Début for 'the astounding' ANNA ...
Saturday, 2 April 2011 , 19.00

There is no doubt that the new production proposed by the Vienna State Opera for Gaetano Donizetti's opera, Anna Bolena, is a real event not only for this theatre during its running season but for other music venues as well. It lasts too long to be broadcast on An evening at the Opera and it is too important not to have a live correspondent during the performance (signed by Haiganuş Preda-Schimeck) and definitely too exciting for any opera lover not to be attended so I will add just a few ideas before the Saturday of our broadcasting (starting with 20.00).

Queen Anna Bolena, the lover of Henry VII who was accused of adultery and punished by death, will for the first time be interpreted by Anna Netrebko (photo) and it will also be the role she is to perform within the opening season concert at the New York Metropolitan Opera. This is a part that will test and certify Anna Netrebko's qualities as a dramatic soprano (with all its requirements) but also a part that constantly reminds us of Maria Callas portraying Anna Bolena in 1957 in a Luchino Visconti production under the baton of Gianandrea Gavazzeni - another reason why Netrebko's début is an event.

Donizetti's Viennese opera production is signed by Eric Génovèse and conducted by Evelino Pido.

The part of Anna Netrebko's rival will be performed at the Vienna State Opera and also in September at the New York Metropolitan Opera by mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca, the one with whom Netrebko formed what the American critics called 'the dream duet'.

There will also perform important artists like tenor Francesco Meli (Lord Percy) and bass Giacomo Prestia (Enrico), invited at the Vienna State Opera.

As for our Saturday meeting I may mention Donizetti's undoubted musical quality of enchanting and thrilling the public anytime, anywhere…