Shakespeare’s lovers never looked and sounded as good as in this romantic film adaptation of Charles Gounod’s beloved opera Roméo et Juliette, starring one of classical music’s most popular and successful couples, Roberto Alagna and Angela Gheorghiu. A spectacular medieval castle and its surrounding countryside provide the breathtaking setting for this timeless tale of warring families and star-crossed lovers. Conductor Anton Guadagno leads the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra through the opera’s beautiful arias and duets in this fresh interpretation of Gounod’s masterwork.
Pavarotti, un’emozione senza fine – 10th Anniversary Concert
Fondazione Luciano Pavarotti and Friends & Partners, are proud to announce a special tribute concert dedicated to the unique and unforgettable tenor Luciano Pavarotti, marking the 10th anniversary of his passing. It seems remarkable that a decade has already passed since September 6, 2007, when the world mourned one of the most beloved and legendary singers. The anniversary event takes place at Verona Arena, the Roman amphitheatre internationally renowned for its large-scale opera productions as well as pop concerts. Placido Domingo and Josè Carreras pay tribute to their friend Maestro Pavarotti as part of the concert, having performed together several times as The Three Tenors. Many more stars, both from the opera and the pop field, join them to celebrate Maestro Pavarotti, whose memory stays vivid and strong in the hearts of so many.
Richard Strauss – In the Twilight
He is a music mage. To this day, he fascinates audiences with his magical sense of sound. But the tracks of the luminous figure that is Richard Strauss are followed by a dark hadow in discreet agreement. Who is one, who is the other? How are they connected? The film IN THE TWILIGHT illuminates the multiple layers of the man and musician Richard Strauss. Oscillating between high key and low key, between darkness and light, visually striking spaces are revealed for the musical genius as well as the viewer´s desire for association.
Magic Moments of Music – Angela Gheorghiu „La Traviata“ at Royal Opera House
It was a uniquely magic moment of music. In what would be the first and only time, the BBC dedicated its prime time weekend schedule to broadcast an opera live to an audience of millions. In place of popular motoring programme Top Gear, the British public were treated to La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi. Legendary conductor Sir Georg Solti convinced decision-makers at the BBC that it was time to introduce a phenomenal singer and performer to the world: Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu. Until this moment, Gheorghiu was a talent known only to a few. Solti himself was at the podium to conduct La Traviata for the first time in his storied career, while the staging was by theatre and feature film director Sir Richard Eyre – likewise working on his very first opera. Eyre agreed on one specific condition. “I wanted a soprano as described by Verdi himself: young, elegant and with a voice full of passion.” Angela Gheorghiu had all of these qualities and more. In an interview she said: “During the broadcast I felt that my time had arrived. I was in no doubt: it was now or never!” Alongside Angela Gheorghiu, who the film accompanies 30 years later to the Royal Opera House in London – the birthplace of her global success – are memories and reflections from tenor Frank Lopardo, who sang the role of Alfredo, opera director Sir Richard Eyre, BBC film director Peter Maniura, French-Danish singer Elsa Dreisig, conductor Marie Jacquot, opera critic Nick-Martin Sternitzke and the writer Salomé Balthus.