Aida
Opera
Giuseppe Verdi

Aida

Experience the timeless majesty of Giuseppe Verdi's opera "Aida" at the Splitsko ljeto Festival, where ancient history and captivating music converge. Since its monumental debut at the festival in 1954, "Aida" has become an integral part of the cultural fabric, delighting audiences as the most performed, attended, beloved, and recognizable production of the Splitsko ljeto Festival. The legendary builders of Diocletian's Palace envisioned the Peristil as a stage fit for "Aida," seamlessly blending the performance space with the audience, offering an unparalleled ambiance that immerses both performers and spectators alike.

Aida

In the current directorial production, "Aida" premiered in 2014, with Dražen Siriščević at the helm of direction, Juraj Zigman designing exquisite costumes, and Slaven Raos creating a grandiose set that breathes life into the Peristil. This production has been hailed as the most opulent staging of "Aida" ever witnessed within the Peristil's majestic walls.

Embark on a mesmerizing journey as the story unfolds across four acts. In the first act, set in the royal palace hall in Memphis, Egypt, news spreads of Ethiopian invaders breaching the pharaoh's land. A young warrior, Radames, is appointed by the king as the commander of the Egyptian forces, entrusted with the mission to destroy the enemy. His victory holds the promise of not only glory but also freedom for his beloved Aida, a slave in the pharaoh's court. However, any triumph by Radames will bring despair to Aida's people, while an Ethiopian victory carries the death of the beloved hero. The tragic conflict between love and duty intensifies with the jealousy of Amneris, the pharaoh's daughter, who also harbors affections for the young warrior.

In the second act, the scene shifts to the Temple of Vulcan in Memphis, where a solemn ceremony unfolds. The supreme priest bestows upon Radames a sacred sword, invoking prayers to the gods for protection and victory in the Egyptian warfare.

As the narrative progresses into the third act, the royal chamber comes alive with anticipation. Amneris eagerly awaits the victorious Radames, preparing to crown him with the laurels of triumph. Aida, accompanied by Amneris, is deceived into believing that the Egyptian victory has come at the high cost of Radames' life. Overwhelmed by grief and her emotions towards the young hero, Aida's despair further fuels Amneris' jealousy and incites the wrath of the pharaoh's daughter. Radames returns as the triumphant hero. As a reward for his military achievements, he is promised Amneris' hand in marriage, and together they are destined to rule Egypt. At Radames' request and guided by the advice of the high priest, the Ethiopian prisoners, including Aida's father, King Amonasro, are set free, with only the two of them held as hostages to prevent another uprising. Aida is shattered as she witnesses Radames leading Amneris into the palace.

In the third act, on the banks of the Nile, Aida learns of the Egyptian battle plans from Radames, as directed by her father. She convinces him to flee. However, due to this betrayal, the high priest declares Radames a traitor and orders his arrest.

Fourth act: Antechamber in front of the palace staircase - Radames, accused of treason, awaits his trial in the dungeon. Amneris seeks to save him on the condition that he renounces Aida, but the unfortunate prisoner refuses - he would rather die. According to the verdict, he will be buried alive. Amneris despairs and curses the judges. The final scene takes us to the tomb - Faithful Ethiopian slave, Aida, dies together with Radames, willingly entombing herself alive alongside him, while Amneris prays over their grave.

Conductor

Jure Bučević

Director

Dražen Siriščević

Set Designer

Slaven Raos

Costume Designer

Juraj Zigman

Choreographers

Oskar Harmoš i Dinko Bogdanić

Choirmaster

Veton Marevci

Light Designer

Zoran Mihanović

Director's Associatea

Jelena Bosančić

Concertmaster Valter Lovričević
Accompanist Ana Šabašov
Stage Managers Mark Anton Gančević, Elza Tudor Gančević
Prompter Irina Padovan

The King of Egypt

Božo Župić

Amneris, daughter of the King

Irena Parlov

Aida, an Ethiopian princess

Alessandra di Giorgio

Radamès, Captain of the Guard

Luis Chapa

Ramfis, High Priest

Mate Akrap

Amonasro, King of Ethiopia

Elia Fabbian

A messenger

Lovre Gujinović

Voice of the High Priestess

Maja Andrijolić / Neda Pejković