Set in ancient Egypt, Verdi’s Aida is the grandest of all grand operas. Exotic costumes and sets, and an army of singers and dancers on stage are just the beginning. It offers all the drama, action, intrigue, and romance of your favorite Hollywood blockbuster, but takes place live, right before your eyes. Wichita Grand Opera will stage this incredible spectacle at 7:00 pm, February 4th, in the Century II Concert Hall.

          The story begins as Egypt prepares for war against the attacking Ethiopians. The new Egyptian general, Radames, is in love with the slave girl Aida, a captured Ethiopian Princess, and hopes victory will allow him to set her free. When the victorious army returns, Aida’s father – Amonasro, the Ethiopian king – is hidden among the prisoners. Amonasro manipulates his daughter Aida into extracting the Egyptian battle plans from Radames. Princess Amneris, jealous of Radames’ love for Aida, demands he be put to death as a traitor. As he is sealed in a tomb along with Aida, who has hidden herself to die with him, Amneris is overcome with remorse. 

          This immensely personal story of love is extremely demanding for every facet of production, singers and crew alike. Renowned German Maestro Ekhart Wycik, Principal Conductor of Germany’s Dortmund Opera, is up to the challenge as he leads the cast of more than 150 singers, dancers and musicians.

          Returning to the WGO in her Stage Direction debut is Shanya Leahy, a familiar face for WGO audiences, who has served as assistant director for several WGO productions throughout the seasons.

          Among the international cast is Romanian tenor Viorel Saplacan, principal soloist of the Romanian National Opera, in the role of Radames. Olga Chernisheva, of Russia’s Bolshoi Opera, will be singing the title role of Aida. Expect a dazzling performance from her, and plenty of on-stage chemistry with her leading man. Fellow Russian Galia Ibragimova sings the role of Amneris. The princess’s transformation from haughty jealousy to remorse and despair is what really makes Aida tick. Ms. Ibragimova is the principal soloist with Prague State Opera and is a winner of many international vocal competitions.

          The production will also feature an outstanding array of American talent. The King of Egypt will be sung by the outstanding Scott Conner, in his second year as a WGO young artist. Mr. Conner’s quick rise to prominence allows him to return to the WGO in the roles of Nourabad in the romantic Pearl Fishers and the major role of Don Basilio in Barber of Seville.

          American tenor Paul Smith joins the WGO as a Resident Artist, making his debut in the role of the Messenger, after singing major roles in many German opera houses over the last decade. Sarah Young will also be making her WGO Resident Artist debut in the role of the High Preistess.

          The 20 members of the WGO’s ballet corps, choreographed by Wichita Grand Opera’s Ballet Mistress, Diane Gans, director of the Kansas Dance Academy, will add another exciting dimension to the pageantry of this performance.

           Tickets are still available for Aida in all price categories. Regular ticket prices are $85, $58, and $35. Call the Wichita Grand Opera Box Office at 316-262-8054 or log on to www.selectaseat.com to purchase your prime tickets today. More information on the artists and the Magnificent Seventh Season can be found at www.WichitaGrandOpera.org.