Otello

Otello by Giuseppe Verdi
Teatro Massimo di Palermo 2025-01-24 ... 2025-01-30

Giuseppe Verdi’s “Otello” returns to the Teatro Massimo in Palermo in the 2024/25 season, bringing one of the most powerful and dramatic works of the operatic repertoire to Sicily’s premier stage. Based on William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy “Othello”, Verdi’s opera explores themes of jealousy, love, and betrayal through music of breathtaking intensity. The libretto, crafted by Arrigo Boito, retains the essence of Shakespeare’s story while enhancing it with a musical score that captures every nuance of the characters’ emotions. This production promises to immerse audiences in a world of passion and tragedy, with tenor Yusif Eyvazov and soprano Barno Ismatullaeva leading the cast on select dates. The Teatro Massimo, Sicily’s largest opera house, provides a fittingly grand setting for this epic tale. Its stunning architecture and historic significance create a captivating atmosphere, where the drama of “Otello” unfolds amidst the splendor of one of Italy’s most iconic theaters. Located in the heart of Palermo, the Teatro Massimo is not just a venue but a cultural landmark, making it an essential destination for opera lovers and visitors eager to experience the artistic richness of Sicily. Attending “Otello” at the Teatro Massimo offers a unique cultural experience, allowing audiences to enjoy world-class opera in a city renowned for its vibrant history, exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking scenery. Beyond the opera house, Palermo’s charm extends to its bustling markets, historic landmarks, and picturesque coastline, inviting travelers to explore the island’s diverse attractions. Directed by Mario Martone, with Jader Bignamini conducting the Teatro Massimo Orchestra and Chorus, this production also features scenic designs by Margherita Palli and costumes by Ortensia De Francesco, which together bring Verdi’s tragic masterpiece to life with a modern yet authentic touch.

Teatro Massimo Travel Package

Music trip to Sicily with a performance at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo.
The Teatro Massimo is the largest opera house in Italy with a perfect acoustics and with magnificent reception rooms, galleries and monumental staircases. The neoclassical building dates back to the 19th century. The Teatro Massimo was the location for some scenes of the film “The Godfather” in which the godfather Michael Corleone attended the debut of his son in Pietro Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana”.
Enjoy our music package with a magnificent performance and an exclusive leisure program in Palermo and Sicily. Choose a performance from the extensive program of operas, concerts and ballets and select between the essential package and add individual services that we offer with the superior program.

History of the Opera

“Otello”, one of Giuseppe Verdi’s last and most celebrated operas, premiered at La Scala in Milan on February 5, 1887. The opera marked a significant departure from Verdi’s earlier works, showcasing a more sophisticated musical style and a deeper integration of drama and music. With a libretto by Arrigo Boito, “Otello” is based on William Shakespeare’s tragedy “Othello”, but Boito’s adaptation streamlines the play to focus more intensely on the central themes of jealousy and deception. The collaboration between Verdi and Boito was a fruitful one, resulting in an opera that combines powerful orchestration with moments of intimate lyricism, capturing the psychological complexity of the characters. Despite being written when Verdi was in his 70s and had largely retired, “Otello” was a triumphant return to the operatic stage for the composer. The opera’s dramatic intensity and rich characterizations helped it gain a prominent place in the international operatic repertoire. Over the years, it has been performed by some of the world’s most famous tenors, whose portrayals of the tragic Moor have left lasting impressions on audiences. Today, “Otello” is celebrated for its thrilling music, emotional depth, and the way it brings Shakespeare’s timeless story to life through opera.

The Artists and Creative Team

Music by Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto • Arrigo Boito, from Othello by William Shakespeare
Conductor • Jader Bignamini
Director • Mario Martone
Assistant Director • Raffaele Di Florio
Scene Designs • Margherita Palli
Scene Designs Assistant • Valentina Dellavia
Costume Designs • Ortensia De Francesco
Costume Designs Assistant • Marianna Carbone
Video • Alessandro Papa
Lighting Designs • Pasquale Mari

Cast

Otello • Yusif Eyvazov (24, 26, 28, 30) / Mikheil Sheshaberidze (25, 29)
Desdemona • Barno Ismatullaeva (24, 26, 28, 30) / Maria Motolygina (25, 29)
Iago • Nicola Alaimo (24, 26, 28, 30) / Devid Cecconi (25, 29)
Emilia • Irene Savignano
Cassio • Riccardo Rados (24, 26, 28, 30) / Rosolino Claudio Cardile (25, 29)
Roderigo • Andrea Schifaudo
Lodovico • Adriano Gramigni
Montano • Italo Proferisce

Teatro Massimo Orchestra, Chorus and Youth Chorus
Chorus Master • Salvatore Punturo

Booking Process

Music trip to Sicily with premium tickets for the performance OTELLO at the Teatro Massimo in Palermo.
The travel package contains 3 days with 2 overnights in a hotel in Palermo and will be composed according to your wishes. You can select between Essential and Superior Package and request more overnights and a following program to explore Sicily.

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