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Aida the opera

Aida concert pictures ~ David Gasson

Last weekend, Pula welcomed two outstanding performances from the Croatian National Theatre Ivan Zajc, better known as HNK Zajc from Rijeka. The company brought both a stunning operatic production and a superb musical display to the city

Aida

On Friday, 27 July, the curtain rose on Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, often called the “opera of all operas.” First staged in 1871, the work is set in ancient Egypt and unfolds in four acts, portraying a timeless struggle between love and loyalty. The ancient amphitheatre in Pula provided a majestic backdrop for Aida and the following night’s Carmina Burana. Its historic setting elevated both performances and deepened the atmosphere.

The opera singers included ;

AIDA / Kristina Kolar / RADAMES / Walter Fraccaro / RAMFIS / Carlo Colombara / AMNERIS / Dubravka Šeparović Mušović / AMONASRO / Giorgio Surian. The Conductor was Ville Matvejeff and it was directed by Marin Blažević.

The stage

On either side of the main stage, ballet dancers stood poised, ready to enhance each scene with graceful movement.

Date and location of these opera captures 

Pula arena / Croatia /  27.07.18

Ballet

Their presence contributed to the layered richness of the spectacle, blending seamlessly with the unfolding drama.

Choir

Above the stage, a transparent cover housed the choir, whose position allowed for striking visual contrasts as lighting shifted—sometimes illuminating them, at other times veiling them in shadow. In front of the stage, the orchestra performed under the direction of Finnish conductor Ville Matvejeff, whose versatile artistry drove the music forward. Together, the choir, orchestra, and dancers expanded the performance space far beyond the 20 metres of the main stage, filling nearly the entire width of the arena

The photographer`s favourite shot

The performances

From the lead opera singers to the soloists, ballerinas, choir, and orchestra, every contributor delivered at the highest level across both nights. On Friday, the Rijeka choir added power and depth to Aida. On Saturday, the Academy Choir Ivan Goran Kovačić, joined by the children’s choirs Kap and Torretta, inspired the audience during Carmina Burana. Importantly, the performers did not confine their artistry to the stage. Even as they walked from the backstage area, they embodied their roles, their measured steps adding tension and drama before they began to sing.

The Rijeka orchestra

The Rijeka orchestra anchored both evenings with outstanding renditions of Aida and Carmina Burana. These events formed part of the Summer Classics series, which presents masterpieces of music and stage art through international co-productions in extraordinary venues. Judging by the packed amphitheatre, the diversity of the audience, and the multiple standing ovations, the series proved an undeniable success. I look forward to welcoming them back to Pula next summer.

 Photographer

More information

Aida was performed by the Croatian National Theatre in Rijeka. For more information visit their website or Facebook pages

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