I due Foscari, Royal Opera House

Verdi's early opera I due Foscari comes to Covent garden next autumn, starring the legendary Plácido Domingo.

This early Verdi opera may not be well-known - after all it was only his sixth opera, written in 1844 when he was still honing his craft. But already the majesty of Verdi’s orchestration, emotional drama and lyricism is in evidence, and with Plácido Domingo heading the cast and Royal Opera House director  Antonio Pappano conducting, I due Foscari is certainly worth re-discovering.

It’s also another new baritone role for the indefatigable 73 year old Domingo, after five decades as a tenor. This switch, because his voice deepened with age, is not to everyone’s taste - some critics said of his performances of Simon Boccanegra and Nabucco that he lacks the dark colours of a true baritone and can sound gruff. But even those who think maybe Domingo should now retire from singing, cannot help but admire his unique artistry and stage presence.

Based on a historical play by Byron, I due Foscari tells the story of the elderly Doge of Venice, Francesco Foscari, and his son Jacobo, who has been convicted of murder and treason. The Doge has to choose between his love for his son and his duty to his corrupt city - with tragic consequences. 200 years since his birth, Verdi’s early work still flashes with brilliance, hinting at his later, free-flowing masterpieces Rigoletto and Traviata.

This new production, directed by the award-winning young American, Thaddeus Strassberger, comes to London following sell-out performances in Los Angeles, Valencia and Vienna. Strassberger recreates the opulence of the royal court in 15th century Venice. He says he wants to remain true to the essence of Verdi, but he also likes to challenge modern-day perceptions of this very popular composer, so expect some surprises.