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Simon Boccanegra at Opera di Roma
SEASON OPENING
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27, 30 November / 3, 5 December
with live broadcasts by Rai
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I’m honoured to return to the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, singing as Maria (Amelia) in Simon Boccanegra which will inaugurate the new season on 27th November. The performance will be broadcast at prime time by Rai Cultura, at 9.15 p.m., and live on Rai Radio 3. I love my role because Maria catalyses the development of the plot. She is young, gentle, strong; she is in love and is loved in turn. It is always a pleasure to recall my first time in this role, on the same Opera di Roma stage, during that magnificent season on the 200th anniversary of Verdi’s birth.
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This masterpiece by Verdi continues to narrate the drama of power, betrayal, fierce hatred and revenge, but also of love and forgiveness, touching all our hearts with unforgettable notes. I love Simon Boccanegra because the corsair who becomes a Doge is one of the most noble characters in the history of opera. He is a man of peace, so great an achievement that it must be the shared objective of “plebe e patrizi”. Listening to Simon Boccanegra and, in my case, singing in it, allows us to dream with Verdi and Boito. It tells us that, today more than ever, we are in need of such morally superior figures. It is thoroughly topical musical theatre, immersion in wonderful music which persuades us that it is possible to emerge from the shadows, heal irreconcilable hatred, believe in the explosive power of forgiveness, of pure love, and of the need to choose the common good, rather than remaining isolated behind individual physical and ideological barriers.
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In this new production of Simon Boccanegra, I’m singing with exceptional colleagues. Stage direction is by Richard Jones, stage sets and costumes by Antony McDonald, with Michele Mariotti on the podium.
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Photo © Amati/Bacciardi
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