La gazza ladra

This Cologne Opera production, one of Rossini’s most brilliant compositions, was directed by Michael Hampe and boasts a star-studded cast with Ileana Cotrubas, Carlos Feller, David Kuebler and Alberto Rinaldi.

Rossini’s opera is a perennial favourite and tells the story of a servant girl, accused of stealing a silver spoon. She is brought to trial by the Justice of the Peace, whose advances she has repulsed, and is condemned to death. Tragedy turns to comedy when, just before the execution is due to take place, it is discovered that the real thief is a magpie.

Bruno Bartoletti conducts this lively and colourful production, designed by o Pagano.

Tosca

Filmed in the authentic Roman locations specified in the score, this “Tosca” absolutely pulsates with tension and excitement. The first act was shot in the splendid Baroque church of Sant’Andrea della Valle. The second act was filmed in papal apartments in the Castel Sant’Angelo resembling those in the Palazzo Farnese, which is now the French Embassy and off- limits to film teams. The final act was filmed on the banks of the Tiber and on the ramparts of the ancient Castel Sant’Angelo. Raina Kabaivanska is a memorable Tosca, restless, jealously provocative and powerfully determined. With Plácido Domingo’s heroically passionate portrayal of Cavaradossi and Sherrill Milnes’ ruthless and eruptively sensual Scarpia, this “Tosca” is a winner.

Macbeth

TUTTO VERDI – this edition to mark the Verdi bicentenary sets standards by which all similar projects will be judged. It includes all twenty-six operas by the greatest Italian stage composer, together with his immortal Requiem, all of them in definitive performances.

“This is how Verdi should be played” – Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on TUTTO VERDI

Giovanna d´Arco

TUTTO VERDI – this edition to mark the Verdi bicentenary sets standards by which all similar projects will be judged. It includes all twenty-six operas by the greatest Italian stage composer, together with his immortal Requiem, all of them in definitive performances.

“This is how Verdi should be played” – Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on TUTTO VERDI

Tutto Verdi: Simon Boccanegra, Luisa Miller, Giovanna d’Arco, Il Corsaro, I Lombardi alla prima crociata, Nabucco, I due Foscari, Un giorno di regno

On the occasion of the 200th birthday of Giuseppe Verdi in 2013 one of the most important opera houses in Italy, The Teatro Regio in Parma, performes Verdi’s complete operas. As co-producer of this project, Unitel presents the operas in High Definition including 5.1 sound. An exceptional and unique project to honour the great composer! Already available are: ‘Simon Boccanegra’ (155′), ‘Luisa Miller’ (146′), ‘Giovanna d’Arco’ (130′), ‘Il Corsaro’ (90′),’ I Lombardi alla prima crociata’ (130′),’ Nabucco’ (132′),’ I due Foscari’ (114′), ‘Un giorno di regno’ (120′)