The setting is tremendous, the singing was incomparable, the spectacle was awe inspiring but the minimalist set was insignificant and the choreography was at times risible. The Roman Arena was full and the night was warm and inviting as the audience sat hushed and expectant. Marco Berti as Radames gave everything to the opening aria "Celeste Aida". He set the scene to a wonderful evening of music as the orchestra was conducted by Daniel Oren with such sensitivity to the needs of the singers. Every role was sung magnificantly

Micaela Carosi was a splendid and believable Aida as she floated the notes over the evening air. They seemed to suspend and fly like bubbles into the starry night. Berti was a perfect choice as the bold Egyptian Commander as he brought verisimilitude and a fine voice to his role.

Elena Manistina gave the role of Amneris a poignancy so that you felt sympathy for her unrequited passion that turns to spite. She gave a well acted and measured performance. Marco Vratogna was a rather dirty looking Amonasro but his powerful voice conjured up the scheming plotter who sacrifices his daughter in the name of patriotism.

The production however was very static.  Most of the time it was staged like a concert of arias with the principals lined up at the front of the stage. Acting was minimal except for the anguish of Aida which was very repetitive with her arms raised to heaven in every aria. Amneris moved with regal grace but the Pharaoh( Duccio Dal Monti) was very insignificant which was not helped by his daft overblown costumes. Prima Ballerina Ghislaine Valeriani was delightful

Having seen the previous sets for last year's production I felt short changed by this scanty set which had little to suggest Egypt. The wrapped statues looked ridiculous, the elephants on washing line did not work and the least said about the choreography the better. None of this however detracts from the majesty of the opera and the mesmerising atmosphere of the venue. Some of the many saving graces were the excellent lighting design by Paolo Mazzon that lifted the production so sensationally and the excellent chorus and musicians.

A visit to Verona Opera must be a must for every opera lover and this was the 85th Festival so get booking for the 86th Festival performances in 2008