Lyric Opera 2023-2024 Issue 7 - Aida

Lyric Opera of Chicago | 22 ACT III Preparing for her wedding to Radamès, Amneris retires to the temple to worship with Ramfis. Outside the temple, Aida waits in hiding for Radamès. She longs for the happiness she knew as a child in her homeland. Her father finds her and raises her hopes for a happy life at the side of her beloved in their homeland. Hoping to exploit Aida’s love for Radamès, Amonasro demands she find out from Radamès the route his armies will take. Amonasro conceals himself nearby, where he can overhear the plan. Radamès affirms his love for Aida and hopes another victory will allow him to win her once and for all. Aida instead encourages him to flee the country with her. As they start to leave, Aida asks which route his troops will take. Radamès answers her, whereupon Amonasro appears and Radamès realizes he has revealed an important military secret. He then sees he has been overheard by Ramfis and Amneris as they leave the temple. Radamès surrenders to the High Priest, ready to accept the consequences of treason. ACT IV Torn between love and jealousy, Amneris hopes to save Radamès from the priests and win him for herself. She urges him to defend himself, but he rejects her. The priests assemble and allow Radamès a chance to present his defense, but he remains silent. They sentence him to be buried alive. Amneris pleads with the priests to revoke the sentence, and when they ignore her, she curses them. Sealed inside a tomb, Radamès discovers Aida, who had hidden there. While the priests chant their hymns, the two lovers die, united at last. Above their tomb, Amneris prays for peace. Synopsis continued