LAMet Presents Giuseppe Verdi's AIDA, Beginning This Weekend

Los Angeles Metropolitan Opera (LAMet), a local community company that offers grand opera in intimate settings and at prices almost anyone can afford, will present Giuseppe Verdi's masterpiece, AIDA, on four dates in June. Tonight, June 6th at 7pm and Sunday, June 7th at 2:30pm, the opera will be performed at Cantwell Auditorium at Saint Monica's Church in Santa Monica. On Saturday June 13th at 3pm and Sunday June 14th at 3pm, performances will take place at All Souls Chapel at Good Samaritan Hospital in downtown Los Angeles.

Verdi's romantic opera, commissioned by an Egyptian viceroy and premiered in Cairo almost 150 years ago, is LAMet's final tribute to the composer this season, coming on the heels of successful productions of IL TROVATORE, UN BALLO IN MASCHERA, and DON CARLO.

LAMet's Artistic Director, Linda Jackson, has pared down the spectacle and highlighted the intimate emotions in this new production that details the tragic passions of a captive Ethiopian princess and her Egyptian warrior lover during the reign of the Pharaohs.

Abe Fabella provides Music Direction and Linda Jackson the Stage Direction in this production. Cast members include: As Aida--Linda Jackson (6/7 and 6/14), and Shirley Wang (6/6 and 6/13). As Radames-Steve Moritsugo (6/6 and 6/14), and James Salazar (6/7 and 6/13). As Amneris-Marcela Pan (6/7 and 6/14), and Sabrina Francis (6/6 and 6/13). As King of Egypt-Joel Huanca (6/7 and 6/13), and Michael Margulies (6/6 and 6/14). As Ramfis-Jeong Sang Lyu As the King of Ethiopia--Eric Castro. As the Voice of the High Priestess-Yayra Sanchez (6/6 and 6/14) and Gretje Angell (6/7 and 6/13). C. Maria Schmidt is Chorus Master, Stephen Murray provides Lighting Design, and Sara Sulander is the company's Stage Manager.

Saint Monica's Cantwell Auditorium is located at 1039 Seventh Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90403. All Souls Chapel at Good Samaritan Hospital is located at 637 S. Lucas Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90017.

Tickets at $25 ($35 at the door) can be purchased now by visiting www.losangelesmet.com or by calling 310-570-6448 for more information.