Photo credit: Cory Weaver
Verdi’s spectacular opera Aida is a super choice for the 10th anniversary of the Washington National Opera’s (WNO’s) partnership with the Washington Nationals for M&M’S® Opera in the Outfield.
This is the classic story of the Ethiopian princess enslaved by the Egyptians who is loved by their military hero Radamès. The King of Egypt’s daughter Amneris wants Radamès for herself while Aida’s father Amonasro wants her to be loyal to her family and homeland.
The mythical story of a love triangle wrapped in Verdi’s expressive music has it all: soaring arias and heartfelt duets, lavish choral work and spirited marches, breathtaking ballet and acrobatic dancing. Aida is indeed grand opera at its very grandest.
Aida is a long time favorite where it has been performed at another outdoor sports stadium. The Arena di Verona built in the first century C.E. has staged the spectacle over the last hundred years sometimes with a water pool to conjure up the image of the Nile on which little Egyptian boats could sail as well as a great number of elephants, horses, and dromedaries on stage.
This WNO dazzling new production has sets and costumes inspired by visionary artist RETNA, who has designed the Las Vegas Nike store, the airline VistaJet’s tailfin of the VistaJet Global Express XRS, and the artwork for Justin Bieber’s new album Purpose. His vibrant hieroglyphics and calligraphy lend a unique modern edge to this classic.
The event is free to the public. Gates will open at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23 at Nationals Park for pre-opera activities. The opera will be broadcast live from the Kennedy Center Opera House to the high-definition Nats HD scoreboard at 7 p.m.
More information at https://www.kennedy-center.