Médée, a tragic masterpiece by Luigi Cherubini , originally presented as an opéra-comique in Paris in 1797, continues to captivate audiences with its compelling story inspired by Euripides and Corneille. While the opera enjoyed enduring success in the nineteenth century, it is the Italian version of 1909, featuring the recitatives by Franz Lachner, that is most familiar to modern audiences.
One of the most celebrated interpretations of Médée is associated with the legendary soprano Maria Callas , who triumphed as Medea at La Scala in 1953 and in 1961. Callas’ performances brought renewed attention to this powerful work, solidifying its place in the operatic repertoire.
Now, La Scala is set to revisit Médée in its original French version with a new production by Damiano Michieletto. This production shifts the focus to the children of the sorceress, who become victims of her blind fury. By highlighting this aspect, Michieletto offers a fresh perspective on the opera, delving into the consequences of Médée’s actions and the tragedy that unfolds.
Conductor Michele Gamba certainly brings out the intensity and dramatic power of Cherubini’s score and underscores the emotional depth of the story.
La Scala’s decision to present Médée in its original French version signals a return to the opera’s roots and an opportunity for audiences to experience the work as intended by its composer. With a talented creative team led by Damiano Michieletto and the musical expertise of Michele Gamba, this new production promises to shed new light on Médée, presenting a compelling exploration of passion, vengeance, and the tragic consequences of unchecked fury.
The opera “Médée” tells the tragic story of the character of the same name, based on various mythological and literary sources. The plot focuses on the character of Medea, a powerful sorceress and former Queen of Colchis who has fallen in love with the Greek hero Jason. However, Jason left Medea to marry the Princess of Corinth, Glauce.
Driven by jealousy and revenge, Medea decides to exact her revenge on Jason. She hatches a diabolical plan to destroy him and his new wife. In her anger and desperation, Medea kills her own children to cause Jason the greatest pain possible. She hands him a poisoned wedding present for Glauce, killing her as well.
The opera shows the moral turmoil and the deep psychological abysses of the character of Medea. She is a tragic heroine wracked with pain and anger, who takes drastic action to avenge her unfaithful husband.
Damiano Michieletto’s new production of La Scala by Médée is based on the original French version. This production focuses on the sorceress’s children, who become victims of her blind rage. By emphasizing this aspect, Michieletto offers a new perspective on the opera and sheds light on the consequences of Médée’s actions.
The plot of “Médée” explores themes of betrayal, love, jealousy and the human struggle with the darkest aspects of human nature. It offers an intense insight into the complex psyche of the main character and the destructive effects of hate and revenge.
Opera in 3 acts
Libretto by François-Benoît Hoffmann
Teatro alla Scala New Production
Teatro alla Scala Orchestra and Chorus
Conductor • Michele Gamba
Staging • Damiano Michieletto
Sets • Paolo Fantin
Costumes • Carla Teti
Lights • Alessandro Carletti
Dramaturgy • Mattia Palma
Médée • Sonya Yoncheva
Jason • Stanislas de Barbeyrac
Crèon • Nahuel Di Pierro
Dircè • Martina Russomanno
Nèris • Ambroisine Bré
Music trip to Milan with tickets for the opera “Medea” for 3 days with 2 nights in a hotel in Milan. You can select between Essential and Superior Package.
Each travel package will be composed according to your wishes. Follow the booking process:
Choose a performance (date format YYYY-MM-DD)
The opera Médée (Medea) by Luigi Cherubini is on the schedule of 14 to 28 January 2024 at La Scala in Milan. It is a homage to Maria Callas, who extravagantly interpreted Medea at La Scala in 1953.
In the new production of Damiano Michieletto 2024, Sonya Yoncheva takes on the role of Medea.
The opera Médée (Medea) by Luigi Cherubini is on the schedule of 14 to 28 January 2024 at La Scala in Milan. It is a homage to Maria Callas, who extravagantly interpreted Medea at La Scala in 1953.
In the new production of Damiano Michieletto 2024, Sonya Yoncheva takes on the role of Medea.
The opera Médée (Medea) by Luigi Cherubini is on the schedule of 14 to 28 January 2024 at La Scala in Milan. It is a homage to Maria Callas, who extravagantly interpreted Medea at La Scala in 1953.
In the new production of Damiano Michieletto 2024, Sonya Yoncheva takes on the role of Medea.
The opera Médée (Medea) by Luigi Cherubini is on the schedule of 14 to 28 January 2024 at La Scala in Milan. It is a homage to Maria Callas, who extravagantly interpreted Medea at La Scala in 1953.
In the new production of Damiano Michieletto 2024, Sonya Yoncheva takes on the role of Medea.
The opera Médée (Medea) by Luigi Cherubini is on the schedule of 14 to 28 January 2024 at La Scala in Milan. It is a homage to Maria Callas, who extravagantly interpreted Medea at La Scala in 1953.
In the new production of Damiano Michieletto 2024, Sonya Yoncheva takes on the role of Medea.
The opera Médée (Medea) by Luigi Cherubini is on the schedule of 14 to 28 January 2024 at La Scala in Milan. It is a homage to Maria Callas, who extravagantly interpreted Medea at La Scala in 1953.
In the new production of Damiano Michieletto 2024, Sonya Yoncheva takes on the role of Medea.
In Milan at Teatro alla Scala
