Simon Boccanegraopens the 2024-2025 Season at the Rome Opera House

The Rome Opera House inaugurates its 2024-2025 season with a new production of Giuseppe Verdi's Simon Boccanegra. The premiere will take placeon the 7^th of November, 2024, and will be broadcast live at 19:00as part of ourEuropean Stage program. Featuring an exceptional cast, masterful conducting by opera specialist Michele Mariotti, and the visionary stage direction of renowned director Richard Jones, this production promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.

Italian baritone Luca Salsi takes on the titular role, further cementing his reputation as a definitive interpreter of Simon Boccanegra. With an international career spanning performances at La Scala in Milan, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and the Royal Opera House in London, Salsi embodies a unique blend of vocal power and interpretative nuance. His ability to capture both the strength and vulnerability of the character makes him a perfect fit for this complex role.

Soprano Eleonora Buratto, a recipient of the prestigious Abbiati Award, lends her sensitivity and refinement to the role of Maria/Amelia. Buratto is no stranger to Verdi's music, having performed the role during the Rome Opera's tour of Japan under Riccardo Muti, as well as at the Vienna State Opera in 2019 and La Scala earlier this year. Her expressive voice and commanding stage presence make her an ideal choice for this character, a symbol of innocence and hope in a world plagued by conflict.

Listeners of Radio România Muzical may recall the 1^st of February, 2024 live broadcast of Simon Boccanegra from La Scala, where Luca Salsi and Eleonora Buratto also headlined the cast.

Tenor Ștefan Pop, one of the leading voices of his generation, will bring passion and intensity to the role of Gabriele Adorno. A winner of prestigious competitions like Operalia in 2010, Pop has gained acclaim for his vibrant interpretations and flourishing international career. Regularly featured on Italy's greatest stages, this new production marks his return to the Teatro Costanzi. As Gabriele, Pop will embody a character whose emotional journey is deeply intertwined with the opera's political intrigues and his relationship with Maria. During the intermission of the live broadcast, don't miss an exclusive interview with Ștefan Pop.

Michele Pertusi- Jacopo Fiesco Renowned bass Michele Pertusi will portray Jacopo Fiesco, lending the role the gravitas and authority it demands. With a wealth of experience in Verdi's repertoire, Pertusi is celebrated for his ability to combine vocal power with intricate character interpretation.

The opera's context and its significance in Verdi's repertoire

Simon Boccanegra is one of Verdi's most intricate works, seamlessly blending personal drama with political intrigue in the turbulent 14th-century world of Genoa. Premiering in 1857, the opera initially struggled with audiences due to Francesco Maria Piave's convolutedlibretto. However, a revision in 1881, with contributions from Arrigo Boito, transformed the piece into one of Verdi's most acclaimed masterpieces. The story follows the rise and fall of Simon Boccanegra, a Genoese Doge caught between political strife and personal tragedy. Central themes include his relationship with his lost daughter Maria (Amelia) and his rivalry with Jacopo Fiesco, all underscored by music of profound emotional intensity.

Conductor Michele Mariotti, one of the most celebrated maestri of his generation, continues his fruitful collaboration with the Rome Opera House in this production. Known for his refined and nuanced approach, Mariotti is a Verdi specialist with remarkable interpretations of La Traviata, Macbeth, and Don Carlo to his credit. His style, characterized by meticulous attention to orchestral details and balance between the orchestra and singers, is essential for bringing out the complexities of Verdi's Simon Boccanegra. Under Mariotti's baton, this productionwill undoubtedly highlight the beauty of Verdi's score while showcasing the extraordinary vocal talent of the cast.

Related events

Beyond the performances, the Rome Opera House is hosting a series of events designed to deepen the audience's understanding of the opera and its themes. On the 16^th of November, Giovanni Bietti will deliver a lecture exploring key aspects of the opera, such as the interplay of power and human relationships in a politically charged setting. Additionally, the premiere will coincide with the release of a new issue of the cultural magazine Calibano, which will examine the theme of power in contemporary society. The performances will be accessible to a wide audience through live broadcasts, extending the reach of this operatic masterpiece and fostering a greater appreciation for this art form.

Join us on Wednesday, the 27^th of November, at 19:00, on Radio România Muzical.