Un Ballo in Maschera | Opera Holland Park, London, 2019
Verdi’s opera of conspiracy, forbidden love, and assassination set in 1940s “Brief Encounter” style Britain. Directed by Rodula Gaitanou with designs by takis, this Opera Holland Park production starred Matteo Lippi as Gustavo (King of Sweden in the original, relocated to generic modern settings here).
Conducted by Matthew Kofi Waldren with the City of London Sinfonia, the production received 5-star reviews praising the “effervescent brightness” of the orchestra and “thrilling” chorus. takis’ design created the palatial rooms where political conspiracy and romantic passion collide in Verdi’s complex drama of duty, friendship, and fatal attraction.
Creative Team: Director: Rodula Gaitanou | Designer: takis | Conductor: Matthew Kofi Waldren | Composer: Giuseppe Verdi