“Guillaume Tell” is an opera by Gioachino Rossini, which is returning to La Scala in Milan after a break of several years. This opera seria, Rossini’s last masterpiece, was written specifically for Parisian audiences and adapted to the new Romantic sensibilities before the composer retired from the stage. La Scala is now presenting the work in the original French version for the first time.
The opera in four acts is based on the play of the same name by Friedrich Schiller. The musical direction is in the hands of Michele Mariotti, an outstanding Rossini interpreter and compatriot from Pesaro, who already has a close connection to Rossini’s music. As conductor, he will lead the Orchestra of La Scala through the score in a rousing performance.
“Guillaume Tell” is directed by Chiara Muti, a talented director who developed her skills at the Piccolo Teatro di Milano and has already created opera productions for renowned houses such as the Opera di Roma, the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples and the Regio in Turin has. Her experience and her artistic flair promise an innovative and captivating staging of the work.
“Guillaume Tell” tells the story of Swiss national hero Wilhelm Tell and his struggle against oppression by Austrian rule. The opera contains famous arias and ensembles, including the impressive “Ouverture”, which is one of Rossini’s best-known works.
Story of Guillaume Tell by Gioachino Rossini
“Guillaume Tell” is an opera by Gioachino Rossini and is based on the Swiss national hero of the same name, William Tell. The action takes place in the 14th century and deals with the struggle of the Swiss population against the tyrannical rule of the Habsburgs.
The opera begins with the oppression of the Swiss by the Austrian bailiff Gessler. The Swiss suffer from violence, arbitrariness and abuse of their rights. Amidst this oppression, a rebellion arises, led by Tell, a brave archer and freedom fighter.
In the course of the opera, a complex plot develops that connects various characters and their fates. Tell himself faces the challenge of protecting his family while freeing his country from tyranny. Particularly well-known is the famous scene in which Tell, on Gessler’s orders, has to shoot an apple off his son’s head to prove his marksmanship.
The opera also deals with romantic relationships, in particular the love between Tell’s son Jemmy and the young Swiss woman Mathilde, who finds herself at odds as she is seen as belonging to the enemy power.
The climax of the opera is the final act, in which the Swiss join forces and take on the Habsburgs. Tell himself becomes a symbol of resistance and succeeds in defeating the tyrant Gessler.
“Guillaume Tell” is an epic opera that addresses political intrigue, patriotic pride, personal drama and the quest for freedom and justice. Rossini’s music is versatile and ranges from passionate arias to stirring choruses and orchestral passages. The opera ends with a triumphant finale celebrating Swiss liberation and unity.
Cast and Creative Team of Guillaume Tell
Conductor • Michele Mariotti
Staging • Chiara Muti
Sets • Alessandro Camera
Costumes • Ursula Patzak
Lights • Vincent Longuemare
Choreography • Silvia Giordano
Cast
Arnold Melchtal • Dmitry Korchak
Guillaume Tell • Michele Pertusi
Walter Fürst • Nahuel Di Pierro
Melchtal • Evgeny Stavinsky
Gessler • Luca Tittoto
Ruodi • Dave Monaco
Mathilde • Marina Rebeka
Jemmy • Martina Russomanno
Hedwige• Géraldine Chauvet
A hunter • Huanhong Li – Student of the Teatro alla Scala Academy
Booking Travel Package
Music trip to Milan for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “Guillaume Tell“. The highlight is a visit to the famous Teatro alla Scala on the second evening to experience a magnificent performance in a world-famous environment with global stars. You can select between Essential and Superior Package.
Each travel package will be composed according to your wishes. Follow the booking process:
- Select a Date
- Press “Add to cart” and “Send Request”
- When we receive your booking request, you will get an individual offer with some hotels to choose from. Only after your decision, we send you a travel contract to confirm the booking.
- Description of the Essential and Superior Package
Performance Dates Guillaume Tell
Choose a performance (date format YYYY-MM-DD)
Operas, Ballets, Concerts of the Season
In Milan at Teatro alla Scala