Alagna: Aida, leading ladies and Samurais

Verdi’s dramatic masterpiece Aida returns to the Royal Opera House stage tonight in a revival of David McVicar’s production. Roberto Alagna is playing the lead male role, the warrior Radames.

McVicar’s production, seen for the first time last year, has attracted criticism for transporting the opera from its original setting of ancient Egypt to the Japan of the Samurai Warriors. But Alagna says he loves it, including the use of Samurai swords – “you're always learning something new in opera”.

Alagna tells Classic FM about the challenges of the role of Radames, finding the right leading lady, and his love of Covent Garden.

See photos of the production and listen to the interview with Alagna below.

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