Aida

[Birchy]

Is it true that Verdi's 'Aida' was first performed, in Cairo, to celebrate the opening of the Suez Canal?

[sft42]

It was indeed, first performed in Cairo in 1871 for details try these links

http://opera.stanford.edu/Verdi/Aida/history.html
http://www.lmuza.lv/opera/Aida/default_E.htm

[sft42]

It was commisioned to celibrate BOTH occasions not one or other solely.

[ulrika]

This is not true. It is a well worn popular myth. The suez was opened on 17th November 1869. Aida was first performed on 24th December 1871 to celebrate the opening of the new Opera House of Cairo.

[sft42]

So by your reckoning then that ex-wobbly bridge across the Thames must be known as the 2002 bridge cause it didn't open on time?....I have found at least 4 different sources on this who all state that the music was commisioned for both occasions and though the canal had been open for a good while this was the official opening ceremony.