Primadonna assoluta and shining star of the international opera world, Anna Netrebko has been given a sumptuous vehicle to showcase her ‘incomparable, velvety, mesmerizingly chocolate-dark timbre’ (Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung): as the tragic heroine of Jules Massenet’s ‘Manon.’ Anna Netrebko pulls out all the stops as the impulsive, hybrid femme fatale and child woman, who yields to her immoderate cravings for sensual pleasure. As her shining knight, Roberto Alagna is a Des Grieux who wins all hearts with his vibrant timbre and stage presence.
Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) (Mozart 22)
Anna Netrebko, Christine Schäfer, Dorothea Röschmann, Bo Skovhus and Ildebrando D’Arcangelo under the direction of Nikolaus Harnoncourt and accompanied by the Vienna Philharmonic – this “Marriage of Figaro” is a feast for musical gourmets. Of all the Mozart 22 productions of the Salzburg Festival’s Mozart year 2006, “Figaro” is no doubt the most popular, both among connoisseurs and amateurs – perhaps because it is above all a triumph of superior music-making. The story is well-known, the work is fast-moving, witty, touching and vibrant. Based on a politically and socially explosive comedy by Beaumarchais, but toned down by Mozart’s librettist Lorenzo da Ponte, it treats the topic of love, lust and justice among the various classes: nobility, indentured servants and the rising bourgeoisie. The joy of the work lies above all in its characters, which are perhaps the most “human” human beings to be found on the opera stage. Harnoncourt’s musical concept is meticulously worked-out, interpreted with a wealth of subtle nuances and, with respect to the madness of the romantic intrigues unfolding on the stage, nothing less than thought-provoking. Director Claus Guth’s staging fits the music like a glove: there are no farcical elements or slapstick; he takes each and every character seriously. He sees the ensembles and arias as emotional rooms that are to be opened by the director. Everything takes place in Count Almaviva’s summer residence – a place devoid of furnishings but filled with erotic energy. The most erotically charged role in the opera is that of Cherubino, and with Christine Schäfer, Cherubino became the fulcrum of the performance, a luminous, dazzlingly virtuoso singer and consistently poignant actress – perhaps the vocal discovery of the Mozart 22 project. The celebrated Anna Netrebko proves her greatness by harnessing her sensual soprano to make it fit seamlessly into the ensemble. Bo Skovhus and Dorothea Röschmann give realistic and intense accounts of the Count and Countess as they movingly depict their “scenes of a marriage.” Finally, Ildebrando D’Arcangelo employs his powerful bass baritone to give authority to the work’s title role.
Paris Concert March 2007 – Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazón
The tension is palpable at Paris’ Théâtre des Champs-Elysées this 28th of March 2007. Anna Netrebko is not only making her debut in France, but she is making it with Rolando Villazón. The ‘dream couple’ of the opera world is about to bring its incomparable charm and magnetism to France’s ‘mélomanes.’ And the result is nothing less than phenomenal: ‘An unforgettable evening, rich in emotions, which many spectators will look back on with nostalgia one day and say: ‘I was there!’. No matter where they appear, Netrebko and Villazón inevitably work their magic on the audience, whether it consists of hundreds or, when broadcast on TV, of millions. For their Paris concert, the duo chose a broad selection of chiefly late-romantic works – the style for which their voices seem to be tailor-made..
Arena di Verona Festival 2025: Nabucco
Anna Netrebko stars as Abigaille in Verdi’s Nabucco, one of opera’s most demanding roles, in a spectacular new production set in the ancient amphitheatre of Verona. Featuring futuristic scenery and striking special effects, this modern staging transforms Verdi’s beloved choral drama into a powerful, immersive experience. Directed and designed by Stefano Poda, the production reimagines the story beyond history, presenting a timeless vision of conflict, unity and hope. “Netrebko manages to shape every sound with intention. A performance that combines charisma and discipline, pathos and control” (Rivista Musica)
La Gioconda
Amilcare Ponchielli’s La Gioconda, presented by the Teatro di San Carlo, in a co-production with the Gran Teatre del Liceu of Barcelona, presents a stellar cast under the baton of Pinchas Steinberg: Anna Netrebko, here in one of the most complex roles in the repertoire, shows “her vocal ability with an absolute mastery of her instrument” (Bachtrack). Ludovic Tézier’s Barnaba, “exhibited brilliant ease in every nuance of tone, register and phrasing” (Bachtrack) and Jonas Kaufmann’s Enzo proved his great presence and vocal skills. Romain Gilbert’s stage direction and the excellent performance from the orchestra fullfilled the expectations of a great production.
Arena di Verona Festival 2022: Turandot
The Arena di Verona honours Italian stage director and filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli and his legendary production of Turandot. His imposing cinematographic production reproduces imperial China thanks to its impressive scenery and scenes, enriched by the sumptuous costumes of the Oscar-winning Japanese costume designer Emi Wada. Everything helps to highlight the atmosphere of the drama of enigma per excellence, where life itself is in danger and the answer lies in love, which melts the protagonist’s icy heart. “Netrebko does not merely sing it: she interprets it. What emerges is a character much more human and ultimately truer than usual” (La Stampa)
Il Trovatore
A monumental staging by late legendary director Franco Zeffirelli brings superstar Anna Netrebko to the Arena of Verona where she is giving her much-anticipated debut in one of Giuseppe Verdi’s most popular operas, Il Trovatore. Zeffirelli created a legendary scenery within the Arena, one of the most spectacular open-air venues of the world. Next to Anna Netrebko as Leonora perform Verdi accomplished baritone Luca Salsi as Count di Luna. Yusif Eyvazov returns to the Arena as his powerful-voiced opponent Manrico. MET star Dolora Zajick as Azucena and young rising Italian bass Riccardo Fassi as Ferrando join the prestigious ensemble. The revered master of opera Franco Zeffirelli, who died shortly before the premiere of Il Trovatore, created a legendary scenery with groups of giant sized armoured knights, a fortress turning into a luminous cathedral, an enormous choir, horses, breathtaking fights: “his perhaps best arena production” (Opernglas).
3 Stars in Munich
The superstars of classical music are together for the first time at the Königsplatz, Munich for one night only. With this rare meeting of opera superstars, the square transforms into an opera house under the open sky, and creates an atmospheric setting for its 15 000 strong audience. Anna Netrebko joins Jonas Kaufmann and Thomas Hampson at the cultural heart of Munich for an open-air evening of celebrated arias, duets and opera scenes by Verdi, Puccini, Giordano, Leoncavallo, Bizet, Offenbach, Lehár, and more. Special guests: Elena Zhidkova and Ildar Abdrazakov.
Eras of Music History
Bold in conception, popular in format, gripping in its presentation – “Eras of Music History” makes the soundtrack to European history come alive – immediate and easily comprehensible for young viewers, classical newcomers and experts. In the series “Eras of Music History” music becomes something palpable – sounds you can touch and feel. Graphic novels, historical scenes, jam sessions and commentaries by classical stars, footnotes from political figures, philosophers and cultural scholars – all these are woven together with video and audio documents of the history of great performances. (4 part series: Baroque, Romantic, Viennese Classicism, 20th Century – 4×90’ or 8×45’)
Anna – Stage of Emotions
Anna – Stage of Emotions, is part documentary, part abstract and visually stunning response to some of the powerful themes that run through this music, from love and hope to death and despair. It captures Anna Netrebko’s portrayals of five operatic heroines – Aida, Lisa, Dido, Cio-Cio San and Isolde – all of whom are brought individually to life thanks to the director’s – renowned filmmaker Elena Petitti di Roreto – unique visual language and style. Interwoven with the five music videos is an insightful interview with Anna Netrebko, who discusses both the roles and her own life. Shot largely in the majestic setting of La Scala’s famous auditorium, the film forges connections with the opera house’s venerable history (it staged the world premiere of Madama Butterfly) and its continuing artistic excellence today under Maestro Chailly’s direction.