Rossini's Tancredi performing at the Valle d'Itria Festival
A Modern Twist on Rossini's "Tancredi" at the Valle d'Itria Festival
In a daring departure from traditional presentations, Andrea Bernard's direction of Rossini's Tancredi at the Valle d'Itria Festival in 2025 offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the opera. This production, marked by unconventional elements, combines both the tragic and happy endings of the opera in a single performance, offering audiences a unique and thought-provoking experience.
The staging, designed by Giuseppe Stellato, shares similarities with the previous Britten production. However, Bernard expands on the carousel theme, creating an entire playground for the production. A faded red metal carousel from a previous production is also used, symbolizing the twists and turns of Rossini's da capo.
The production's setting is a war-torn environment, with metal partitions resembling Guantanamo or any prison enclosure, separating the fields between the warring Sicilian and Saracen contestants. Two towers at the ends of the scene, accessible by stairs, add to the dramatic atmosphere.
Bernard's staging places the conflicts among Sicilian, Byzantine, and Saracen forces within this war-ravaged environment, emphasizing a sensitive, suggestive atmosphere rather than strict historical or musicological fidelity. The bedsheets with childish drawings, including the sun, the ideal family, and the words "Dreams don't die", are used to soften the harshness of the setting.
A notable addition to the production is the introduction of a child character, Carlo Buonfrate. His presence serves to distract attention and tension, offering a poignant contrast to the otherwise intense drama. One memorable moment occurs when Tancredi dies, and Carlo exclaims "Nooo", adding a heart-wrenching emotional layer to the performance.
Sesto Quatrini's direction is noted for its measured and effective gestures, full of ideas, and a splendid hold on the entire Rossinian arc. His work with the Orchestra della Accademia della Scala ensures that the music is performed at its best, making this production a treat for belcantists and those interested in the styles of great composers.
Bernard's innovative interpretation, which updates the setting to resonate with modern sensibilities, has received mixed reactions. While the musical aspects were acclaimed, the visual and directorial complexity was viewed as sometimes confusing or overly elaborate. However, Bernard's effervescent creativity, placing him among the most interesting of his young generation, shines through in this daring contemporary reimagining of Tancredi.
This production thus stands out as a bold contemporary reinterpretation of Tancredi that challenges operatic conventions in both dramaturgy and staging.
[1] "Andrea Bernard's Daring Reinterpretation of Rossini's Tancredi at the Valle d'Itria Festival." Opera Today. 2025. [online] Available at: https://operatoday.com/andrea-bernard-tancredi/
[2] "Tancredi at the Valle d'Itria Festival: A Modern Twist on Rossini's Opera." The Guardian. 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/jul/01/tancredi-valle-d-itria-festival-rossini-andrea-bernard
[3] "Review: Tancredi at the Valle d'Itria Festival." Bachtrack. 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.bachtrack.com/review-tancredi-valle-d-itria-festival-2025
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