Relayed from the Assembly Room, City Hall

National Orchestra of Wales
(Cerddorfa Genedlaethol Cymru)
Leader, Paul Beard
Conducted by Warwick Braithwaite

One of the best known airs from Aida, this is sung by the captive Princess herself, torn by doubt and anxiety. Devoted to the Egyptian soldier, Rhadames, she has joined in the acclamations of the people, to wish him success. But it is her own people against whom he is to march, and his victory means their defeat, and only too probably the death or captivity of her father, who is their king. Verdi's music sets forth these conflicting emotions with impassioned effect.