After two years, the cast welcomes back the distinguished Aida of Maria José Siri, who once again delivers an admirable rendition of "Cieli azzurri" in the second act, earning well-deserved acclaim. She maintains a refined vocal emission, a clear tone, and navigates the higher register with ease, skilfully managing her breath and masterfully controlling the dynamics at every level. Excellent performance.
I Teatri dell’Est
In the title role, the Uruguayan soprano of Italian origin, Maria José Siri, appears as if she had never left; recently she perfomed at the Teatro Filarmonico and the Arena di Verona in many demanding leading roles. The same artistic quality is found in the "crystal" Aida: her voice is notable for both its volume and range, with adequate interpretative qualities and the necessary stamina. All her vocal registers are well managed. …Siri is recognised for her solid technique, commendable vocal endurance, beautiful legato, and captivating filati. In "O cieli azzurri," she enchants and moves the audience through her refined nuances and the appealing high C at the end of the aria; in the role of the Ethiopian princess, Maria José stands as a reliable performer.
L’Ape Musicale
The voices, undoubtedly, were also the undisputed protagonists of the evening, led by a powerful and widely acclaimed Maria José Siri in the role of the Ethiopian Aida...
Radio Punto Zero
Maria José Siri delivered a truly outstanding performance as Aida, showcasing the very best of her vocal artistry through filati, messe di voce, impressive power, and remarkable precision.
L'Arena
Maria José Siri excels as Aida, characterised by her exquisite vocal quality and a meticulous portrayal. The nuanced interplay of chiaroscuro in her interpretation adds remarkable intensity and depth to her performance.
I Teatri dell’Est
María José Siri delivered an exquisite performance in the role of Aida, once again achieving well-deserved success with an admirable rendition of "Cieli azzurri" in the second act. She maintained a smooth vocal emission, a pure tone, and demonstrated ease in reaching the higher notes, skilfully managing her breath and expertly controlling dynamics.
Ópera Actual
Maria-José Siri delivers a highly dramatic interpretation of Aida, characterised by a richness of vibrato.
Kurier
On the iconic stage of the Arena di Verona, María José Siri delivers an extraordinary interpretation of the title role in Aida, establishing herself as one of the great contemporary Verdi sopranos. Her voice, distinguished by its remarkable range and richness of timbre, effortlessly resonates throughout the monumental open-air space, dominating both the moments of dramatic intensity and the more intimate and contemplative passages. Siri lends the role a profound emotional intensity, articulating each phrase with precision and musicality and displaying a powerful yet measured stage presence. Her rendition of “O cieli azzurri”, culminating in a flawless high C, stands out as one of the production’s most unforgettable highlights, earning unanimous praise from critics and audiences alike. In Siri’s portrayal, Aida becomes flesh and spirit, vulnerability and dignity, a rendition that honours tradition but that takes on a life of its own.
Diario La R
As the protagonist, Maria-José Siri impresses not only with her dramatic intensity, but also with a well-developed vibrato.
Opera Online
The cast is remarkable overall, with Maria José Siri shining as the protagonist. The Uruguayan singer tackles the challenging role with energetic flair, dominating it without apparent effort: her Aida is strong-willed and determined rather than submissive, her vocal delivery is consistently precise and supple. The phrasing is impressive and her expressive performance is varied. ... The overall performance is truly exceptional.
Connessi all’Opera
As Aida, Maria José Siri adds delicate highlights to a solid vocal and interpretative foundation.
Opernmagazin
Maria José Siri, in the title role, proves once again to be an artist of considerable depth. Her vocal qualities, inherently suited to the vastness of the Arena's amphitheatre, navigate the complex score with precision and an admirable consistency in vocal timbre. The lower register is sculpted yet natural; the upper notes are delivered with strength, but never strained. The more introspective passages are delivered with delicate, almost seamless singing, conveying the young slave’s inner emotions with moving intensity. Siri commands the stage with presence…
Amici della Musica
On the opening night of Aida 2025, the cast was led by Maria José Siri, an artist thoroughly acquainted with both the unique acoustics of the Arena and the title role itself.
A rounded tone, refined “filati”, and vibrant top notes infused her vocal line with an intense lyricism, marked by the elegance of soft hues delivered with a brilliant vocal glow.
From a dramatic standpoint, the Uruguayan soprano of Italian descent, offered a nuanced exploration of Aida’s inner conflict - the Ethiopian slave torn between filial duty and the stirrings of the heart.
DeArtes.cloud
Stepping into the role of the Ethiopian princess is Maria José Siri, a beloved favorite of the Arena’s audience and a veteran of the role (as well as of this very production). The Uruguayan soprano once again captivates with the velvety warmth of her timbre and the firmness of a voice that projects securely into the upper register. The true strengths of her performance lie, without doubt, in the seamless legato and the artful use of delicate filati, through which she highlights with exquisite finesse the femininity and gentleness of the character. Hers is an Aida enclosed within her most intimate fragility, a pure spirit who, despite the surrounding barbarity of war, pursues her dream of love to the catharsis of the ultimate sacrifice.
Opera Libera
On the musical front, the performance of August 24th was graced by two leading interpreters in the principal roles. Maria José Siri (the soprano who, within this production, has amassed the highest number of appearances) portrayed Aida with profound pathos and emotional fervor, revealing an almost immaculate vocal technique. Her singing unfolded with unwavering support, enriched both by delicate, intimate half-tones and by resplendent high notes delivered with clarity and technical assurance, thanks to remarkable dynamic control. Sublime was her rendering of “O cieli azzurri”, where touching filati and sonorous, impeccably tuned top notes converged in a breathtaking display.
Giornale della musica
Maria José Siri as Aida delivered a solid, thoroughly competent performance with lovely vocal qualities that served the role well.
The Stuart Review
...With heartfelt artistry she shapes the famed Nile aria, unveiling both versatility and vocal puissance in poignantly moving pianissimi.
Opera Online
It is Maria José Siri who lends her voice to Aida (stepping in for the originally announced Marina Rebeka). Here too, the tessitura is handled with complete assurance and, like her stage partner, the Uruguayan soprano brings a lightness of touch, offering a final duet of great beauty...
ForumOpera.com
...with Maria José Siri in the title role, her voice shines in the delicate shimmer of her mezza voce high notes.
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