Aida
2014

By Giuseppe Verdi
Aida is one of the most beloved operas of all time; the “A” in that ABC list recommended for newcomers to opera, the others being La Bohème and Carmen. The twenty-fourth opera by the giant of nineteenth century opera, Giuseppe Verdi, it demonstrates his mastery of musical and theatrical drama. Although often treated as a grand operatic spectacle, it is really an intimate story of jealousy and love and the tragic conflict between duty and love of country on the one hand and romantic love on the other.