Aida, an opera in four acts created by famous Italian opera composer Giuseppe Verdi in the 19th century, is due to be staged at Guangzhou Opera House from Sept 8 to 10.

Set in Egypt, the opera was first performed at Cairo's Khedivial Opera House on 24 December 1871. It is said that the opera was composed in celebration of the opening of the Suez Canal.

Leading performers of the Italian opera Aida pose for a group photo with signs expressing their love of Guangzhou. [Photo/gzdaily.dayoo.com]

Aida has been adapted several times, the version to be staged in Guangzhou is directed by Franco Zeffirelli and features Italian conductor Donato Renzett, Hungarian soprano opera singer Csilla Boross and Italian soprano singer Raffaella Angeletti.

The version will also include Guangzhou elements, with students from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies and South China University of Technology also taking part in the performance.

On Aug 31, the leading performers from the opera arrived in Guangzhou and visited some of the city's scenic spots including Huacheng Square and the Pearl River.

Aida is one of many famous operas performed as part of Guangzhou Opera House's annual opera project, following the Italian opera Turandot staged in 2010 and 2013, Madama Butterfly in 2012 and French opera Bizet in 2014. 

The leading performers of the Italian opera Aida visit some of Guangzhou's scenic spots. [Photo/gzdaily.dayoo.com] 

Actors and actress of Italian opera Aida take a photo in front of Guangzhou's iconic Canton Tower. [Photo/gzdaily.dayoo.com]