On June 1, 2024, I had planned to arrive in Munich at 1 PM to attend the performance of Tosca at the Bayerische Staatsoper. Unfortunately, due to those damn German trains, I didn’t make it to the city until 7:10 PM, missing the entire first act. A huge thanks to the Bayerische Staatsoper for their warm welcome: they set me up in a room where I could watch the show on a giant screen until I could join the audience in the hall after the intermission.
The Cast: A Synergy of Talent
The cast of this production was nothing short of stellar, featuring some of the most renowned names in opera today. The chemistry among the principal singers—Eleonora Buratto as Floria Tosca, Charles Castronovo as Mario Cavaradossi, and Ludovic Tézier as Baron Scarpia—was a key ingredient in the evening’s success. Their previous collaborations, such as in Simon Boccanegra in Paris and Milan earlier this year, clearly paid off, allowing for a seamless and deeply connected performance.
Tosca: Eleonora Buratto
Eleonora Buratto delivered an extraordinary Tosca. The role fits her like a glove, and her rendition of “Vissi d’Arte” was absolutely thunderous. The crowd was in awe and couldn’t take their eyes off her. She truly captivated the audience with her sublime singing and remarkable interpretation of the character.
Mario Cavaradossi: Charles Castronovo
After performing some of Puccini’s greatest roles on stage, tackling Verdi’s Don Carlo, and releasing an album of Puccini songs, it was clear that Charles Castronovo was ready to take on Cavaradossi. No one was disappointed. His aria “E lucevan le stelle” was flawless from start to finish. He is an excellent actor and deserves all the accolades coming his way. I can’t wait to see him perform again.
Ludovic Tézier as Baron Scarpia was a force to be reckoned with. Often hailed as the preeminent Scarpia of our time, Tézier’s performance did not disappoint. His commanding presence and rich baritone imbued the character with a chilling menace. What more can I say… He’s an artist I’ve admired for years, the best Italian baritone for me.
Monika Pormale’s Vision: A Cinematic Opera Experience
Monika Pormale was the stage director for this production. While the costumes were beautiful and the sets were nice, they didn’t quite fit together for Tosca. I found the projected scenes, like Medea or Mamma Roma, to be visually appealing, but they seemed out of place in this opera. Sometimes, it’s really hard to understand the artistic choices.
Thank you again to the Bayerische Staatsoper for the wonderful evening. As always, it was a fantastic experience. I encourage everyone to come and see the show—it’s truly outstanding!
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
For those who have yet to see this production, there are still opportunities in July. I cannot recommend it highly enough. This Tosca is a testament to the enduring power of Puccini’s music and the creative possibilities of modern staging. The Bayerische Staatsoper has once again proven itself a leading institution in the world of opera, delivering a performance that will resonate long after the final curtain falls.
A heartfelt thank you to the Bayerische Staatsoper for an extraordinary evening. Each visit to this esteemed house reaffirms my love for opera and my appreciation for the incredible talent it showcases. Do not miss the chance to witness this remarkable production—it’s an experience that will leave you profoundly moved and thoroughly inspired.
