AIDA - La Scala

Organised by : Chichester Cinema

TEATRO ALLA SCALA DI MILANO

A Verdian feast from Peter Stein and Zubin Mehta in La Scala’s full fat Aida.

Recorded Feb 2015

After two traditional productions of ‘Aida’ staged by Zeffirelli in the last decade, this new production of Verdi’s magnificent opera is presented by two great masters – conductor Zubin Mehta and director Peter Stein. The acclaimed German director (and a naturalized Italian), has promised “eine ganz intime Aida”, a “totally intimate Aida”. He is joined by the renowned Mehta, who returns the podium of La Scala for Verdi’s quintessential lyric opera.

Peter Stein’s coolly restrained production, which fattens up the love story at the expense of pomp. without the silver service of the Zeffirelli tradition, but a combination of great playing and luxury singing made for creamy fare nonetheless: a Milanese risotto with a double helping of mascarpone. The switch went down a treat with the La Scala audience and Stein’s formula is a winner.

This production mixes the futuristic with a strong dose of orientalism with impressive sets and striking costumes. Without recourse to exotic animals, the “Triumphal March” achieved full impact through sheer numbers, with celebrators on grandstands overlooking flag-waving marchers on a stage flanked with antiphonal trumpets. With elegant sets and superlative musicianship, Verdi came to life in a house where he is revered most. The audience left with full stomachs and spinning heads.

This musical feast will have us licking our lips for some time yet. Sung in Italian with English subtitles. Running Time: 150m + interval.

Orchestra and Chorus of the Teatro alla Scala
Conductor – Zubin Mehta
Staging – Peter Stein
Sets – Ferdinand Woegerbauer
Cast: The King – Carlo Colombara; Amneris – Anita Rachvelishvili; Aida – Kristin Lewis; Radamès – Fabio Sartori; Ramfis – Matti Salminen; Amonasro – George Gagnidze.
Act I: 57m| Act II: 22m| Act III: 32m | Act IV: 39m (20m interval between Acts II & III)

Tickets £17.50 (Friends/Students £15)

2015 Peter Stein 170min