MacbethNouvelle production

Giuseppe Verdi's opera Macbeth is one of the most prominent works in the operatic repertoire and one of composer’s greatest achievements, which had its world premiere in Florence in 1847. This powerful musical interpretation of William Shakespeare's drama about ambition and its price marks an important transition in the composer's path from his earlier, more traditional works to the seamless musical dramas of his later years.

The opera tells the story of an ambitious Scottish warlord, Macbeth, who, inspired by the prophecies of witches and the power of his wife, Lady Macbeth, aspires to become king. He kills King Duncan and seizes the throne, but his crimes plunge him into a vortex of paranoia and guilt.

Verdi transformed this drama into a work of music, creating an opera of terrifying power. In it, he innovatively uses Italian operatic devices, summoning witches and ghosts from the mists of Scotland, while a dark and shimmering orchestral background plays with fiery cabalettas, demonic marches, hellish dances and delicately nuanced singing. Nothing of Shakespeare’s original tragedy is lost – rather, it is enriched. Verdi considered this tenth opera to be the best he had ever composed. It is a magnificent work, characterized by intense dramatic tension and exceptional musical sophistication.

This impressive, captivating drama full of dark passions is staged at our theatre by director Arnaud Bernard and his creative team, known to the Lithuanian audience from the 2009 production of G. Bizet's opera Carmen.