Romina Boscolo

Giuseppe Verdi (1813 – 1901) Opera in three acts Sung in Italian, with German surtitles. Libretto: Arrigo Boito, based on William Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" Premiere: 1893 in Milan Following the great success of his "Otello", Verdi was not expected to create another opera in his late years. Yet his friend, librettist and composer Arrigo Boito noticed how much Verdi missed composing and suggested working together on something new, an opera that could end his career on a higher note than "Otello", a "triumph with laughter”. At the age of almost 80, Verdi achieved another sensational success with his glorious Shakespearean comedy "Falstaff". Following five decades of tragic works, he created a masterpiece of comic opera. Although based on the same material as Nicolai’s "The Merry Wives of Windsor", Verdi succeeded in creating a version of the comedy which was as unconventional as it was enchanting. PREMIERE: 1 May 2024