Die Entführung aus dem Serail

The unforgettable “masterful use of light and silhouettes” (Milano Post) with which Giorgio Strehler interpreted the charm of Mozart’s Singspiel was conceived for the Salzburg Festival, where it was staged in 1965 under the baton of then 29 year old Zubin Mehta, and then regularly revived at La Scala from 1972 onwards. At twenty years since the death of the great director, who from 1951 staged some by-now legendary operas at La Scala, Teatro alla Scala proposed anew this celebrated staging and called to the podium the man who conducted it the first time – Zubin Mehta. “Extraordinary, a wonder …” (Corriere Della Sera). The stage set with magnificent palace architecture and a sea view at centre is a veritable feast for the eyes, which is equally true for the elaborately and lovingly designed costumes. The viewer feels like he‘s being transported into the oriental aura. The fact that the current performance is conducted by Maestro Zubin Mehta, now over 80 years old, builds a bridge to Strehler‘s Salzburg production, which dates back more than half a century, and at the same time provides a touching detail of this timelessly monumental performance.

Tristan und Isolde

This production of Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde, directed by Pierre Audi, has received high acclaim in Paris and Rome. “Pierre Audi is one of the few directors who works with Wagner by subtraction, imagining the story in a minimalist dimension, out of time, abstract: … Don’t miss it.“ (Il Messagero). „The Orchestra of Teatro Opera of Rome proves with this interpretation that it is one of the best opera house orchestras in Europe.“ (KlassikInfo.de) “Ecstasy, emotion and effect unleashed by Daniele Gatti at the podium of the Orchestra was overwhelming.“ (News.at). “Excellent Andreas Schager as Tristan, vocally strong Rachel Nicholls as Isolde.“ (KlassikInfo.de). “Brilliant! Gatti is a supreme Wagnerian, gloriously aware of all the kinesthetic requirements. Schager is convincing, Nicolls among the great Isoldes I’ve heard. If your ambition is to increase your understanding of Tristan, beg, borrow or steal a ticket.” Jack Buckley, SEEN AND HEARD