority that she truly overshadowed the other lead characters. Her voice, powerful yet delicate, embodied Amneris with perfection, making her the undeniable star of the evening.
Piotr Beczala as Radamès was another highlight of the night. It was evident that he relishes this role—his familiarity with the character and the natural charisma he brings to the stage made his portrayal of Radamès exceptional. His powerful tenor voice resonated through the arena, capturing the essence of the brave but conflicted warrior.
Maria José Siri took on the role of Aida with grace and strength. It was my first time witnessing her in this role, and I sincerely hope it won’t be the last. She delivered a poignant and moving performance, truly embodying the character’s tragic arc.
The evening at the Arena di Verona was another in a series of unforgettable experiences that the festival offers each year. The magic of Verona, the stunning productions, and the camaraderie among opera lovers create a unique atmosphere that is difficult to find elsewhere. I was especially delighted to meet the followers of my Instagram account, Opera Diary, and to connect with Alessandra Gambino, the quintessential Veronese behind the media platform Opera Life, as well as her friend Ilaria from the Instagram account “Parole di Musica.”
Leaving Verona is always bittersweet, but the memories linger long after. Until next year, Verona—you have my heart!
CAST :
Conductor : Daniel Oren
Aida : Maria José Siri
Amneris : Ekaterina Semenchuk
Radamès : Piotr Beczala
The King : Simon Lim
Ramfis : Alexander Vinogradov
Amonasro : Luca Salsi
A messenger : Carlo Bosi
Wauw, wat mooi geschreven, en geen woord van gelogen, we waren erbij, trotseerden de hitte op 10 aug. 2024 en namen verder alles voor lief. Wat hebben wij opera Verona lief.