The season opens with the masterpiece of the genius Cherubini. Tragic and rapturous, Medea is best known for the historic interpretations of Maria Callas, to whom this production will be dedicated on the centenary of her birth. The eagerly awaited new stage direction by Paco Azorín, together with the voices of Maria Agresta, Saioa Hernández and Nancy Fabiola Herrera, will explore dramatic aspects of the libretto, such as vicarious violence and abandonment.
The immolation of Medea in the temple, blazing in the revenging fury of flames, constitutes one of the most startling and visionary moments in the history of opera. Wagner, who was a great admirer of the opera, acknowledged this moment in the finale of his monumental Twilight of the Gods. As for Maria Callas and her unsurpassed dramatic talent, she took this largely forgotten title and made it one of the most personal hallmarks of her entire career.
The genius of Cherubini reigned in Republican France in the 1790s decade, making a profound impression on the young Beethoven. Nonetheless, by the turn of the century, his name retracted in favour of Spontini and Rossini, and his reputation became one of a bad tempered and conservative composer. Noble and majestic as a sculpture by Canova or a fresco by David, but deeply affected by the overwhelming personality of its protagonist, the opera Médée offers undreamed of possibilities for scenic and dramatic development in accordance with the “ harmonic delirium, barbaric transitions and exaggerated chromaticism” which - in the view of an early review of the work – are found in its score.
Tragédie lyrique
Music by Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842)
Libretto by François-Benoît Hoffmann (1760-1828), based on the tragedy (431 a. c.) of Euripides
Critical edition by Heiko Cullmann based on the original French edition, with Alan Curtis responsible for the sung recitatives
Premiere at the Théâtre Feydeau of Paris, 13 March 1797
Premiere at the Teatro Real
New Production of the Teatro Real, in co-production with Abu Dhabi Festival

Artistic team
Conductor: Ivor Bolton
Stage and Set Design: Paco Azorín
Costume Design: Ana Garay
Lighting Design: Pedro Yagüe
Video Design: Pedro Chamizo
Stage Movement: Carlos Martos
Historical - Mythological advice: Pedro Sáenz Almeida
Chorus Master: José Luis Basso
Cast
Jason: Enea Scala __ 19, 22, 25, 28 Sept; 1, 4 Oct
Francesco Demuro __ 20, 23, 26, 29 Sept; 2 Oct
Medea: Maria Agresta __ 19, 22, 28 Sept 2023; 4 Oct 2023
Saioa Hernández __ 20, 23, 26, 29 Sept; 2 Oct
Maria Pia Piscitelli __ 25 Sept; 1 Oct
Neris: Nancy Fabiola Herrera __ 19, 22, 25, 28 Sept; 1, 4 Oct
Silvia Tro Santafé __ 20, 23, 26, 29 Sept; 2 Oct
Creon: Jongmin Park __ 19, 22, 25, 28 Sept; 1, 4 Oct
Alexander Vinogradov __ 20, 23, 26, 29 Sept; 2 Oct
Glauce (Dirce): Sara Blanch __ 19, 22, 25, 28 Sept; 1, 4 Oct
Marina Monzó __ 20, 23, 26, 29 Sept; 2 Oct
First Maidservant: Mercedes Gancedo
Second Maidservant: Alexandra Urquiola
Captain of the Guard: David Lagares
Chorus and Orchestra of the Teatro Real
A tribute to Maria Callas (1923-2023) on the centenary of her birth
Under 35’s Gala performance, 16 September, 7 p.m.