Giuseppe Verdi's "AIDA"

The Manhattan Opera Repertory Ensemble (MORE Opera) will present a gala benefit concert performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s grand opera "AIDA" on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 7:30 PM at The Church of the Most Precious Blood, 109 Mulberry Street at Canal Street in Little Italy.  The semi-staged performance will be sung in Italian, and stars Cheryl Warfield as Aida, Adam Klein as Radames, Richard Hobson as Amonasro, Sabina Kim as Amneris, Steven Fredericks as Ramphis, Scott Tomlinson as the King, Victor Ziccardi as the Messenger, Sarah Blood as the Grand Priestess and the MORE Opera Chorus, conducted from the piano by Ming Kwong.  Come hear the expressive vocal qualities of some of New York's finest talent in this grand concert production. Tickets for the benefit are $20 in advance and $30 at the door, and may be purchased in advance through the church office from 9 AM - 3PM at (212) 226-6427 or by contacting the ADVANCE box office at 212-252-2512 (voice mail) or advancearts2012@gmail.com. Proceeds go to the church’s building fund.

The Church of the Most Precious Blood in Little Italy began by Vatican decree in the late 1800’s to establish a National Parish for the sole purpose of serving the rapidly growing number of Italian immigrants to New York.  The church serves in recognition of the many talents and accomplishments of people of Italian heritage and is the center for the annual San Gennaro Feast.

Passion, honor and the battlefield provide a dynamic backdrop for a fervent love triangle between the Ethiopian princess Aida, held in captivity in Egypt, her lover Radames, a decorated Egyptian warrior and Egyptian princess Amneris, Aida’s captor and rival for Radames' affection.