Feel the heat of ancient Rome brought to life in Mozart’s simmering opera La Clemenzo di Tito, set amongst the lies and deceits of the Roman Empire.

At a time where over half of people don't trust that politicians (National Centre for Social Research, 2024), the nature of truth has never been so elusive.

La Clemenzo di Tito is itself is a lesson in deceit. Commissioned from Mozart by Leopold II, it casts the hero of the tale - the emperor Tito – as victim and truth-teller. But the real Titus Vespasian’s reign was in fact punctuated by corruption and brutality, and Leopold II’s reign was marked by an infamously brutal colonial rule in Central Africa. 

Mozart’s dramatic opera was commissioned by Leopold II in the depths of his own controversial reign. What truths can we glean from it today?

Performed on Sat 9 Aug 2025 by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, this illuminating and dramatic score is conducted by the eminent Maxim Emelyanychev with Giovanni Sala as Tito, Angela Brower as Sesto and Tara Erraught as Vitellia.

At the 2025 International Festival, we have commissioned a series of expert essays to help you Dive Deeper into your Festival experience.

Read the programme note on La clemenza di Tito by Olivia Giovetti. Her essay connects contemporary mistrust in politics with Leopold II's reign and considers whether an allegorical opera can restore trust.