| Aida |
| As part of the celebrations surrounding the opening of the Suez Canal on 17th November 1869, the Khedive of Egypt built a new opera house in Cairo. The inaugural performance, Verdi's 'Rigoletto', took place on 6th November 1869 (some sources say 1st November). The Khedive had approached Verdi about the composition of an inaugural ode - which Verdi had declined somewhat haughtily, saying he was 'not accustomed to compose occasional pieces'. . Source |
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| OPERA GOSSIP The Two Illustrious Rivals |
| At the Met, Aida was offered with two celebrated sopranos who did not like each other. In the first scene of Act Two, there is a moment in which Aida falls to the floor in supplication to Amneris. When that moment came, those sitting in the first rows heard the Amneris whisper to the Aida, "On your knees, bitch!" |
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| Roles Aida, an Ethiopian princess soprano The King of Egypt bass Amneris, daughter of the King mezzo-soprano Radames, Captain of the Guard tenor Amonasro, King of Ethiopia baritone Ramfis, high Priest bass A messenger tenor Voice of a Priestess soprano Priests, priestesses, ministers, captains, soldiers, officials, Ethiopians, slaves and prisoners, Egyptians, animals and chorus |