Three ancient Sicilian theaters, three unique dates and a timeless masterpiece: The Verdian Magisterium of “Aida” The protagonist of the scene is back in the context of the Lyric Festival of the theaters of stone, in a monumental project that unites art, archeology and cultural innovation. The Verdian work par excellence, staging yesterday at the Greek theater in Syracuse, tonight (26 July) will be at the Greek theater in Tindari and on 29 July at the Antico Theater in Taormina, offering the public an immersive experience between myth, music and landscape, in the unique setting of three of the most suggestive places in classical Sicily.
But this year’s edition will be truly historical and revolutionary: for the first time in the world, Aida will be performed in its critical edition by Anselm Gerhard, a famous German musicologist, among the highest scholars of the nineteenth -century musical theater. A philological work of the highest value, the result of years of research, which will return to the public the work as originally conceived by Verdi, enriched by an important absolute novelty: the “Palestrinian” choir of Act III, an unpublished page that has remained excluded from traditional representations so far.
An event of enormous international importance, which combines philological rigor and stage spectacularity. And also sensitivity and social innovation. Precisely in this perspective, the Taorminese representation will be translated simultaneously into the language of Italian signs (LIS), as part of the accessibility and inclusion path promoted by the Sicilian opera choir, in collaboration with the “Sicily, tourism for all” association chaired by Bernadette Lo Bianco. The goal is clear: to break down sensory barriers and make the lyric a heritage really for everyone, continuing a path of opening and sharing that has characterized the work of the Sicilian opera chorus for years.
To embellish the monumental and unprecedented setting, an international cast of absolute importance; Pumeza Matshikiza in the role of Aida, South African soprano with an intense and magnetic voice, appreciated in the main European theaters; Walter Fraccaro, a long -experienced Verdian tenor, will play Radamès; Veronica Simeoni, among the most established Italian mezzosoprani, will be Amneris; Baral Chuluunbaatar will be AMONASRO, King and Father of Aida; Sultonbek Abdurakhimov will play the role of the great priest Ramfis; Deyan Vatchkov will be the king of Egypt, Federico Parisi the messenger and Leonora ilieva the priestess.
On the podium the master Filippo Arliarod of recognized prestigedriving the Philharmonic Orchestra of Calabria and the Sicilian Opera Choirpromoter of the artistic project. The direction is signed by Salvo Dolce, which shapes an immersive show, capable of making the lyrical language dialogue with the timeless soul of ancient theaters. Scenes and costumes, the latter signed by Domenico Franchi for work Krakowska, evoke an archaic and solemn East, in full harmony with the mythical dimension of the work. A scenic vision that enhances the archaeological spaces and transforms them into theatrical environments of life and meaning buttons.
It will be an epic and engaging heidimmersed in the beating heart of Mediterranean classicism. Between millennial columns, sea horizons and fiery sunsets, the tragic story of the Ethiopian princess, prisoner and in love with the Egyptian leader Radamès, in an intertwining of love, power and sacrifice that still manages to touch deep ropes of the human soul, will unravel. The Verdian melodrama will boast a real deployment of forces, men and extraordinary means, who will see the use of over 300 people among the artists of the choir, orchestra professors, body of dance (Sarah Lanza, choreographer), figurations, technical and creative workers (Gabriele Circo, Creator Luci; Andrea Santini, Scene; Gabriele Moreschi, collaborator of the scene; digital contributions;
The Lyric Festival of the Teatri di Pietra, now become a reference appointment for the Sicilian summer season, focuses this year on a set -up that promises emotion and great visual impact, supported by a cast of the highest level and a direction careful both to respect the score and to the enhancement of the archaeological scenic spaces.