by MK
From January 19 to 28, 2024, the Verdi Theater in Trieste is set to showcase Gaetano Donizetti’s masterpiece, “Anna Bolena,” in a spectacular production directed by the late, great Graham Vick. The opera, a lyrical tragedy in two acts with libretto by Felice Romani, first premiered at Milan’s Teatro Carcano on December 26, 1830.
The musical edition, published by Casa Ricordi in Milan, will be brought to life under the skilled baton of Maestro Concertatore and Director Francesco Ivan Ciampa. The stage will be graced by the artistic brilliance of Regista Graham Vick, with Stefano Trespidi as the collaborating director and Paul Brown overseeing the captivating sets and costumes.
The role of Anna Bolena, a Tudor queen, will be portrayed by the renowned Georgian Bel Canto queen, Salome Jicia, captivating the audience on January 19, 21, 26, and 28, and Sara Cortolezzis on January 20 and 27. The cast includes Marco Ciaponi as Lord Riccardo Percy, Laura Verrecchia as Giovanna di Seymour, Riccardo Fassi as Enrico VIII, and Veta Pilipenko as Smeton, among other talented performers.
This revival of “Anna Bolena” is not just a tribute to Donizetti’s enduring legacy but also a homage to Maria Callas on her centenary. Callas, the legendary soprano, resurrected the forgotten title with a memorable 1957 performance at La Scala. The Verdi Theater’s stage, opening the new year, pays homage to Graham Vick’s iconic 2007 production, celebrated for its visual impact, attention to detail, and dramatic intensity.
Stefano Trespidi, vice-artistic director of the Arena di Verona, oversees the Trieste revival, promising a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. The musical landscape will be skillfully navigated by Francesco Ivan Ciampa, a stalwart of international stages.
Soprano Salome Jicia, fresh from a successful performance in Genoa’s Carlo Felice, leads the cast, promising a spellbinding portrayal of Anna Bolena. The production, boasting rich costumes and elegant simplicity in its set design by the late Paul Brown, an Oscar nominee in 1997, aims to reintroduce Donizetti to Trieste’s passionate audience.
Giuliano Polo, the Superintendent, expresses confidence in the Verdi Theater’s bold and ambitious direction for the new year. He emphasizes the importance of the theater’s role in the cultural and musical landscape of Italy, and beyond, aligning with the renewed international focus on the region’s excellence.
“Anna Bolena” will also be broadcast in its entirety on Radio Rai3 in the spring, marking a significant partnership that rekindles after years of silence. This collaboration underscores the pivotal role of the Giuliano Theater in the broader context of Italian musical culture.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the grandeur of “Anna Bolena” at the Verdi Theater on the following dates: January 19 (8:00 PM), January 20 (7:00 PM), January 21 (4:00 PM), January 26 (8:00 PM), January 27 (4:00 PM), and January 28 (4:00 PM).
For more information, visit www.teatroverdi-trieste.com.
