London's biggest opera production this century comes to OVO Arena Wembley
Photo credit: Christoph Eisenmenger
London is set host the biggest opera production it’s seen this century, as a groundbreaking performance of Verdi’s AIDA plays three performances at the OVO Arena Wembley on 23 & 24 March 2024.
The huge scale production will feature a cast of over 250 performing Verdi’s masterpiece, with the use of modern technology and staging mixed with the beauty and drama of operatic tradition.
The production will be a stunning spectacle which brings to life Verdi’s vision of Ancient Egypt through its use of digital projections, innovative staging, huge-scale puppetry, and choreography. The scale of the production is unsurpassed with a 72 square metre screen, a life-size puppet elephant controlled by 6 highly trained puppeteers, 578 stunning costumes, surround sound, and a 692 square metre River Nile that flows into the audience.
A treat for all the senses, the venue is even infused with a perfume to give the imagined scent of the lotus blossoms, pine trees, spices, and the waters of the Nile.
Performed in Italian with surtitles, this magnificent production features the Hanseatic Symphony Orchestra, a 60-piece orchestra put together especially for AIDA who will support the cast of internationally renowned soloists including Nina Clausen, Sophia Maeno, Marvin Scott and VaShawn Savoy McIlwain.
The chorus and dancers will be joined by a local ballet school, and there will be an open casting call for extras, with details on this for Londoners who want the chance to join the cast on stage to be announced.
Verdi’s four act tragic opera AIDA tells the story of an Ethiopian princess (Aida) who was been kidnapped years before and taken to Egypt, there she falls in love with General Radames, who is also loved by the Egyptian princess, Amneris, who Aida serves.
When Radames is chosen to lead another war with Ethiopia the battle between Aida’s love for the General and her country come to the fore. Against the backdrop of impending conflict and embedded loyalty, emotions and allegiances are tested to breaking point leading to tragic consequences.
On the production, CEO of FKP Show Creations GmbH and executive producer of AIDA, Jasper Barendregt, said: “With this AIDA production we are delivering a long-awaited dream. Our creative team has the expertise of large international opera productions and with this unique production we have successfully joined influences from theatre, film, gaming and last but not least, life. We are delighted to be able to bring our AIDA Spectacle to London. It is an event, it is an immersive experience, it is an opera for all.”
AIDA at the OVO Arena Wembley is a treat for the eyes and ears. This once in a lifetime experience is for seasoned opera fans and newcomers alike with its majestic choruses, grand marches, and rollercoaster of emotions.
Tickets are on venue pre-sale from 16 November at 10am and general sale on 17 November at 10am.
For more information, please click here.