When Simon Boccanegra is elected Doge of the City of Genoa, it seems to offer the opportunity of reconciliation between the Patricians and the Plebeians. But he becomes entangled in family tragedies and power plays. Simon Boccanegra is Verdi’s most sombre work, yet enthralling with its strong drive to love and freedom. To unveil the moving score, the Orchestre Dijon Bourgogne is joined by Verdi specialist Roberto Rizzi Brignoli, who is known for an intimiate and precise knowledge of the Italian master’s style.
Médée
Luigi Cherubini’s most famous opera Médée is based on the universal and timeless tragedy Medea by the Greek poet Euripides. With a mother who exacts revenge for her husband’s betrayal by killing their own children, it is undoubtedly one of the most violent and frigid myths that Antic Greece has left us. French stage director Jean-Yves Ruf chose the original French version of Médéefrom 1797, instead of the more frequently performed Italian translation, to be presented at Dijon Opera. He highlights the libretto through a dark lightened stage set (created by architect and stage designer Laure Pichat), which perfectly fits the gloomy mood of the play. The Dijon Bourgogne Orchestra, under the baton of Nicolas Krüger, performs brilliantly with lyrical and beautiful playing.