Verdi's Aida
Sam Wanamaker (stage director), Garcia Navarro (conductor) – With Margaret Price (Aida), Luciano Pavarotti (Radamès), Simon Estes (Amonsaro)...
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Cast
Sam Wanamaker — Stage director
Douglas Schmidt — Set designer
Lawrence Casey — Costume designer
Thomas Munn — Lighting designer
Roger Gans — Sound Designer
Margo Sappington — Choreographer
Margaret Price — Aida
Luciano Pavarotti — Radamès
Simon Estes — Amonsaro
Stefania Toczyska — Amneris
Kevin Langan — The King of Egypt
Kurt Rydl — Ramfis
Colenton Freeman — Messenger
Christian Holder — Solo Dancer
San Francisco Opera Chorus
Richard Bradshaw — Chorus director
Program notes
An Aida with all the traditional trimmings, starring two of the greatest opera stars of the 20th century, Sam Wanamaker's 1981 production with Luciano Pavarotti as Radames and Margaret Price as Aida at the San Francisco Opera was one for the ages. Watch the captivating performance in this archival film.
Pavarotti in fine voice as a properly heroic Radames, Margaret Price floating melting pianissimos out into the audience, Stefania Toczyska's high-voltage singing... Sam Wanamaker's Aida is a delight for the eyes and the ears! Hollywood-like production values invested in the costumes and scenery bring ancient Egypt to life in grand style, and the Spanish conductor Garcia Navarro masterfully leads the San Francisco Opera Orchestra in Verdi's classic score.
Photo: © Ron Scherl
