Aida: Philip Modinos - Kassandra Dimopoulou - Jenny Drivala, the Masters of the Greek Opera

September 14, 2019. With the magnificent and spectacular opera by Giuseppe Verdi "Aΐda" the Philharmonic Orchestra of Athens opened its season 2019 - 2020.
Many artists collaborated on an international co-production. The Athens Philharmonic Orchestra (Mr. Nikos Malliaras), the Hellenic Opera Corporation (Philip Modinos, Kassandra Dimopoulou), the German Opera Classica Europa (Mr. Michael Vaccaro, tenor and director), and the Romanian Opera Constanza (General Manager Mrs Daniela Vladescu) from Romania, presented Verdi's favorite work in two unique performances, at the Petra Theater 13/9 and Veakio Theater 14/9.
Dramatic tenor Philip Modinos (Radames) proved once again that he is the best Greek tenor of his time. His warm dramatic voice went smoothly into Verdi's famous music, reminiscent of tenors of another era, the golden age of belcanto.
Mezzo-soprano Kassandra Dimopoulou (Amneris), interpreted one of the most difficult roles in the opera repertoire, in a charming way that the audience followed, and with its beautiful emblematic theatrical and stage presence did get the role spectacular in many ways.
Soprano Jenny Drivala (Priestess), thrilled with her unforgettable musicality and stage presence. Her round voice with a nice vibrato impressed the audience.
The lyric soprano Yamel Domort (Aida) hadn't the voice for Verdi's dramatic heroine, technical she manage to sung the role well but the voice is for lighter repertory, Aida needs a full dramatic soprano with strong chest voice.
Other roles were performed by bass Vassilis Denachis Kostopoulos (Ramfys), baritone Jaime Eduardo Pialli (Amonasro), tenor Nikitas Gritzalis (Messenger), and bass Nikolas Karassiasouris.
The opera was directed by Michael Vaccaro and conducted by maestro Byron Fidetzis.
The Choirs: The New Athens Academic Choir (Teaching: Nikos Maliaras), The National Conservatory Choir (Teaching: Spyros Klapsis), the Men's Choir from Melodoi Choir (Giorgos Ziakas), and the Men's Choir from Chorus "Nova" (Teaching: Konstantinos Giotis).
The choreographies were made by Thalia-Marie Papadopoulou who did a spectacular work with her fine dancers. Also, baritone Alex Gavaris contributed by covering roles, and dramatic soprano Irini Konsta helped out the production during rehearsals.
Audience Applause with "Bravo" Cheers. Good luck to all artists, organizers and opera contributors.