The Deutsche Oper Berlin has announced a cast change for its May 22, 2025 performance of Verdi’s “Aida.”

The company said that Marigona Qerkezi will make her debut at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, stepping into the title role of “Aida” at short notice. She will take over for Christina Nilsson, who was originally scheduled.

Qerkezi noted, “It’s always a privilege, a joy, and an honor to perform such a powerful role. I’m very much looking forward to bringing Aida to the Berlin audience.”

The Croatian soprano has performed Aida to great acclaim at the Opera A Coruña, the Polish National Opera Warsaw, and Dubai Opera. She will reprise the role again in July at the Teatro Lirico di Cagliari.

Qerkezi is known for her Verdi repertoire, having performed “Giovanna d’Arco”, “Il Trovatore”, “Ernani”, “I due Foscari”, and “Nabucco.”

She is set to join a cast that includes SeokJong Baek as Radamès, Judit Kutasi as Amneris, Byung Gil Kim as Ramfis, Michael Bachtadze as Amonasro, and Tobias Kehrer as the King. Benedikt von Peter’s production will be conducted by Paolo Arrivabeni.

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