Officials at a press conference talking about the preparations for staging the acclaimed opera Aida yesterday
Preparations are in the final stage for staging the acclaimed opera Aida at Katara’s Amphitheatre tomorrow, a spokesman for the organisers said.
Updating the media about the preparations for holding the world renowned show, he said 40 full days were required to set up the equipment for the performances this week. Aida is set to take place tomorrow and on Sunday, at 7.30pm.
Aida has been a recurrent favourite ever since it premiered at Khedivial Opera House in Cairo on December 24, 1871.
Composed by one of the Italian Romanic composers, the late Giuseppe Verdi, Aida is one of the most performed operas worldwide bringing together over 80 choruses, 12 ballet dancers, and 35 locally sourced actors, along with eight of the world’s most famous Verdi singers.
The opera in four acts tells the tale of a forbidden love of Aida, a Nubian princess, captured and enslaved by the Egyptian army, faced with the decision of choosing between her own true love and her loyalty to the people.
The production which has been designed especially for Qatar with performers handpicked by Katara’s artistic director, Dr Emad Sultan, will be directed by Dr Renzo Giacchieri. Conducting the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will be Verdi specialist, Maestro Pier Giorgio Morandi.
Abdulrahman al-Khulaifi, president, Katara, said: “With two sell-out shows we are expecting strong attendance and we believe that fans will be thrilled to be a part of this exhilarating experience at the first opera to be performed at the Amphitheatre. Viewers of this incredible piece of performing arts will be transported into the magical world of opera. We are delighted to receive the team here in Katara and assure they will be putting on a truly exquisite show.
“Katara is committed to enhancing the arts and culture scene in the Middle East by providing a platform for diverse cultures and showcasing world-class events such as Aida.”
Continuing the opera season, Katara kick-started the Metropolitan Opera High Definition live series this month with L’Elisir d’Amore on Saturday, which will be followed by Otello on October 27, La Clemenza di Tito on December 1, Un Ballo in Maschera on December 8.
The season will end with a screening of the Metropolitan Opera’s version of Aida on December 15. Qatar is one of 60 countries to screen 12 productions from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.