Aida

The grandest of grand operas, Verdi’s drama of ancient Egypt never fails to enthrall audiences—combining epic onstage spectacle with some of the repertory’s most thrilling arias, ensembles, and choruses. In this radio broadcast from the 2016–17 season, dynamic young maestro Daniele Rustioni takes the podium to lead the full forces of the Met Orchestra and Chorus and cast of seasoned Verdi singers. Soprano Krassimira Stoyanova stars in the title role, a captive Ethiopian princess torn between her love of country and an illicit romance with the Egyptian warrior Radamès, sung by tenor Riccardo Massi. Mezzo-soprano Violeta Urmana—once a formidable Aida in her own right—is her royal rival, the pharaoh’s daughter, Amneris, with baritone George Gagnidze as Aida’s father, Amonasro, and legendary bass-baritone James Morris as the unbending high priest Ramfis.