Where should I start… How can I even begin to describe my journey with La Forza del Destino? How can I express my admiration for Giuseppe Verdi? And how can I properly thank the Opéra de Lyon and its incredible team?

Let’s start strong: La Forza del Destino is one of the greatest operas of all time. There, I said it.

Giuseppe Verdi is the greatest composer of all time. There, I said it.

And experiencing this masterpiece from behind the scenes, thanks to the warm welcome and guidance of the Opéra de Lyon’s communications team, was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. There, I said it.

Three statements that set the tone for this review. And if I was as excited as a child the night before their first trip to Disneyland, let me tell you—I was not disappointed for a single second of the evening.

I had the privilege of watching the performance from backstage, standing just a few meters away from the singers, tucked into a little corner where no one could see me—but where I could witness all the magic unfolding. From this unique vantage point, I saw the meticulous coordination that goes into a production lasting 3 hours and 30 minutes on stage. What the audience enjoys for one night is, in reality, the culmination of days, weeks, and even months of work by an entire army of dedicated theater professionals. From set design to the final sweep of confetti off the stage, every detail is carefully orchestrated to deliver an unforgettable experience.

A brief history of the Opéra de Lyon: The opera house, as we know it today, was originally built in 1831 but underwent a major reconstruction by architect Jean Nouvel in the late 20th century. With a capacity of around 1,100 seats, it stands as one of the most innovative opera houses in France, renowned for its bold programming and modern productions.

And what better way to make this moment even more magical than with an all-star cast that turned the evening from merely special to truly unforgettable?

The electrifying duo of Riccardo Massi and Ariunbaatar Ganbaatar delivered a performance filled with palpable energy and generosity. You all know my love for Riccardo’s voice, but do you remember back in December 2024, when I said after La Traviata in Paris: “Mark my words, Ariunbaatar is going to be one of the greatest baritones of the coming years”? Well, last night, he proved it once again—his performance was nothing short of spectacular, and his powerful voice is still ringing in my ears!

A special mention must also go to the radiant mezzo Maria Barakova, who had the privilege of performing some of the most exhilarating arias in this opera. From Viva la Guerra to Rantamplan, she bounced across the stage with such infectious energy—it was an absolute joy to watch and, above all, to listen to!

And of course, I can’t talk about this night without praising maestro Daniele Rustioni. To compliment Rustioni’s conducting at this point feels almost redundant—like saying Zidane played well in a football match. It’s just expected! The harmony between him and the orchestra was pure magic. It’s bittersweet, though, as La Forza del Destino marks his final production at Opéra de Lyon. I wish him nothing but the best for the next chapter of his career!

Lastly, a huge thank you to Charlotte, one of the Opéra de Lyon’s stage managers, for her warm welcome and for sharing so many behind-the-scenes anecdotes with me during my visit. If you haven’t yet, my dear opera-loving friends, I highly recommend checking out Opera mon Amour, a fantastic podcast that explores the world of opera through interviews with singers, fans, and industry professionals. It’s an absolute must-listen!

CAST

DONNA LEONORA DI VARGAS

Hulkar Sabirova

DON ALVARO

Riccardo Massi

DON CARLO DI VARGAS

Ariunbaatar Ganbaatar

PÈRE GARDIEN

Michele Pertusi

PREZIOSILLA

Maria Barakova

FRÈRE MELITONE

Paolo Bordogna

LE MARQUIS DE CALATRAVA

Rafał Pawnuk

MAÎTRE TRABUCO

Francesco Pittari

CURRA

Jenny Anne Flory

UN ALCADE / LE CHIRURGIEN

Hugo Santos