- by Giuseppe Verdi
- In Italian with projected English texts.
- Approximate running time: 3h
Verdi’s music brilliantly captures the essence of Shakespeare’s tragedy, bringing new dimension to the story of Otello, the Moor of Venice, who’s worshipped for his prowess at war, beloved by his gentle wife Desdemona, and despised by his supposedly loyal ensign, Iago.
Everything Otello has, Iago wants—and when the Moor denies him a promotion, Iago goes for nothing less than Otello’s complete mental and physical destruction. Cunningly, the self-described “vile germ and base atom” begins to sow his poison seeds, aiming straight for Otello’s heart by hinting over and over again that Desdemona is unfaithful.
Production by Sir Peter Hall, former director of Britain’s National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company, and one of the world’s most revered directors of opera and theater.
Revival generously made possible by Mr. & Mrs. Dietrich M. Gross, an Anonymous Donor, the Abbott Fund, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and the Mazza Foundation.
Starring
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Otello
Johan Botha
Today’s most sought-after Otello, Johan Botha “is the genuine article…heroic…vulnerable…a magnificent wounded beast and all the more affecting for it…a phenomenon.” Financial Times
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Desdemona
Ana María Martínez
Grammy-winning soprano Ana María Martínez is a Lyric favorite. “A consummate singing actress, she’s a rare and wonderful musician…giving audiences some of the most ravishing singing heard in years.” Newsday
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Iago
Falk Struckmann
Renowned German bass-baritone Falk Struckmann “proves why Verdi considered calling his opera Iago. His singing is remarkable…an actor to the manner born. His Iago ranks among the greatest of the past half-century.” Opera News
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Otello
Johan Botha
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Desdemona
Ana María Martínez
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Iago
Falk Struckmann
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Cassio
Antonio Poli*
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Conductor
Bertrand de Billy*
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Original Director
Sir Peter Hall
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Revival Director
Ashley Dean*
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Designer
John Gunter
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Lighting Designer
Duane Schuler
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Chorus Master
Michael Black
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*Lyric Debut
† current member, Ryan Opera Center
† † alumnus/ alumna, Ryan Opera Center