In November 1869, Egypt's Khedive Ismail opened both the Suez Canal and the Cairo Opera House, which debuted with Rigoletto. But what Verdi opera was the khedive hoping to have instead?

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In 1869 Khedive Ismail gave instruction to erect an opera house on the occasion of the inauguration of the Suez Canal. It was called Khedivial (Royal) Opera House. Two architects, Afoskoni and Rossi, designed the Opera House, built of wood, which was completed in six months with a capacity of 850 persons. Based on a story from the ancient Egyptian history, Aida should have been performed at the opening of the Opera House. However, the performance of this opera was postponed to 24 December, 1871. Instead, Rigoletto, another masterpiece by Verdi, was performed at the inaugural ceremony of the Khedivial Opera House on November 1, 1869. Khedive Ismail seized the opportunity of the inauguration to invite to Egypt Kings and Queens of Europe. In the early morning of 1971, the great Opera House burned to the ground. http://www.sis.gov.eg/aida/html/opera.htm Aug 21 02, 5:16 AM