Giuseppe Verdi

Stop pandering to purists, says Royal Opera House’s first black Otello

Russell Thomas says opera must reflect the diverse world around it to survive, not stick to the ‘same-old, same-old’

Nadia Khomami Arts and culture correspondent

15, Jul, 2022 @12:05 PM

Otello review – a truly compelling and long overdue revival

American tenor Russell Thomas – the first black man to sing the title role at Covent Garden – delivers a searing and shattering performance

Martin Kettle

13, Jul, 2022 @12:54 PM

Giuseppe Verdi’s house in Italy up for sale, ending quarrel among heirs

Composer lived in Villa Verdi near Busseto for 50 years and it has been run as a museum while owners argued

Angela Giuffrida in Rome

30, May, 2022 @1:45 PM

Rigoletto review – powerful update, led by stellar duo, is a revelation

Underlining the otherness of Verdi’s court jester by making him a black man is a masterstroke by Femi Elufowoju, the leads sung with potency by Eric Greene and Jasmine Habersham

Martin Kettle

23, Jan, 2022 @12:00 PM

Travesty or tragedy? What Egypt thinks of Verdi’s Aida

Premiered in Cairo 150 years ago, set in an exoticised ancient Egypt and written by a man who refused to visit the country for fear of ‘being mummified’, the beloved opera has left a complex legacy in the country its drama is set

Flora Willson

23, Dec, 2021 @2:29 PM

La Traviata review – Oropesa and Avetisyan are exceptional in impassioned Verdi

This revival of Richard Eyre’s handsome staging features two exceptional leads in Lisette Oropesa and Liparit Avetisyan, amply supported by conductor Antonello Manacorda

Tim Ashley

28, Oct, 2021 @12:37 PM

Luisa Miller review – Verdi’s dark tragedy gains focus and ferocity in stark staging

Mané Galoyan is a revelation as Luisa, a radiant presence in Christof Loy’s production with a slimmed down but still striking London Philharmonic Orchestra

Flora Willson

02, Aug, 2021 @10:04 AM

Verdi: where to start with his music

This week we turn to the Shakespeare of opera, a composer whose glorious gift for melodies and compassionate gaze celebrates life in all its variety

Tim Ashley

15, Jul, 2020 @11:00 AM

Neil Howlett obituary

Baritone who excelled in Verdi and Wagner roles for English National Opera

Barry Millington

18, Jun, 2020 @1:59 PM

Verdi: Otello review | Erica Jeal's classical album of the week

Jonas Kaufmann’s interpretation of Otello moves between intensity and doubt while Pappano builds tremendous orchestral urgency and pace

Erica Jeal

11, Jun, 2020 @2:00 PM

Luisa Miller review – a treat for the ears, if not the eyes

Barbora Horáková’s stark and fussy staging of Verdi’s opera lacks subtlety but there is outstanding singing, with Elizabeth Llewellyn a compelling lead

Erica Jeal

13, Feb, 2020 @12:18 PM

Les Vêpres Siciliennes review – theatricality and spectacle in Verdi's grand opera

Conductor Carlo Rizzi and Welsh National Opera’s chorus and orchestra give the ear much to savour, but the voices disappoint in David Pountney’s new production

Rian Evans

10, Feb, 2020 @10:57 AM