The Greek National Opera opens this year’s Athens Festival at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus with one of the most beloved operas in the repertoire, Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca, on 1, 2, 6 and 11 June 2024, conducted by Lukas Karytinos, directed and with sets and costumes by Hugo de Ana. Katerina Petsatodi serves as revival director.
The revival of the 2012 rendition of Tosca, directed and with sets and costumes by Hugo de Ana, is the first massive summer production of the Greek National Opera for 2024. The renowned opera diva Floria Tosca is deeply in love with and at the same time pathologically jealous of her partner. Baron Scarpia, a dark but incredibly powerful figure, derives pleasure from the suffering of his victims. Caught in the middle is Mario Cavaradossi, the lover and loyal patriot, who is eventually led to his death, not because of his ideas, but because of his relationship with Tosca, whom Scarpia covets. The scheme has been set up effectively: nobody escapes Scarpia’s traps.
Hugo de Ana’s Tosca is fascinating, dramatic, and absolutely true to the composer’s spirit, as well as to the historical context where the libretto is set. The magnificent stage sets, featuring a huge Crucifix, a holy table, and a painting studio, are complemented by spectacular projections of renowned Rome monuments, religious symbols, and captivating videos, offering the production a cinematic flair.
For this production, the Greek National Opera has secured a world-class starry cast. In the role of Floria Tosca, the audience will have the chance to enjoy the renowned sopranos Evgenia Muraveva (1 & 6/6) and Cellia Costea (2 & 11/6). The role of Mario Cavaradossi will be shared by two exceptional tenors, Riccardo Massi (1 & 6/6) and Carl Tanner (2 & 11/6), while two highly celebrated protagonists of the GNO, Tassis Christoyannis (1 & 6/6) and Yanni Yannissis (2 & 11/6) will portray Scarpia. Alongside them performing will be the distinguished Greek soloists Tassos Apostolou, Petros Magoulas, Yannis Kalyvas, and more.
The production is realized with support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, aiming to enhance the GNO’s artistic outreach and sponsors MYTILINEOS COMPANY & EUROBANK.