The premiere of the Met Opera's Aida, which took place on Friday 23 November, was acclaimed as a success for the opera and for young Ukrainian soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska.

The opera will be shown to Egyptian audiences in mid-December as part of the Met's worldwide broadcasts.

According to AP news agency, "The 37-year-old Ukrainian soprano made her Met debut in the opening performance of the run Friday night and displayed something of a rarity these days — a dramatic voice capable of filling the Met in a core Verdi role."

AP continues: "Since her start at the Ukraine National Opera 16 years ago, she has built her career slowly and made her debut at London's Royal Opera last year as Lady Macbeth. Given the dearth of singers who can perform these parts at the 4,000-capacity Met, she is a singer to watch. She is scheduled for more Aidas and Santuzza at the Met in future seasons."

The opera will be transmitted in high definition to listeners around the globe. In Egypt, the broadcasts are screened at the Cairo Opera House, in the small hall.

Egypt joined the international network of Met Opera live broadcasts in October 2010, and Egyptian audiences responded with enthusiasm. The broadcasts were discontinued for a few months following the January 2011 revolution.

The Cairo Opera has held several Met Opera broadcasts so far this season, and will hold two more in December.

Programme:

Verdi's Un Ballo in Maschera: Saturday 8 December at 7pm
Verdi's Aida: Saturday 15 December at 7pm

Cairo Opera House (Small Hall), Zamalek