Giuseppe Verdi’s “Otello” returns to the stage at the 85th Festival del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. The opera is conducted by world-renowned conductor Zubin Mehta and performed by an impressive ensemble that includes Fabio Sartori as Otello, Luca Salsi as Iago and Anastasia Bartoli as Desdemona. The dramatic story of jealousy, betrayal and love is interpreted with passion and intensity by the soloists. With Mehta’s precise and sensitive direction and the breathtaking music of Verdi, this performance of “Otello” is sure to be an unforgettable experience for all opera lovers.
The Package
Music trip to Florence for 3 days / 2 nights with a performance at the Teatro del Maggio Florence.
The Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, located in Florence, Italy, is one of the most renowned opera houses in the world. Founded in 1933, the theater has a long and illustrious history of presenting some of the finest operatic performances, attracting audiences from all over the world.
The theater has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years, including a major overhaul in the 1990s, which saw the addition of state-of-the-art technical equipment and improved seating arrangements. Today, the Teatro del Maggio is a modern, world-class facility that offers audiences an unparalleled opera experience.
The theater is home to the prestigious Maggio Musicale Fiorentino festival, which takes place each spring and features a variety of operatic performances, concerts, and other cultural events. The festival attracts some of the biggest names in the world of opera, as well as up-and-coming talent from around the globe.
In addition to its annual festival, the Teatro del Maggio also hosts regular opera productions throughout the year, featuring some of the most beloved works of the genre. From classics like Verdi’s “La Traviata” to modern masterpieces like Philip Glass’s “Akhnaten,” the theater offers a diverse and exciting program of performances.
Enjoy our music package with a magnificent performance and an exclusive leisure program in Florence. You can select between the essential package and add individual services that we offer with the superior program.
The highlight is an opera or ballet at the famous Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.
The plot by Otello
Giuseppe Verdi‘s opera Otello, based on William Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, is the focus of the Festival del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. It’s a tragic story of jealousy, betrayal, and revenge. Set in the 16th century on the island of Cyprus, the opera tells the story of Otello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, and his wife Desdemona. The story begins with the celebration of Otello’s recent victory in battle, which is interrupted by the news that the Turkish fleet has been destroyed in a storm. Iago, Otello’s ensign, is consumed by jealousy and sets out to destroy Otello’s happiness by convincing him his wife is unfaithful. Iago manipulates Otello into believing Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, an army lieutenant, and presents evidence to support his lies. This leads to a tragic chain of events in which Otello’s doubts and fears fuel his jealousy and drive him to the brink of insanity. As Otello spirals out of control, Desdemona’s attempts to prove her innocence are in vain, and eventually, the couple’s love is fractured and tragedy ensues. Consumed by jealousy and anger, Otello kills Desdemona only to learn the truth about her innocence and Iago’s betrayal. Overcome with guilt, Otello takes his own life while Iago is arrested and punished for his deceit. Verdi’s powerful score and brilliant use of the music’s dramatic tension bring the story to life with soaring arias, impassioned duets, and stirring choral numbers.
The Festival del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino promises a captivating performance of Verdi’s Otello, complete with stunning sets, costumes, and world-class vocal and instrumental talent. It is a production not to be missed by opera lovers and anyone who appreciates the power of great music and storytelling.
The Artists
Conductor • Zubin Mehta
Director • Valerio Binasco
Sets • Guido Fiorato
Costumes • Gianluca Falaschi
Lights • Pasquale Mari
Chorus, Children chorus of the Academy and Orchestra del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino
Chorus master • Lorenzo Fratini
Children chorus master • Sara Matteucci
CAST
Otello • Fabio Sartori
Jago • Luca Salsi
Desdemona • Anastasia Bartoli
Cassio • Joseph Dahdah
Lodovico • Adriano Gramigni
Emilia • Eleonora Filipponi
Roderigo • Francesco Pittari
Montano • Soloist of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Academy
Un araldo • Soloist of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Academy
Performance Dates
Operas, Ballets, Concerts of the Season 2023
In Florence at the Teatro del Maggio