Montreal geared up for an operatic extravaganza. A cast of 700-complete with camels and horses performed Verdi`s “Aida“ in the 100-yard-long Olympic Stadium under the direction of Maestro Raffa

Replicas of the Sphinx and pyramids have been built for the spectacular staging, which was first performed in 1987 at the foot of the pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Some 1,500 costumes and 5,000 props have been used in the production.

The cast included Katia Ricciarelli in the title role and Nicola Martnucci in male protagonist role, among others, under the stage direction of Mauro Bolognini and costumes by Luisa Spinatelli.