Aida

Learning resources for middle school and high school classrooms

We are excited to give teachers and students a glimpse into the story, music and images of Lyric’s 2024 production of Aida. The presentation below serves to prepare classes for the performance experience. It can be used as a quick reference or a longer study guide with prompts for deeper consideration both before and after coming to the theater.

This slide deck contains:

  • A list of characters
  • A summary of the story
  • Literary and artistic themes
  • Listening examples
  • About the writers
  • Discussion prompts

Videos

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Jamie Barton in the Judgement Scene from Verdi's AIDA

In this gripping scene from Act Four of Verdi's Aida, Amneris (sung here by audience favorite Jamie Barton) pleads with Ramfis (Önay Köse in his Lyric debut) and the priests to spare Radamès' life.

Michelle and Russell on the secret relationships in AIDA

Soprano Michelle Bradley (Aida) and Tenor Russell Thomas (Radamès) are back sharing the stage at Lyric Opera of Chicago. In this conversation, they share their thought process behind their characters' challenging relationships in Verdi’s AIDA

Audiences react to Verdi’s AIDA

An all-star cast, recognizable music, dreamy ballet, and the epic Lyric Opera Chorus and Orchestra. See what audiences are saying about Francesca Zambello’s, new-to-Chicago production of Verdi’s Aida onstage at Lyric now through April 7.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Verdi's AIDA

Opera at its grandest! While Aida delights audiences with its visual splendor, it also captivates them with a score ranging from exquisitely intimate arias to deeply dramatic duets and trios, and the most thrilling choruses Verdi ever composed. 

Jessica Lang on the dance of AIDA

Step inside the rehearsal room with acclaimed choreographer Jessica Lang as Lyric's dancers prepare for the triumphant return of Aida. See Verdi's iconic story told through music and dance, onstage at Lyric March 9 - April 7.

Enrique Mazzola on the epic music of Verdi's AIDA

"There is only Aida that is like Aida."

From epic choral scenes to intimate duets, Music Director Enrique Mazzola shares why Giuseppe Verdi's opera is unlike any other. See the Maestro conduct his first-ever Aida, opening March 9 at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Russell Thomas performs "Celeste Aida" from Verdi's AIDA

Hear world-renowned tenor Russell Thomas perform “Celeste Aida” from Verdi’s Aida.

Russell Thomas performs "Celeste Aida" from Verdi's AIDA

Hear world-renowned tenor Russell Thomas perform “Celeste Aida” from Verdi’s Aida

Header image: Edward Wilensky/San Diego Opera

Featured music provided by EMI Classics: Maria Callas, Richard Tucker, Fedora Barbieri, Tito Gobbi; Chorus and Orchestra of La Scala, Milan, cond. Tullio Serafin