Aida is a classic grand opera that takes place in four acts and was originally conducted by Guiseppe Verdi. Aida, the main character and an Ethiopian slave and captive, is of course one of the most important parts of the opera to cast. At Masada in Israel in 2010 where Aida will next make an appearance in this Ancient Egyptian setting opera, legendary Hui He will be playing Aida. Why is this significant? Not only because she is the lead character, but because Hui He has so many things working for her. There are several reasons you should make sure you see Hui He as Aida at Masada next year.

Biography

Hui He is a Chinese opera singer in the style of soprano. She was born in Shanghai in 1972, and has a brilliant opera career since she was the age of 23. Originally a mezzo-soprano, she really exploded professionally after she changed her style to purely soprano. An amazing performance record and chilling voice makes Hui He a shoo in for the role of Aida in Masada and one of the most infamous opera singers of her day. She has played parts in several countries, including Italy, France, England and of course China.

Prior Performances and Awards

Hui He, the Aida of 2011's Masada performance, has won several awards for her vocal performances. In September of 2000 in Los Angeles she won second place at the Placido Domingo's Operalia International Competition. This was her first real win debut in the international sense with her talents. In April 2002 she won again, this time first prize in the 42nd International Voices for Verdi's Operas Compeition, an obvious foreshadowing of what was to come for her.

Right now, Hui He is the one of the few principal soloists of the Shanghai Grand Theatre. She has performed in 1999 the role of Santuzza in the opera Cavalleria Rusticana, and has already played Aida once in 2000 at this same theater. She has performed in several concerts for the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and her vocal performances are almost always sold out and greatly appreciated. She also played Aida in 2001 at the suggestion of Placido Domingo for the Los Angeles Opera, and the role of Liu in Turandot by the Washington Opera. Her personal success was greatly increased by both of these roles. She has also worked closely with Placido Domingo at various international opera houses and for various roles.

About Adia at Masada

Masada is a beautiful and historic set of palaces and fortifications in southern Israel, and Aida will be playing there in June of 2011 on the days of the second, fourth and fifth. The conductor will be Daniel Oren and several great staff members will be on the job when Hui He is Aida, including Emmanuelle Farre as set designer and Pierro Giuliacci as Radames.