Review -Aida
February 15, 2009
Date Reviewed: 13th February, 2009
Venue: Sunderland Empire
The epic battles between the Ethiopians and the Egyptians were a mere detail compared to the epic battles that were raging for the heart of Radames (Patrizio Ha). Ramades the heroic Egyptian army captain was the obvious love target for the Pharaoh’s daughter Amneris (Zarui Vardandean) however before long Aida (Elena Dee) Ethiopian daughter of the king, captured after a battle becomes her slave and love rival.
The battle between the women rages throughout and although Aida is his true love the acceptable public betrothal has to be with Amneris. Yes, it was always going to end in tears!
For many in the audience this was a first night at an opera and the main body of the theatre was filled. The opening act was a difficult one as the cast came to terms with a new venue and many in the audience thinking, “Do I really like hearing Italian sung in this way to English subtitles?”
As the set had been built that day through wide open doors to the snow and ice still outside the stage was still freezing which did not help the cast as being set in Egypt there wasn’t the need for too many layers. All in all though, the first act was good and the early hearing Elena Dee giving her first performance as Aida whetted our appetites for more.
The second act gives us Verdi’s splendid chorus piece the Triumphal March, which accompanied by flares set the theatre alight in every sense of the word. The audience were completely won over with the quality of the singing across the board and the music was magical. It has to be said however that Elena Dee was sublime singing Ritorna Vincitor and her soprano voice filled the theatre and sent shivers down the spine, at 28 she still has a way to go but my word what a voice, what a talent. Petrizio Ha (tenor) rose to the challenge of Celeste Aida magnificently.
This four act opera made for a late finish (10.45) but such was the momentum of the story and the quality of the delivery the audience became more and more enraptured and enthralled, until its tragic climax.
This version of Aida means that you are in for an outstanding evening - my opera virgin guest was contentedly consummated and will return for more.
Stephen Taylor
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