Saturday 13 March 2021

Music - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Libretto – Caterino Mazzolà, after Pietro Metastasio

Raw power struggle, desire, jealousy and Mozart's beautiful music. La clemenza di Tito delivers all the beauty and fierce emotion we expect from the master of masters.

La clemenza di Tito could not have been more relevant: What type of leader do we want in times of crisis? Does power bring people together or isolate us? Can we forgive without forgetting? All these questions seemed relevant a year ago when we started rehearsals for our modern version of Mozart's masterpiece. But now, after a pandemic has caused chaos, loss and change, the parallels we can draw today seem even more striking.

LIVE OPERA - FINALLY
A year ago, director Rodula Gaitanou, together with all the opera's actors, stood in shock on stage in the Grieghallen, when the news came that La clemenza di Tito had to be canceled just before the premiere when the world shut down. But, even though there have been challenge after challenge even afterwards, we are determined to perform this opera for you. The performance is not going to be what we planned at the start. Production has been turned around and reshaped to be able to follow current restrictions and safety routines.

APOCALYPSE AND LIGHT
It is the naked version, the very essence of the play, that you will experience in the Grieghallen in March. The drama goes straight into the theme of isolation and broken relationships both on the private and public level - a common meeting place where all people stand on the edge of a personal and apocalyptic moment.
Mozart's opera is inspiring. There is light at the end of the tunnel, there is hope in humanity and the spirit of community. We are broken down and build ourselves up again, we persevere and come together in the creative. We celebrate humanity and look forward to joyful reunions. Soon - and together.

NORWEGIAN SOLOISTS IN ALL THE ROLES
We are delighted to be able to present a top team of Norwegian singers in all roles: Tenor Brother Magnus Tødenes has the challenging title role of Tito and soprano Beate Mordal is his vengeful counterpart Vitellia. The mezzo-soprano Ingeborg Gillebo in the trouser role as Annio, together with Frøy Hovland Holtbakk as the brave lover Servilia. Mezzo-soprano Adrian Angelico takes center stage in the opera as Sesto, the man deeply in love, who follows Vitellia's murderous path. Bass Christian Valle has the role of Publio.

Edvard Grieg Choir with guests
Edward Gardner, Conductor
Rodula Gaitanou, Director
Cordelia Chrisholm, Costume Design
Simon Corder, with Ivar Skjørestad, Lighting design
Håkon Matti Skrede, Choirmaster
Brother Magnus Tødenes – Tito
Beate Mordal – Vitellia
Adrian Angelico – Sesto
Ingeborg Gillebo – Annio
Christian Valle – Publio
Frøy Hovland Holtbakk – Servilia
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra

Full stage opera in two acts
A new production from Bergen National Opera
Presented by the Bergen National Opera and the Harmonien Music Society