Israeli newspaper 'Yediot Ahranot" reported that a Pharonic stage has been erected in the Judean desert for a performance of 'Aida.' The newspaper said dozens of set designers, engineers and workmen have just finished setting up the stage and lighting. The largest statue constructed for the production is the sphinx, which is 22 meters high. There are also several other statues of pharaohs such as Ramses II and Amenhotep I. "Aida" will be conducted by Israeli maestro Daniel Oren. It features 120 singers, 40 dancers and 70 extras, along with the Israel Symphony Orchestra Rishon Lezion. The opera will be directed by French director Charles Roubaud. The event is part of the second Masada Opera festival. Israeli Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov said in the newspaper that the opera is a chance to show the world that Israel can put on world class shows. He said the ministry is putting a lot of effort into promoting Aida along with other Israeli authorities such as the Ministry of Culture, the Judean desert and Galilee development authority and Discount Bank at a cost of U.S. $10 million.
