Organization

Singer

Soprano

Karen Slack

Aida

Tenor

Gianluca Sciarpelletti

Radames

Mezzo-soprano

Deborah Nansteel

Amneris

Baritone

Mark Rucker

Amonasro

Bass

Jordan Bisch

Ramfis

Zaikuan Song

The King of Egypt

Stage director

Linda Brovsky

Conductor

James Meena

Lighting designer

Michael Baumgarten

Emily Urbanek

Michelle Johnson

Peter Scott Drackley

Brian Major

Hyona Kim

Opera Carolina

Charlotte

United States

Belk Theater

Public

English

Approved

Radamès in Verdi’s Aïda with Opera Carolina

Radamès and Amneris backstage

Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece Aida is one of the iconic operas in the history of classical music.  Throughout its history of performance, it has been known for its grand spectacle, embodying the grandeur of ancient Egypt, which is the setting for this story of jealousy and love of country set against the love between Aida and Radames.

When an opera company schedules Aida, it is with the intention of presenting all this grandeur – Excellent principal artists, a large chorus of at least 60 singers, ‘spear-carrying’ extras to bring the spoils of war before Pharoah, dancers and live animals particularly the iconic elephant.  Over the last two decades, regulations for the care and protection of exotic animals, as well as the increased availability and cost of liability insurance, has precluded companies like Opera Carolina from presenting live animals in the Triumphal Scene.  Even in the Arena di Verona, live animals are not present in this scene.

It falls then to the artistic team to create a spectacle that is engaging and does justice to Verdi’s vision.  As always, let us know how we did.

Performance credits (Cast & Crew )

Cast

Crew