![]() ![]() Outside the tomb, Amneris asks forgiveness for her rancor and prays to Isis for redemption.Īn internationally recognized director of opera and theater, Francesca Zambello’s American debut took place at the Houston Grand Opera with a production of Fidelio in 1984. While the priests chant their hymns, the two lovers, at last united, spend their final moments in daydreams. In the darkness of a tomb, Radames is joined by Aida who had hidden there earlier. Amneris pleads with the priests to revoke the sentence. Three times he refuses and is sentenced to die. The priests assemble and three times allow Radames a chance to present his defense. She urges him to defend himself, but he refuses. Amneris, torn between love and hatred for Radames, at last resolves to save him. Realizing they have been overheard by Ramfis and Amneris as they leave the Temple, Amonasro and Aida flee and Radames surrenders to the High Priest, ready to accept the consequences of his betrayal. As Radames answers her, Amonasro reveals himself and Radames realizes he has been tricked into giving up an important military secret. As they start to leave, Aida asks which route the Egyptian troops will take. Aida does not share his enthusiasm and instead persuades him to flee the country with her. Amonasro hides as Radames appears, still affirming his love for Aida and hoping another victory will allow him to win her once and for all. At first Aida refuses, but Amonasro soon crushes her resistance. Hoping to exploit Aida’s love for Radames, Amonasro proposes that she ask Radames the route the Egyptian armies will take. The Ethiopian captives who were freed have banded together and once again ready themselves to attack Egypt. Amonasro joins her and raises her hopes for a happy life at the side of her beloved. Having given up on her own happiness, she recalls her childhood in the valleys of Ethiopia. Outside the Temple, Aida waits for Radames. To prepare for her wedding to Radames, Amneris retires to the Temple of Isis to worship with Ramfis. In token of Egypt’s gratitude, the King awards Radames the hand of Amneris. Ramfis, warning of the consequences, succeeds in having Aida and her father retained as hostages. The Egyptian King accedes to Radames’s wish that the prisoners be set free. Hiding his true identity, Amonasro pleads for the lives of his people. The people celebrate the return of the victorious troops and their leader Radames, who asks that the Ethiopian prisoners be brought forth. Amneris is furious and upset by the truth. Amneris manages to shake Aida’s composure and tricks her into revealing her love for Radames. Amneris, still tormented by doubt and jealousy, resolves to question Aida and confirm her suspicions. The Egyptian troops led by Radames have won the war. He is presented with the sacred sword of Egypt. In the Temple, a solemn ceremony is held to prepare Radames for battle. Divided between loyalty to her father and country and her love for Radames, she asks the gods for strength. Aida, too, is caught up in the battle cry, and after the court leaves, berates herself for having betrayed her own people. Everyone pays homage to the young warrior and wishes for his victorious return. ![]() Radames is announced as the chosen commander to lead the Egyptians against the enemy. A messenger is brought forward and confirms the Ethiopian invasion. Accompanied by his ministers, the King enters. Noting that Radames is strongly affected by the appearance of Aida, Amneris suspects the reason for his embarrassment and is overcome with jealousy. While she is questioning him, Aida enters. Radames hopes to be chosen and, envisioning a glorious victory, expresses his affection for Aida. Ramfis, the High Priest, is on his way to inform the Egyptian King of the name of the general whom the goddess Isis has chosen to lead the Egyptians against the Ethiopians. Unknown to anyone in Egypt, Aida is an Ethiopian princess and the daughter of Egypt’s worst enemy, King Amonasro. Aida’s mistress, the King of Egypt’s daughter, Amneris, is also in love with the captain. Radames, a captain of the guard, is in love with Aida, a slave girl. ![]()
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