Fidelio
Beethoven’s only opera is a cry of defiance against oppression and an ode to liberty and truth, with music of enormous power and great tenderness.
Imprisoned and tortured for threatening to expose the barbarity of a brutal regime, political prisoner Florestan has little hope left. Only a daring feat of heroism by his loyal wife Leonore can offer him a chance of escape – and of justice.
In his first opera production, pioneering contemporary media artist Gary Hill reimagines Beethoven’s work in the present and future, the story unfolding on board the doomed spacecraft Aniara as it hurtles towards infinity.
Hill’s arresting staging highlights the universal relevance of Beethoven’s themes with compelling video projections and striking costumes. The esteemed international cast is led by celebrated Japanese conductor Kazushi Ono.
'Theatrically, it's riveting... and quite impeccably played' The Guardian on Opéra de Lyon's Porgy and Bess, International Festival 2010
'hit me like a mind-blowing adrenalin fix.' The Scotsman on Opéra de Lyon's Porgy and Bess, International Festival 2010
Ludwig Van Beethoven
Libretto byJoseph Sonnleithner after Jean-Nicolas Bouilly
Leonore Erika Sunnegårdh
Florestan Nikolai Schukoff
Rocco Michael Eder
Don Pizarro Pavlo Hunka
Don Fernando Andrew Schroeder
Marzelline Valentina Naforniţa
Jacquino Christian Baumgärtel
Kazushi Ono Conductor
Gary Hill Director and video designer
Marco Filibeck Lighting designer
Alan Woodbridge Chorus master