Vivaldi opera to be played for first time in Sweden

Next summer’s major opera attraction at Drottningholms Slottsteater will be Il Giustino by Vivaldi. The opera was composed almost three centuries ago and will now be staged for the first time ever in Sweden, conducted and directed by George Petrou, one of the world’s leading Baroque specialists. The premiere is scheduled for 6 August and tickets will go on sale in March.

Il Giustino at Drottningholms Slottsteater will be a feast for both the eyes and the ears. The opera boasts magnificent Baroque music and the staging will use the theatre’s historical machinery and sets with their original 18th century motifs.

“This opera contains some absolutely incredible music, and with George Petrou directing and conducting it, we’re in for a real Baroque treat, with our unique stage playing one of the main parts,” says Anna Karinsdotter, managing director of Drottningholms Slottsteater. “Audiences are promised an experience out of the ordinary next summer.”

Conductor George Petrou is considered one of the world’s leading specialists on Baroque music. He will also be taking on the role of director at Drottningholms Slottsteater.

Il Giustino was originally composed for the 1724 Rome carnevale by Antonio Vivaldi to a libretto by Nicolò Beregan. Even though the opera is relatively unknown to most people, Vivaldi’s inclusion of passages from his famous Four Seasons will help audiences feel at home.

Drottningholms Slottsteater has remained intact since 1766 and is the only theatre of its kind in the world that still uses original hand operated stage machinery. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Il Giustino is being produced with the generous support of the Friends of Drottningholms Slottsteater through the Henrik Nordmark Trust.

For more information, please contact:
Elin West, press officer at Drottningholms Slottsteater, 0733 50 26 25, elin.west@dtm.se