Aida in the Schleyerhalle as in Hollywood

Von MICHAELA BLESSING

The Arena in Verona, La Scala in Milan, the Met in New York; forget about them. The most spectacular Aida (a catchy opera by Giuseppe Verdi), there has ever been, comes to the Stuttgart Schleyerhalle (8-13 April, 19:30 pm); and BILD Stuttgart is presenting this Super Opera!

"A show with the glamour of the Hollywood times. The largest opera production in the world," says Mannheim’s Classic Promoter Matthias Hoffmann. 120 musicians, 140 singers, 50 dancers, 1000 extras, but also live elephants, camels, horses and even a python snake. The stage (2500 square meters) includes Pyramids and a 15 meters high Sphinx as those of Giza, Egypt of the time. Only the 1500 richly ornamented costumes cost some 1.5 million Marks. A real feast to the eyes.

Of absolute world class are also the singers: Grace Bumbry, Katia Ricciarelli, Giuseppe Giacomini, Giorgio Lamberti, Piero Cappuccilli. The conductor is Giuseppe Raffa, from Verona. Playing, the Czech Symphony Orchestra. 42.000 people (7000 per performance) can come to the Schleyerhalle to enjoy this Opera. Therefore, on the double all those who wish to come: ticket sales begin the day after tomorrow. Tickets cost between 85 and 195 Marks at easy-Ticket. Those wishing even finer things can also book an additional VIP package at 175 Marks. Comfortable parking near the venue, exclusive entrance, champagne welcome reception, buffet and more…

Photo: star director/conductor Giuseppe Raffa next to one of the mini sphinx