Opera Maine Announces
Mainstage Production of Aida
Opera (Maine) at its grandest!
(Portland, ME) Opera Maine invites you to experience the most significant artistic and cultural event of the greater Portland area in 2024: an original production of Verdi’s Aida, at Merrill Auditorium Thursday, July 25 (7:30 p.m.) and Sunday, July 28 (2:30 p.m.). Audiences will be enthralled by the gorgeous music and riveted by the tale of epic love that transcends ancient borders. The thrilling voices of soloists and chorus, a magnificent orchestra, and a spectacular set and costumes combine to make this production of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida one of Opera Maine’s greatest productions.
Aida will be performed in Italian with English translations projected above the stage. With four acts and one intermission, it will run 2.5 hours.
Maestro Israel Gursky conducts the Opera Maine Orchestra in his seventh appearance with the company. Dona D. Vaughn, Opera Maine’s Artistic Director, directs a stellar cast: Courtney Johnson (Aida, the kidnapped Ethiopian princess), Taylor Comstock (Radamés, Captain of the Egyptian Guard), Hyona Kim (Amneris, daughter of the Pharaoh), Brian Major (Amonasro, King of Ethiopia), Daniel Sumegi (Ramfis, High Priest), Matthew Anchel (Pharaoh), and Alaysha Fox (High Priestess). Each of these singers has a beautiful voice and the dramatic skill to breathe life into this captivating drama.
The Aida creative team includes scenic designer Germán Cárdenas-Alaminos, costume designer Millie Hiibel, lighting designer James Lawlor, and projection designer Camilla Tassi.
This is a rare opportunity for opera lovers and opera first-timers to experience this masterpiece in Maine! Opera Maine will continue its “Opera for All!” program this season with free tickets for anyone aged 25 and younger to attend Aida. Visit OperaMaine.org to reserve your free ticket.
Opera Maine is grateful to OceanView at Falmouth and Cumberland Crossing for their Season Sponsorship. Maine Public, Down East, and Maine Trust for Local News are Media Sponsors.
Details:
Aida by Giuseppe Verdi, libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni
Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 2:30 p.m.
Pre-Curtain Presentation by Opera Maine dramaturg Calien Lewis one-hour before performances.
Merrill Auditorium tickets: $35 – $140 (plus service fees)
(207) 842-0800 or www.porttix.com
High-resolution images of the cast are available HERE.
About Opera Maine:
Opera Maine presented its inaugural production, Carmen, in 1995 at the State Theatre. In 1997 the company relocated to the newly renovated Merrill Auditorium. Opera Maine offers Maine residents and visitors the only opportunity to experience fully staged and orchestrated professional opera in the state. The company’s productions feature diverse talented artists of international, national, and local fame who come together to create an outstanding experience for all who attend. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dona D. Vaughn and Executive Director Caroline M. Koelker, Opera Maine is widely respected for its superb operatic productions and programming and meaningful community engagement. For more information about Opera Maine’s programs, visit OperaMaine.org and follow Opera Maine on Facebook and Instagram.
For Media Inquiries, please contact:
Kristen Levesque
Kristen Levesque PR & Marketing
[email protected]
207-329-3090