Based on a short novel by Dostoyevsky, Prokofiev’s The Gambler unfolds in the fictional casino town of Roulettenburg, where a variety of characters converge and clash. These characters include a General indebted to a covetous Marquis, the General’s resentful stepdaughter Polina, and Alexey, who harbors feelings for her. Director Peter Sellars, known for his insightful interpretations of overlooked masterpieces, challenges us to mirror the bravery of Dostoyevsky and Prokofiev – the courage to confront our inner darkness. The musical direction of Russian conductor Timur Zangiev shines together with the vocal performances of the exceptional cast: “Asmik Grigorian portraying a passionate Polina, and Sean Panikkar delivering a powerful performance as Alexei” (Financial Times) “Peter Sellars…has done what this exceptional director always tries to do: present an old, distant story as an analysis of the here and now” (Süddeutsche Zeitung) “A triumph of vision and passion” (European News Agency) “Grand sound cinema” (Bachtrack)
La Cenerentola
Rossini’s second masterpiece La Cenerentola premiered at the Teatro Valle in Rome on the 25th of January 1817, less than a year after the first performance of his The Barber of Seville and it´s pure, perfect Rossini. In this production, a set-up made to celebrate 200 years Rossini in Rome, Emma Dante´s “rousing Cinderella” (Corriere della Sera) “succeeds in impressing her own contemporary vision on a classic masterpiece, in perfect symbiosis with the spirit of Rossini.” (Opera Now) “Alejo Pérez deserves the credit for an excellent ensemble and a dazzling rhythmic rendering of the Rossinian score.” (La Nazione – Il Resto del Carlino – Il Giorno)
Così fan tutte
Who loves whom in Così fan tutte, Mozart’s and Da Ponte’s cruelly comic reflection on desire, fidelity and betrayal? Or have the confusions to which the main characters subject one another ensured that in spite of the heartfelt love duets and superficially fleetfooted comedy nothing will work any longer and that a sense of emotional erosion has replaced true feelings? Così fan tutte is a timeless work full of questions that affect us all. The Academy Award-winning director Michael Haneke once said that he was merely being precise and did not want to distort reality. In only his second opera production after Don Giovanni in 2006, he presents what ARTE described as a “disillusioned vision
of love in an ice-cold, realistic interpretation”. And according to the online version of ZEIT, six “fabulous vocal soloists cast from 120 international applicants” bring gentle melancholy and moving vulnerability to Haneke‘s radical staging.
300 Years Giovanni Batista Pergolesi – The complete Operas: Adriano in Siria, Il Flaminio, Il Prigionier superbo
In 2010, the music world celebrated the 300th birthday of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, one of the most important and fascinating composers of the early 18th century. C Major Entertainment and UNITEL honour the composer, violinist and organist by presenting his complete stage entertainments recorded at the famous Pergolesi Festival in the composer’s home town, Jesi. Performed by singers and musicians specialising in the music of the 18th century. The cycle includes: ‘Adriano in Siria’ + ‘Livetta e Tracollo’ (193’), ‘L’Olimpiade’ (approx. 210’), ‘Salustia’ (approx. 170’), ‘Il Prigionier superbo’ (124’), ‘Lo Frate ‘nnamorato’ (approx. 200’), ‘Il Flaminio’ (183’) and ‘La Serva Padrona’ (approx. 50’).
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)
Verdi: Falstaff
At Festival Verdi, the city of Parma celebrates its most distinguished son, Giuseppe Verdi, with exceptional stagings such as Jacopo Spirei’s take on the composer’s last opera “Falstaff”. In a contemporary British setting, Italian baritone Roberto de Candia gives a hilarious performance in the title role, but at the same time manages to outline’s Falstaff’s melancholy. The role of the jealous husband is played by Giorgio Caoduro, who exhibits “excellent vocal qualities, his timbre clear and vibrant, his intonation perfect.” (Bachtrack) Riccardo Frizza conducts the bittersweet comedy.
Tutto Pergolesi – Il flaminio
For the 300th anniversary of the birth of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710–1736), the ‘Italian Mozart’, whose music is practically unknown today, the Fondazione Pergolesi Spontini, which has been devoting itself to the research and performance of Pergolesi’s music for years now, joined forces with UNITEL CLASSICA to record all eight of the master’s stage works on video in HD and 5.1 Surround Sound. A landmark project that will provide many impulses for the rediscovery of this composer’s epoch-making works.