Gothenburg Opera’s 2015-6 season has started with a humdinger: Nina Stemme stepping into the shoes of Ingrid Bergman to play Alicia Hauser in the world première of Hans Gefors operatic take on Alfred Hitchcock’s Notorious. In her review here on Bachtrack, Katharina Hogrefe enthuses about how “every change and shift in plot was always audible in Stemme’s voice” and about the production in general, describing it as a role model for how exciting, modern opera can succeed. Notorious is on until November 1st, and at time of writing, there are just a few tickets left, so you might still be able to catch a performance.
For classic fare, look no further than Le nozze di Figaro (whose Swedish name, Figaros Bröllop, sounds gorgeously like the mayhem in the opera). The production, by Gothenburg Opera’s Artistic Director Stephen Langridge, premièred in 2014 to rave reviews, described here by Waltraut Anna Kautz as “entertainment on the highest level, up until the very last chord”. A strong cast includes Malin Hartelius and Markus Schwartz from last September’s première.
My personal pick of the season is one of my favourite 20th century operas, Janáček’s The Makropulos Case. I’ve always loved the idea that opera can tackle improbable genres like science fiction, and Makropulos is a thought-provoking “beware of what you wish for” as it explores the probable true consequences of eternal youth and beauty – as well as featuring a ravishing score. The production, which receives ten performances between November and February, is a collaboration with the National Theatre of Janáček’s home town, Brno in Czech Republic, and it’s the first time the opera will have been sung in Sweden in its original Czech language.
Expect a strong dose of Japanese authenticity in a new production of Madama Butterfly in March and April: the director is the acclaimed Japanese actor and director Yoshi Oïda, who has a clutch of directing credits in both straight theatre and opera as well as being notable for many collaborations with Peter Brook. The role of Cio Cio San is shared between two Korean sopranos: Jung Nan Yoon and Karah Son.