La Sonnambula at the Stuttgart Opera has proved a “great triumph. Not only for the directing duo but for the ensemble as a whole, for they have delivered a heart-warming miracle in their coordination of stage and orchestra, voice and roleplay” (Süddeutsche Zeitung): the production by Jossi Wieler and Sergio Morabito was honoured at the International Opera Awards as “new production of the year” and ensemble member Ana Durlovski won the coveted theatre prize “Der Faust” for her portrayal of the somnambulist. Opernwelt magazine made her “newcomer of the year”, while the Stuttgart Opera chorus was named “opera chorus of the year” for the ninth time in 13 years.
Bizet Les pêcheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers)
La Sonnambula
Premiered in Milan on 6 March 1831, La Sonnambula is regarded as Bellini’s first true masterpiece. The opera teils the story of Amina, who is to marry Elvino, but sleepwalks into the room of Count Rodolfo the night before her wedding. Upon hearing of this deplorable incident, Elvino calls off the wedding. Although Rodolfo confirms her innocence, Elvino remains steel-hearted, until Amina sleepwalks again… This new production of La Sonnambula dazzles with lovingly detailed and imaginative sets which repro duce a Swiss alpine resort in the 1930s (Bellini hirnself set the action in a Swiss village). Complete with a majestic mountain panorama, a cable car and a grand salon, not to mention the colorfully dressed resort guests, the settings deploy an enchanting picture book of visual surprises. Director Bepi Morassi interweaves subtle details that reflect the social realities of today, such as a marriage contract. ..
Il Vologeso
The successful duo of Jossi Wieler und Sergio Morabito have rediscovered a Baroque gem in Niccolò Jommelli’s opera Il Vologeso. Their exciting staging, relocated to the present day, delighted both the audience and the press. Born in Naples in 1714, Niccolò Jommelli was in his day a superstar among composers. In the course of his life he set some 80 librettos. For this, the first staged performance of Il Vologeso for more than 200 years, a strong cast has been assembled. Sebastian Kohlhepp, Sophie, Ana Durlovski, Helene Schneiderman and Catriona Smith all bring the story of Vologeso to life again with their captivating and beautiful singing. Gabriele Ferro, conducting the State Orchestra, transforms Jommelli’s music into great waves of emotion with his differentiated and thrilling conducting style.
Otello
Gioachino Rossini’s Otello returns to the place of ist premiere 200 years ago in the inspired staging of director Amos Gitai at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. The stellar vocal cast is led by John Osborn, who shines in the highly difficult title role, and Nino Machaidze as outstanding Desdemona. Gabriele Ferro conducts the flawless orchestra and chorus of the Teatro San Carlo. An Otello that “evokes modern dramas” (Formiche) with “standing ovations for Machaidze and Osborn!” (Corriere del mezzogiorno)
Die Feuersnot
From Wagner to Strauss: Unitel opens the Richard Strauss year 2014 with the first ever video recording of Strauss’ early one act opera Feuersnot, the master’s answer to Richard Wagner’s idea of “redemption through love”. The new production from the Teatro Massimo in Palermo, one of the most prestigious opera houses in Europe, is led by Italian conductor Gabriele Ferro.
Bizet, Les pêcheurs de perles
Set in ancient times on the island of Ceylon, Bizet’s oper about two men’s vow of eternal friendship threatened by their love for the same woman, is a magificent example of Bizet’s gifts for melody and evocative instrumentation. This prodution from the stunning Teatro San Carlo was celebrated enthusiastically by audience and critics: “I have rarely seen a production as beautiful and faithful to the music.” (Paolo Isotta, Corriere della Sera)
La Sonnambula
This ‘spirited and witty’ – in the words of Germany’s prestigious daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung – new production of Vincenzo Bellini’s (1801-1835) ‘La sonnambula’ dazzles with its lovingly detailed and imaginative sets which reproduce a Swiss alpine resort in the 1930s (Bellini himself set the action in a Swiss village). Complete with a majestic mountain panorama, cable car, post-bus and grand salon, not to mention the colorfully dressed resort guests, set designer Massimo Checchetto deploys an enchanting picture book of visual surprises.