The opera Aida has been hailed as a timeless love story. Set 3,000 years ago in ancient Egypt, written in Italy around 1870, and performed today all over the world, Aida has come to transcend not only time, but language, location, and culture as well. And for the first time in nearly a decade, Aida returns to the San Francisco Opera on September 10, 2010.

The origin of Aida is just as interesting as the plot itself. French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette wrote the original scenario that Giuseppe Verdi would later transform into the world-famous opera. In fact, Ismail Pasha, Khedive of Egypt, paid Verdi 150,00 francs (over half a million dollars today) to write Aida for a January 1871 debut in Cairo. However, because of the Franco-Prussian War, the performance was delayed until that December. The journey of Aida’s production came full circle when Auguste Mariette, the author of the original story, was hired as the opera’s production designer. And because of the war, he was stuck in Paris with all of the costumes and scenery until the long-awaited opening night.

Aida finally premiered in Cairo, Egypt on December 24, 1871. Verdi was not in attendance, and neither were any members of the general public. The fact that the audience consisted of invited dignitaries, politicians, and critics greatly distressed Verdi. Therefore, he considered the Italian premiere on February 8, 1872 to be Aida’s real premiere. In contrast to the Egyptian debut, Verdi remained heavily involved at every stage of the Milan performance.

In the following years, Aida spread quickly as a world-renown opera. Its first performance in the United States was in November 1873 at the Academy of Music in New York City. And since, it has climbed to be the 16th most performed opera in North America. As of 2007, the Metropolitan Opera alone had already performed it more than 1,100 times, making it the second most performed work by the company.

One controversial aspect of Aida’s performance history has been its use of live animals like lions, cheetahs, horses, and even elephants. This practice can be traced back to its original performance in Cairo. However, modern animal rights activists argue that putting wild animals through such a high-energy, stressful ordeal is cruel. But no need to worry, San Francisco animal-lovers: there won’t be any live animals in this performance.

If you don’t happen to be an expert in ancient Egyptian culture or the Italian language of Aida’s performance, no need to fret. However, you might want to read up on the general synopsis of the opera beforehand so that you can be in the know on the day of the big event. Aida (Arabic for “visitor” or “returning”) is an Ethiopian princess who is captured and enslaved in Egypt. She and Egyptian military commander Radames fall in love, but their romance and lives are endangered when the Pharaoh’s daughter, Amneris, discovers their secret. Because Amneris also loves Radames, he must choose between his true love, Aida, or loyalty to his country. And when Aida’s father, the Ethiopian king, is captured along with his countrymen, Aida must also choose between Radames and her family’s honor. Will the lovers choose passion or patriotism? love or loyalty?

What else can you expect from the San Francisco Opera’s performance of Aida?

First, anticipate two exceptionally talented casts: one in September and October, and the other in November and December. Second, look for breathtaking costumes and sets by world-famous designer Zandra Rhodes. And third, fall in love with the timeless romance of a love triangle set in ancient Egypt.

For more information on the San Francisco Opera production of Aida, click here.

For more information on the Opera Ball, click here.


Previous segments in the Behind The Scenes series include:

Next week in Part IV you’ll meet New York-based event design firm, Van Wyck and Van Wyck. They’ll perform their magic on San Francisco City Hall for what will surely be an unforgettable Opera Ball. Check it out!