AIDA at the Arena di Verona 11.08.2018
Direttore d’Orchestra Daniel Oren
Regia e Scene Franco Zeffirelli
- Il Re Romano Dal Zovo
- Amneris Judit Kutasi
- Aida Maria José Siri
- Radamès Carlo Ventre
- Ramfis Marko Mimica
- Amonasro Federico Longhi
- Un messaggero Antonello Ceron
- Sacerdotessa Arina Alexeeva
Costumi Anna Anni
Coreografia Vladimir Vasiliev
Orchestra, Coro, Ballo e Tecnici Dell’Arena di Verona
If something really represents the spirit of the festival of Arena di Verona – it is definitely opera Aida with its magic productions and highly attended performances every year. This year’s highlight was the historic production of Franco Zeffirelli – spectacular show in the best tradition of rich and grandiose Arenian performance.The other winning card – one of the greatest contemporary conductors, real “king of Arena” for last few decades – Daniel Oren. And if something really gives the space for his monstrous energy and incredible musical sensibility – it is Aida again! “With Maestro Oren it’s always special” – any artist: orchestra, choir musician or soloist will confirm without hesitation. Especially at the Arena, where its unusual space, acoustic and visual particularity demands much more than being an excellent conductor, director, singer, etc. It demands artists of the same dimension! Simply – grandiose!
Performance of Aida on the 11.08.2018 had it all! Grand classe of singers lead by magnificent Maestro Oren and Arena di Verona’s orchestra and choir at its best!
Starting from smaller parts: Secerdotessa – Arina Alexeeva: clear, pleasant voice and a perfect pitch – which is essential due to the acoustic difficulties of the Arena. Messagero – Carlo Bosi – important voice, even too good for such small part! Young bass Romano Dal Zovo almost became of a symbol of Il Re at the Arena. His well-projected voice and a “royal” personality gives importance to the role. For sure, we’ll hear more from him in the future.
Excellent Ramfis – Marko Mimica. His voice, rich with colours, blossoms in high register, but is equally round and secure in the low range. With his noble musical and artistic presence he dominates the stage in the important scenes and concertatos.
Choice of the leading characters was excellent! Hand in hand with the experts of the roles, went few really impressive debuts in these highly demanding characters.
One of the real heroes of the evening was Federico Longhi in the role of Amonasro. As the veteran of the Arena – his presence was always appreciated. In the recent years he made a very successful transition to the leading dramatic baritone roles. Amonasro, from now onwards, will certainly be one of the best. Right from his first appearance, Longhi demonstrated confidence and security as a singer and an artist. The voice matured and grown in volume and richness of the sound, always round and equal from long and secure tops to profound and rich low tones. His phrasing is excellent, sound – full and well-projected, going from strong and voluminous forte to finest piano. His character – noble and heroic King hardly able to hide his dramatic presence under the cover of the slave, lately transforming into a loving father, but still on the guard of his duty as a leader. Worth mentioning his pronunciation: each word as if whispered into the ear and each syllable displaying authentic coloration.Exceptionally young Romanian mezzo-soprano Judit Kutasi made her debut at the Arena di Verona in the role of Amneris. Bold singer made a great impression: beautiful and important voice, mature musicality. A little reserved in her stage presence – but it even added certain charm to her character.
Tenor Carlo Ventre as always an excellent Radames. He has it all: rich voice, secure and confident personality, and of course, the winning card of the tenor – strong and voluminous top notes! Already in his opening aria he demonstrated his strong heroic personality, which he maintained until the end – even in the final duet and scene – still a hero above all the human fears.In the title role, we had a pleasure to see Maria José Siri – THE Aida of her generation! She has sung the role more than 100 times. Her capacity of displaying all possible colours is impressive: strong and penetrating in her passion and fury in concertatos and especially duets with her father and Amneris. At the same time, her fantastic piano sounds are melting in the air – in her “O cieli azzuri” and her final duet and scene of the tomb. Apart from the beautiful voice, masterful possession of her instrument, incredible sensibility, – what makes her special – is her unstoppable crave to never be the same, every time going one step ahead of herself! Her Aida – even more heroic and at the same time, even more precious and tender than ever – certainly made an unforgettable impression! Grandiose – as the motto of this beautiful night at the Arena di Verona.
La redazione
