Aida: An opera in four acts by Giuseppe Verdi How free are we really…? On Love and Freedom This overarching theme describes the excellent opera selections for this year’s Taranto Opera Festival! Aida, an Ethiopian princess, has been captured by the Egyptians. The Egyptians, unaware of Aida’s status, her father, King Amonasro, seeks revenge. However, Radames, the leader of the Egyptian army falls in love with Aida, much to the dismay of the King of Egypt’s daughter - Amneris - who is in love with Radames. How will this love triangle unfold? And will Radames and Aida be able to be together amongst jealousy, power, politics and duty? Watch and find out where every scene is composed and performed to perfection in the presentation of this timeless masterpiece. Characters & Performers Aida - MARIKA FRANCHINO Radames - FRANCESCO ANILE Amneris - GABRIELLA ALEO Amonasro - LUCA BRUNO Ramfis - MUNKYU PARK The King - ALESSANDRO ARENA A Messenger and Priestess - Students of the "Domenico Savino Summer Academy" Priests, Priestesses, Ministers, Soldiers, Captains, Officials, Ethiopian slaves and prisoners, Egyptian people, (Chorus) Marco Codamo - Director Gianluca Chiera -Artistic direction Orchestra of the Taranto Opera Festival Opera choir "Tarenti Cantores" Tiziana Spagnoletta - choir master Angela Massafra - stage director Francesco Buccoliero - master collaborator Cira Marangi - choreography Corps de ballet - Academy of Art and Movement "Sublime Rouge" Damiano Pastoressa - sets Angela Gassi - costumes Attilio Mela - off-screen narrator