This is a high-definition live broadcast of the National Centre for the Performing Arts’ production of Verdi’s Aida, not a live in-person performance. The opera follows a tragic love story set against war, featuring an international cast led by conductor Pinchas Steinberg.

About the Show

Aida, composed by Giuseppe Verdi, premiered in 1871 and is set in ancient Egypt during a time of war between Egypt and Ethiopia. The story centers on Aida, an Ethiopian princess held in captivity, and Radamès, an Egyptian military commander, as they navigate conflicting loyalties between love and duty.

The opera presents strong emotional contrasts: Aida’s devotion to both her homeland and her lover, Radamès’ struggle between honor and morality, and Amneris’ possessive love. Key musical highlights include the “Triumphal March,” as well as arias such as “Celeste Aida” and “Ritorna vincitor!”

Cast & Creatives

• Conductor: Pinchas Steinberg
• Director: Francesco Micheli
• Choreographer / Revival Director: Alessandra Panzavolta

Cast:

• Maria Teresa Leva as Aida
• Jorge de León as Radamès
• Ekaterina Semenchuk as Amneris
• Claudio Sgura as Amonasro
• Adriano Gramigni as Ramfis
• Kou Jing as Messenger
• Luo Yudan as High Priestess

Creative Team:

• Composer: Giuseppe Verdi
• Libretto: Antonio Ghislanzoni
• Set Design: Ezio Frigerio
• Costume Design: Franca Squarciapino
• Lighting Design: Vinicio Cheli
• Projection Design: Sergio Metalli
• Chorus Master: Salvatore Caputo

Performing Groups:

• NCPA Opera Soloists
• NCPA Chorus
• NCPA Orchestra
• Liaoning Ballet

Why Go

If opera has always felt a bit out of reach, this is a low-commitment way to step in—same full-scale Aida production, but in HD, where you actually catch the details that usually get lost in a big theater. It’s also a relatively direct, emotionally clear piece, so even without knowing the arias, it’s easy to follow. For anyone curious about opera but not ready to go all in, this lands somewhere comfortably in between.