On June 7th, I had the pleasure of attending Otello at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. This performance reminded me once again why I travel for opera, why I endure long hours in transit for a few hours of pure bliss and magnificent music. The staging was directed by Allex Aguilera and conducted by the extraordinary Daniel Oren, whose intimate knowledge of the score and masterful direction were truly impressive.

Staging and Costumes

The staging was superb, and the costumes were exceptional. The grand gowns and elegantly dressed men added to the visual splendor of the production. Otello’s costumes, reminiscent of those worn by Mario Del Monaco, effectively highlighted Otello’s superiority and commanding presence.

Cast and Performances

Otello: Gregory Kunde

Gregory Kunde, as always, delivered an outstanding performance as Otello. Having seen him in Dresden just three weeks earlier, it was a delight to hear him again in Rome. From his opening aria “Esultate” to “Niun mi tema,” Kunde’s portrayal of Otello was flawless. He perfectly captured Otello’s gradual decline in power and his manipulation by Iago. Kunde’s performance was nothing short of perfection.

Desdemona: Roberta Mantegna

This was my first time seeing Roberta Mantegna on stage in quite some time, the last being her impeccable performance in Aida. While she has a lovely voice, she wasn’t the best Desdemona I’ve seen. Nonetheless, her performance was solid, adding depth to the production.

Iago: Igor Golovatenko

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Igor Golovatenko as Iago. He delivered one of the best performances of this character I’ve ever heard. His rendition of Iago’s aria of betrayal, as well as his duet with Otello, showcased his powerful and captivating voice. Golovatenko’s performance was truly remarkable.

Supporting Cast

The rest of the cast, while not in major roles, performed admirably, contributing to a well-rounded and cohesive ensemble. Francesco Pittari as Roderigo, Alessio Cacciamani as Lodovico, Alessio Verna as Montano, Piotr Buszewski as Cassio, and Irene Savignano as Emilia all added to the overall success of the performance.

Chorus and Orchestra

A special mention must go to the chorus of the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, who were sublime and perfectly in sync throughout the evening. Their performance added an essential layer to the production, making it even more memorable

Theater Experience

It’s always a pleasure to visit the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, despite the fact that they never seem to respond to my press inquiries via email (seriously, guys, please respond to my emails!). The atmosphere is unique, and the audience is always passionate and attentive. I look forward to returning next year to see more productions.