Organization

Singer

Tenor

Russell Thomas

Otello

Soprano

Hrachuhí Bassénz

Desdemona

Baritone

Christopher Maltman

Iago

Piotr Buszewski

Cassio

Andrés Presno

Roderigo

Bass

Alexander Köpeczi

Lodovico

Blaise Malaba

Montano

Stage director

Keith Warner

Conductor

Antonio Pappano

Lighting designer

Bruno Poet

Costume designer

Kaspar Glarner

Set designer

Boris Kudlička

Stage combat master

Ran Arthur Braun

Movement director

Michael Barry

Daniele Rustioni

Chorus master

William Spaulding

Dawid Kimberg

A Herald

Mezzo-soprano

Monika-Evelin Liiv

Emilia

Royal Opera House

Orchestra

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

Others

Chorus of the Royal Opera House

Italian

Otello -  (Othello)

London

United Kingdom

Main Stage

Otello Verdi

Public

Othello

English

Approved

Antonio Pappano conducts a new production of Verdi’s thrilling Shakespeare-inspired opera directed by Keith Warner, starring Jonas Kaufmann and Gregory Kunde...

Tenor Jonas Kaufmann and conductor Antonio Pappano reveal the musical secrets of Verdi's opera Otello, and what makes it such a challenge for singers. Find out more at www.roh.org.uk/otello

Otello is Verdi’s final tragedy. After astonishing productivity in his early career, the composer slowed in later life; more than fifteen years separate Otello and its predecessor, Aida, although Verdi revised his earlier works Simon Boccanegra and Don Carlo in the interim. He was lured out of retirement by the composer and librettist Arrigo Boito, who tempted him with a proposal that was very close to Verdi’s heart: Shakespeare’s Othello. Boito adapted the libretto from Shakespeare’s play, with much intervention from Verdi. As the latest utterance from the master of Italian opera, the 1887 premiere was an instant success – but, more than that, Otello has been an important part of the international opera repertory ever since.

The Italian musical landscape had changed during Verdi’s period of isolation, with many of his compatriots finding inspiration in foreign operatic innovations. Verdi responds in Otello with music that looks back to the traditional forms and structures of Italian opera, but which carries an unmistakably different dramatic thrust and fluidity, in response to Shakespeare’s text. The results are thrilling: from the violent storm that opens the opera through to Iago’s blood-chilling Credo and Otello’s increasingly desperate duets with Desdemona. Keith Warner (Wozzeck, Der Ring des Nibelungen) directs a new production of this masterpiece, The Royal Opera’s first in 30 years.

Jonas Kaufmann and Antonio Pappano on the musical secrets of Verdi's Otello (The Royal Opera)

Verdi’s Shakespeare-inspired penultimate opera marks the culmination of the composer’s genius, and is one of the most powerful works in the repertory. The perfect marriage of music and drama, with scenes ranging from the grand and ceremonial to those of exquisite intimacy, Otello charts the fall of an all-powerful leader from the radiance of power to the darkness of deluded jealousy. American tenor Russell Thomas takes on the title role for which he is becoming increasingly renowned, alongside Armenian soprano Hrachuhí Bassénz as Desdemona and British baritone Christopher Maltman as Otello’s nemesis Iago. Daniele Rustioni conducts this revival of Keith Warner’s brooding and insightful production.

Othello by Verdi, From (2022/2022), Directed by Keith Warner,, Conductor Antonio Pappano, Daniele Rustioni, Royal Opera House, London, United Kingdom

Performance credits (Cast & Crew )

Cast

Crew

Ensemble

Program, About & Synopsis

Reviews

Videos

Photos

Further reading

Performance Dates & Venues

Venues