(Version with lieto fine for Rome 1820, Modern Premiere)
Rossini’s Otello is different from that of Shakespeare and Verdi, but equally dramatic. In its original version for Naples, it featured a – at the time daring! – tragic ending. Unforgettable is our gripping 2008 production with the debuts of Michael Spyres and Jessica Pratt, conducted by Antonino Fogliani, which was released by NAXOS and remains a reference recording.

For Rome in 1820, Rossini created a new version with a lieto fine (happy ending), which Rossini expert Philip Gossett simply called “cynical.” However, Rossini used clever dramaturgical adjustments to make the happy ending plausible. Now, Otello will be performed for the first time in modern times, taking into account all the changes in this refined reworking by the Maestro. (Years ago, there was a version in Italy with a “pasted-on” lieto fine, but it failed to capture Rossini’s dramatic genius.)

This alone makes it exciting. Francesco Meli, one of the world’s most renowned Verdi tenors, has just appeared as Otello (Verdi) on stage in Venice. Now, he will fulfill a long-cherished dream by debuting as Rossini’s Otello with us. Mezzo-soprano Diana Haller, winner of our International BelCanto Prize 2012 and of the Manhattan Competition 2020, has recently changed to sing soprano parts with outstanding success. She will sing her dream role, Desdemona. With music director Antonino Fogliani at the helm, true excitement is guaranteed.

CAST

Francesco Meli Otello 
Diana Haller Desdemona 

To be announced

Kraków Filharmonic choir and orchestra

Antonino Fogliani, director

TICKETS, SCHEDULE AND INFORMATION

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