Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Aida

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Posted 2015-01-26 by Vanessa M ⇒ follow

Fri 27 Mar 2015 - Sun 26 Apr 2015

Every year Opera Australia puts on a show on the water of Sydney Harbour (yes, on the water) and in 2015 that show will be Aida. The show will be the biggest yet attempted, with over 700 people involved, and will feature the full Opera Australia Chorus, international singers, a live orchestra and nightly fireworks.

The story of Aida is set in Egypt, which is preparing to go to war with Ethiopia. Hero of the Egyptian army, Radamès, wants to impress the princess's handmaiden, Aida, with his exploits, unaware that she is secretly an Ethiopian princess. But when he comes back from battle, successful and bringing the Ethiopian king as a slave, he is told he will receive the Egyptian princess's hand in marriage.

Such a grand story poses some challenges (especially on a 360 degree stage with no wings. Designer Mark Thompson explains it has needed to "retain the private and intimate exchanges in the love scenes, while saturating the senses during the famous Triumphal March, and wrenching as much emotion as possible from the finale!"

Lyndon Terracini, Artistic Director of Opera Australia, says "Aida is the ultimate grand opera, and we hope this spectacular new production designed for this unique outdoor setting will delight more visitors than ever in 2015. There is simply no better way to experience this harbour side city!"

The show's run has been extended this year to last a month, with performances from Friday March 27 to Sunday April 26. They will be held at Fleet Steps, Mrs Macquaries Point. Ticket prices for adults range from $79.00 to $330.00. You can buy them here .