This month, tenor Robert Nagy's name has appeared on the programme of two important events on the stage of the prestigious Palermo's Teatro Massimo. The first, Giuseppe Verdi's Messa da Requiem, was conducted by Roberto Abbado and the second, the première of Gaetano Donizetti's Maria Stuarda is to be performed on May, 21^st 2010. The following is an interview with Robert Nagy who told us about successful collaborations as well as the 'unexpected events'.

You have recently collaborated with conductor Roberto Abbado for the performance of Giuseppe Verdi's Messa da Requiem. How do you perceive this featuring?

It's been extraordinary. On May 6^th 2010, a general strike took place in Italy against Sandro Bondi's decree. That day, maestro Abbado was supposed to perform Giuseppe Verdi's Messa da Requiem at the Palermo's Massimo Opera House but, out of consideration for the strike, the performance took place in Piazza Verdi in front of the building. It's been a special occasion and an exquisite concert. I think Roberto Abbado wasn't disappointed with my performance, I'd say he was truly satisfied.

On May 21^st 2010 you are to interpret 'Roberto' at the première of Gaetano Donizetti's Maria Stuarda. What would you say about this role vocally?

At the Palermo's Massimo Teatro there is also going to be a series of performances of Maria Stuarda in a distinguished cast, namely Dimitra Theodossiou and Kate Aldrich, under the baton of maestro Fabrizio Maria Carminati. As usual, there are to be featured performances with Gaetano Donizetti's Tudor Queen Trilogy, namely Anna Bolena, Maria Stuarda and Roberto Devereux. Anna Bolena was performed in 2008 when I had the opportunity to perform alongside Mariella Devia and now I am in Palermo for Maria Stuarda. About 'Roberto' I'd say it is an extremely demanding role - the tenor must sing a lot. It is a very difficult score but I must admit Donizetti is quite challenging.