Aida by Giuseppe Verdi Community Center Theater, ?? 1997 Sacramento Opera Association I wish I had seen my first Aida somewhere that could produce a grander scale. This opera is practically synonymous with "grand" and a procession featuring only six soldiers per group just isn't able to evoke that feeling. For all that, this performance was musically satisfying on many levels, and the Act II finale, even on such a scale, was grand. Eduardo Alvares' Radames was a big reason for the success of the evening, his muscular voice a strong and robust presence throughout. Irina Mishura's Amneris was likewise beautifully sung, Mishura's fluid, even tone perfectly suited to the imperious role she presented. Aida unfortunately was less well cast. Martha Sheil has a pretty voice but a small one, and it disappeared entirely in the lower registers. The chorus -- especially the men -- added greatly to the success of the evening, a strong reedy sound that supplied a lush background for much of the action. Monroe Kanouse was in control on the podium, conducting at a brisk, variable pace that moved the story along well. The orchestra was adequate, the horns enjoying a better night than the strings, for my taste.