Shanghai Opera House gathers an international cast for Verdi's 'Falstaff'

Giuseppe Verdi's "Falstaff," presented by the Shanghai Opera House, will be performed at the Shanghai Grand Theater from September 5 to 7.

This internationally assembled production marks the season opener for the Grand Theater. Directed by Britain's Harry Fehr, the opera features award-winning Chinese baritone Sun Li, Italian baritone Piero Terranova, soprano Francesca Manzo, and Spanish tenor Juan de Dios Mateos.

"Falstaff" is Verdi's final masterpiece, composed at the age of 80, and is widely regarded as the pinnacle of Italian opera.

Italian librettist Arrigo Boito drew inspiration from Shakespeare's comedy "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and the historical play "Henry IV." In Windsor, he presents the absurd yet vital human comedy of the aging knight John Falstaff, blending humor with compassion.

"The role of Falstaff requires a performance that appears effortless beneath its weight," explained baritone Su, who plays the protagonist.

"Beneath the exaggerated absurdity of his laughter, anger, and mockery, there lies a profound reflection on aging, vanity, and loneliness."

Cai Chengyu, a young tenor who worked with the Shanghai Opera House on "Don Giovanni," will take on the part of Fenton.

For Chinese performers, the linguistic complexity of "Falstaff" presents the greatest challenge. Verdi took the integration of Italian prosody, rhythm, and music to new heights, incorporating extensive, rapid-fire recitatives.

The Shanghai Opera House invited Alessandro Amoretti to serve as the vocal coach, while Francesca Tosi directs the chorus.

Performance info

Dates: September 5-6, 7:30pm; September 7, 2pm

Tickets: 180-880 yuan

Venue: Shanghai Grand Theater 上海大剧院

Address: 300 People's Ave 人民大道300号