The Force of Destiny by Verdi, Mon 28 Jul 2014, From (2014/2014), Directed by Martin Kušej, Conductor Asher Fisch, Nationaltheater, Munich, Germany

Soprano star Anja Harteros and world-famous tenor Jonas Kaufmann headline this spectacular 2014 production of Verdi's La Forza del destino, superbly staged by Martin Kušej at the National Theatre Munich! Spanish noblewoman Donna Leonora (Harteros), daughter of a marquis, is forbidden from seeing the man she loves, the South American noble Don Alvaro (Kaufmann), because of racist attitudes toward his Inca background. Throughout this celebrated opera, Verdi spotlights class contempt and racial prejudice, themes that are as timely in the 21st century as when the work premiered in 1862. This staging brings together three of today's most famous operatic voices: Anja Harteros, Jonas Kaufmann, and baritone Ludovic Tézier as Don Carlo, Leonora's brother—who complements Kaufmann perfectly in the famous Act III duet between Carlo and Alvaro. Kušej plays cleverly on the chiaroscuro effect of Martin Zehetgruber's sets, striking and somber, which makes the final act's white crosses stand out even more starkly as a symbol of constant penitence. Asher Fisch capably leads the Bayerisches Staatsorchester in Verdi's stupendous score, accompanying the singers impeccably without ever overpowering their excellent performances.