Verdi’s ‘Messa da Requiem’ at Opernhaus Zürich
Stephen Costello returns to the Opernhaus Zürich to star as the tenor soloist in Verdi’s monumental Messa da Requiem on February 24, 28, March 2, 8, 22, 24, 28, & April 1. As part of a remarkable collaboration between Zurich Opera and Ballet, Christian Spuck presented the oratorical piece on stage in 2016, featuring four vocal soloists, a large choir, and orchestra, seamlessly blending dance, abstract scenery, spatial elements, and lighting.
Spuck’s take on Verdi’s renowned requiem is distinctive and unconventional. Employing sophisticated abstract movement language, he emphasizes universal human emotions linked to death, delving into themes of sorrow, fear of the unknown, and anger regarding the vulnerability of human existence through a compelling fusion of vocal music and dance.
Under the baton of Marco Armiliato, Costello shares the stage with a starry cast of soloists, including soprano Krassimira Stoyanova, mezzo-soprano Agnieszka Rehlis, and bass Georg Zeppenfeld.
Photo: Dario Acosta