♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ -Hello.

I'm Rhiannon Giddens, and I'm delighted to be your host for today's performance of Verdi's "Aida."

"Aida" may be the grandest opera in the repertoire, demanding vast musical and theatrical resources to do justice to Verdi's dazzling fantasy of Ancient Egypt.

But at its core, "Aida" is an intimate drama focused on a woman caught between forbidden love and her duty to her homeland.

Today, soprano Angel Blue stars in the title role of the conflicted Ethiopian princess, a captive of the conquering Egyptians.

Tenor Piotr Beczala is the proud Egyptian warrior Radamés, Aida's love -- and her country's sworn enemy.

Mezzo-soprano Judit Kutasi completes the love triangle as the pharaoh's determined daughter Amneris, who wants Radamés for herself.

And baritone Quinn Kelsey is Aida's father, Amonasro, the undercover king of Ethiopia.

For this new production of "Aida" -- the Met's first in more than 35 years -- director Michael Mayer provides an intriguing framework.

A team of early 20th century archaeologists explores a tomb that's been sealed for millennia and uncovers the story of "Aida," which bursts to vibrant life right before our eyes.

Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin is ready to go to the pit to lead Verdi's sweeping score.

Here is "Aida."

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As the ancient hieroglyphics reveal, this love triangle for the ages will not end happily.

Here now is the tragic conclusion of "Aida."

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