Bachtrack logo
What's on
Reviews
Articles
News
Video
Site
Young artists
Travel

Falstaff

New National Theatre, Tokyo: Opera House1-1-1 Honmachi Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0071, Japan
Dates/times in Tokyo time zone
Wednesday 21 April 202718:00
Saturday 24 April 202714:00
Tuesday 27 April 202714:00
Thursday 29 April 202714:00
Programme
Verdi, Giuseppe (1813-1901)FalstaffLibretto by Arrigo Boito
Performers
New National Theatre
Maurizio BeniniConductor
Sir Jonathan MillerDirector
Isabella BywaterSet Designer, Costume Designer
Peter PetschnigLighting Designer
Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra
New National Theatre Chorus
Roberto FrontaliBaritoneSir John Falstaff
Ricardo José RiveraBaritoneFord
Serena FarnocchiaSopranoAlice Ford
Sunada AiriSopranoNannetta
Yuka KobayashiMezzo-sopranoMeg Page
Teresa IervolinoMezzo-sopranoMistress Quickly
Kota MurakamiTenorFenton
Toshiaki MurakamiTenorDr Caius
Shuhei ItogaTenorBardolfo (Bardolph)
Hidekazu TsumayaBassPistola (Pistol)

Falstaff is a comedy written by opera great Giuseppe Verdi near the end of his life, based on Shakespeare's famous plays "The Merry Wives of Windsor" and "Henry IV". A masterpiece brimming with unrivalled fun and life philosophy, the story centres on the greedy but lovable old knight Falstaff and his interactions with a group of lively, quick-witted women and young couples. Musically, the work was very progressive at that time, with finely crafted pieces full of excitement, including the nonet in Act 1 and Fuga Finale, featuring ten soloists and a chorus. In particular, Falstaff's show-stopping fugue finale 'Tutto nel mundo è burla' is the perfect end to the evening, and has become a regular feature at gala concerts and other events.
This production by Jonathan Miller is a masterpiece of human insight, based on everyday life depicted in 17th-century Dutch paintings. The meticulous composition and tranquil colours of the stage are like something out of a Vermeer painting. This delightful comedy, full of engagement between the characters depicted, is a true paean to the human condition, to be enjoyed by those who have lived and loved.
Under the baton of master conductor Maurizio Benini, who conveys the true essence of Italian opera, this production brings together famous singers such as Roberto Frontali and Serena Farnocchia, creating the ultimate ensemble.

Booking Opens: Sun, 31 Jan 2027, 10:00am

Reviews of Falstaff directed by Sir Jonathan Miller

Falstaff
Falstaff: the enduring appeal of Shakespeare’s fat knight
April 2027
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
29303101020304
05060708091011
12131415161718
19202122232425
26272829300102
03040506070809
Evening performance
Matinee performance