Leading Georgian voices perform at La Scala

Two Georgian opera stars will shine on the international stage.

Georgian opera singers Anita Rachvelishvili and George Gagnidze will perform major roles in the new production of Giuseppe Verdi’s four acts opera Aida performed at a world renowned opera house Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy.

Gagnidze, a baritone, will play Amonasro, King of Ethiopia and Rachvelishvili, a mezzo-soprano, will play the King's daughter Amneris.

The main synopsis of Verdi’s Aida sees the Egyptians capture and enslaved Aida, an Ethiopian princess. An Egyptian military commander named Radamès struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh. To complicate the story further, the Pharaoh's daughter Amneris is in love with Radamès although he does not return her feelings.

When Rachvelishvili first performed in the prestigious Italian opera house, her performance saw her transform into a global star. On December 7, 2009 at the opening night of the La Scala season, she sang the title role in Carmen opposite Jonas Kaufmann as Don José. This performance was the young artist’s first leading role.

Meanwhile Gagnidze, who is recognised as one of Georgia's talented baritone singers, is the winner of the Concorso Voci Verdiane. In 2015 he was awarded first prize for his outstanding vocal interpretation.

La Scala opera house will host performances of Verdi’s Aida from February 15 until March 15.