Opera on 3 - Live from the Met - Verdi's Aida

Set in the ancient Egypt of the pharaohs and with a masterly combination of grand set-pieces, including the spectacle of its swaggering Triumphal March, and intimate scenes, Aida tells the story of the Ethiopian slave girl who finds that her lover and her father are on the opposite sides of warring nations. A love rival to her princess employer, she chooses to be buried alive with her lover Radames, rather than endure life without him. Commissioned for the opening of the Suez Canal, Verdi's Aida has been a staple of the repertory ever since its 1871 Egyptian premiere and is probably the greatest music ever written to celebrate an artificial waterway. Chinese soprano-of-the-moment Hui He takes the title role and the internationally renowned Italian tenor Salvatore Licitra plays her lover. Presented by Margaret Juntwait with guest commentator Ira Siff. There will be live backstage interviews and the Met Quiz during the two intervals. Aida: Hui He (soprano) Radames: Salvatore Licitra (tenor) Amneris: Dolora Zajick (mezzo-soprano) Amonasro: Carlo Guelfi (baritone) King of Egypt: Stefan Kocán (bass) Ramfis (Chief Priest): Carlo Colombara (bass) High Priestess: Elizabeth DeShong (soprano) Messenger: Diego Torre (tenor) Marco Armiliato: conductor Chorus and Orchestra of Metropolitan Opera.