Verdi’s ‘Aïda’ – house debut at Seattle Opera

On May 5, Brian Jagde reprises his acclaimed portrayal of Radamès in the Francesca Zambello & RETNA production of Verdi’s Aïda for his house debut at Seattle Opera. Performances continue on May 11, 13, 16 & 19, with a cast that also features Leah Crocetto as Aida, Milijana Nikolic as Amneris, Gordon Hawkins as Amonasro, and Daniel Sumegi as Ramfis. Maestro John Fiore conducts all performances, which take place at McCaw Hall.

Jagde debuted in both the role and this production in the fall of 2016 at San Francisco Opera:

“In his first Radamès, tenor Brian Jagde had an impressive night, singing with firm, ringing tone in “Celeste Aida” and projecting a sense of vigor and vitality throughout the opera.” (Opera News)

“Jagde as Radames provided all of the tension between youthful love-drunkness and an insatiable drive for glory that define his role. His brassy and rich delivery matched perfectly with Verdi’s brass-heavy martial orchestration, frequently giving his tone a sense of simply materializing out of the orchestral ether. He was also convincing as an actor, with his awkward acceptance of Amneris’ hand during the full-ensemble triumphal scene particularly well done.” (Parterre)

Image: Cory Weaver / San Francisco Opera