Opera buffa in four acts (1786)
New Production! Mozart and Da Ponte’s joyous take on Beaumarchais’ comedic play is one of the repertoire’s most iconic works. Brahms spoke of it as a “miracle” and the Countess’s lament remains one of the most heart-rending musical pages of all time.
For her debut Paris staging, British director, designer and video artist Netia Jones humorously yet mischievously explores human relationships in a universe that confuses reality and fiction to the point of asking, like the Count: “Are we playing in a comedy?”.
The terrific cast is led by Luca Pisaroni as the clever Figaro, set on outmanoeuvring his master, the Count (Christopher Maltman). Ying Fang sings Susanna - the object of the Count’s affection and Figaro’s bride-to-be - and Maria Bengtsson is the Countess, desperate to regain her husband’s love by any means necessary. Rising French-Italian mezzo-soprano Lea Desandre is Cherubino, the young page on the cusp of manhood. Paris Opera Music Director Gustavo Dudamel conducts.
Please note programme changes: the previously billed Ildebrando D'Arcangelo withdrew from this production, replaced by Italian bass-bariton Luca Pisaroni (updated 20/01/22). In addition, Christopher Maltman replaced the previously billed Peter Mattei who withdrew from this production due to illness (updated 31/01/22).
