Verdi's Aida

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