by InTrieste
The Giuseppe Verdi Opera House rolled out the red carpet on Friday, January 17, 2025, unveiling Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail (The Abduction from the Seraglio) to an audience teeming with elegance and glamour. The evening marked a highlight of the theater’s ongoing 2024-2025 opera and ballet season, leaving an indelible impression on attendees.
Directed, designed, and costumed by the visionary Ivan Stefanutti, this production immersed the audience in a breathtaking marine tableau. “The characters of this story have the sea in their destiny. Some have thoughts as deep as oceans, while others remain on the surface, unaware of what lies beneath,” Stefanutti remarked in a pre-show interview. The set design, inspired by Trieste’s ethereal blend of classical beauty and maritime mystique, was a triumph of craftsmanship, entirely realized in the Verdi Theatre’s own workshops.
Beatrice Venezi, the celebrated conductor and a rising star in the opera world, led the orchestra with finesse. Recently appointed to the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Venezi expressed her delight at returning to Trieste. “Every opera house should include at least one Mozart piece each season. His music is a cornerstone of opera’s legacy,” she shared. Her interpretation of Mozart’s masterpiece was vibrant, lyrical, and electrifying, drawing rapturous applause.
The international cast brought youthful energy to the production. Anna Aglatova and Yerang Park alternated in the role of Konstanze, alongside tenors Ruzil Gatin and Pierluigi D’Aloia as Belmonte. Andrea Silvestrelli and Luca Dall’Amico rounded out the cast with their captivating performances as Osmin.
Among the distinguished guests was acclaimed performer Ramin Karimloo, who attended his first opera that evening. “It’s my first time experiencing an opera live, and I’m in awe of the artistry,” he said during an exclusive interview. “The energy of the performers, the beauty of the music—it’s been an unforgettable night.” Karimloo was one of many high-profile attendees, all dressed to impress, adding a touch of Hollywood allure to this already glittering event.
The evening also marked the debut of the Lounge Victor de Sabata, a chic addition to the theater offering gourmet tastings of local delicacies during intermissions. Tickets for this exclusive experience, priced at €15 per person, sold out quickly, underscoring the evening’s popularity.
Superintendent Giuliano Polo spoke with pride about the theater’s efforts to enhance Trieste’s global cultural reputation. “From showcasing our craftsmanship to launching the Google Ads Grant, which places us on par with institutions like La Scala and the Met, we’re leveraging every opportunity to make Trieste a cultural beacon,” Polo explained. He also highlighted a new collaboration between the Verdi and the Politeama Rossetti theaters, which offers patrons discounts for performances at both venues.
This dazzling evening affirmed the Giuseppe Verdi Opera House’s position as a hub for artistic excellence. With performances scheduled through January 26, 2025, Die Entführung aus dem Serail promises to enchant audiences and further solidify Trieste’s reputation as a global cultural destination.
Performance Schedule:
- Friday, January 17, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM
- Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 4:00 PM
- Friday, January 24, 2025, at 8:00 PM
- Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 4:00 PM
- Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 4:00 PM
Tickets are available through the Giuseppe Verdi Opera House box office and online. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this extraordinary cultural moment.