THE DAY TELEGRAPH

Oh, what a feeling.

Aida Sydney a soaring success story

The production of the colossal opera Aida at the Sydney Football Stadium is a Triumph. The majesty of this work which often defines staging because it needs to be presented on a grand scale, is given full rein by the elegance and innovation at Operama – International Opera Festival.

The scene is set by a Sphinx towering over the central stage with three Pyramids beyond. Subtly lit these wonders of the ancient world loom atmospherically performing that magic that opera is capable of – to transport the audience to the reign of emotions evoked through music and poetry.

The proportions of the set and the vast stage which fans out to line lengths of the football stadium may have dwarfed the performers. Instead the set strengthens the passion and human tragedy that this opera is all about.

Beautiful

And the open air setting enhanced the mood – even the light rain could not damp it. Amid all this music and the singing beneath…their beauty greater than the odd technical hitch which is unavoidable. Katia Ricciarelli in the title role is sublime, her perfect soprano singing beautiful. As her Lover Radames, Bruno Sebastian, was the exact same, this tenor sweet and strong.

This is the story of lovers star-crossed by their warring countries. Aida, an Ethiopian princess held slave by the Egyptians. Radames the captain of the army torn between loyalty to his country and escaping with his beloved. 

There is greater depth than usual in this production in the form of Amneris, Princess of Egypt whose hand maiden is Aida and who also loves Radames.

Ruza Baldani is wonderful in this role, her rich and fruity voice a nice counterbalance to the lovers.

The extensive use of dancers throughout the production is clever. And then there are hundreds of extras in their sensuous and downright sexy costumes. And then there are the animals – it is a pity about the caged lions and tigers. And there were elephants…but camels and horses on stage was a splendid touch and the release of white doves as the lovers faced death together was nothing less than rapturous.

All this accompanied by the most glorious music.

Verdi’s score is fluid pomp and ceremony combined with great delicacy. The Elizabethan Sinfonietta played magnificently under the baton of Giuseppe Raffa, maestro and mastermind of this production. 

Congratulations 

His belief is to present opera to mass audiences around the world. His vision has proved a great success, inspiring new dimensions for opera.

It is no easy feat to organize a venue for about 10,000 people, to feed and water them and present them with the stuff that dreams are made of. The organizers deserve congratulating.

The opportunity to participate in an event that is both a spectacle and a moving experience is rare. There are still seats for the final performance on Saturday. Do not deny yourselves this pleasure.

VERY GRAND – The magnificent setting for the opera Aida being put on at the Sydney Football Stadium