Celebrating a Special Birthday of One of Verdi’s Greatest Heroines

“Aida” is Verdi’s grandest operatic spectacle, and one of his greatest musical achievements. From its premiere onward, the opera has remained a key staple of the repertoire -for 150 years! The powerful tale of forbidden love and political intrigue set in the exotic locale of ancient Egypt continues to thrill, move and inspire audiences in our 21st century, just as it did in the 19th.

On Thursday evening, November 10 at 7:00pm, guest lecturer Ed Tapper will present a detailed portrait of the famed Ethiopian princess. Mr. Tapper will discuss the history of “Aida,” and its place in Verdi’s career and output, while exploring the reasons for its enduring popularity. In a lecture created specifically for the Dante Alighieri Society, he will feature the great 20th century opera singers of Italian origin performing their roles from the opera in rare video footage. It promises to be a spectacle worthy of the great Italian master.