Simon Boccanegra
Giuseppe Verdi
'Simon Boccanegra' by Giuseppe Verdi is an opera about an ideal of freedom that cannot be realised, neither in the private sphere nor in society at large. Verdi paints an incomparable portrait of the loneliness and self-doubt of the political potentate and the man. A darkness that Verdi sublimely underscores in this musical tour de force with deep orchestral sounds.
The opera Simon Boccanegra is a chiaroscuro in which mankind's desire for freedom is starkly illuminated. The story takes place in the Renaissance, on the Ligurian coast in Genoa, but in fact Verdi and his librettist Boito have written a story about the vulnerability of political and human ideals, tailored to their own age. The power struggle between the old aristocracy, represented by Fiesco, and the former pirate Simon Boccanegra is reinforced by their complicated relationships with Amelia, their granddaughter and daughter respectively. The border between the personal fate and the political role becomes blurred. Reconciliation comes too late.
The new production directed by David Hermann will bring the power struggle to the fore. The confusion between the private and the public become part of Ixion’s eternally rolling wheel, with no relief in sight. The part of Simon Boccanegra will be sung by the internationally celebrated Italian baritone Nicola Alaimo. Myrtò Papatanasiu, who was radiant in the title role in Semiramide, returns as Amelia/Maria. With Simon Boccanegra Alexander Joel will be conducting his fourth Verdi masterpiece for Opera Vlaanderen.
The new production directed by David Hermann will bring the power struggle to the fore. The confusion between the private and the public become part of Ixion’s eternally rolling wheel, with no relief in sight. The part of Simon Boccanegra will be sung by the internationally celebrated Italian baritone Nicola Alaimo. Myrtò Papatanasiu, who was radiant in the title role in Semiramide, returns as Amelia/Maria. With Simon Boccanegra Alexander Joel will be conducting his fourth Verdi masterpiece for Opera Vlaanderen.
Coproduction with Les Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg, Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe and Opéra Orchestre National Montpellier.
2h 45 min, incl. intermission
Gratis inleiding 45 minuten vooraf.
with Dutch surtitles