La Gioconda Returns to Barcelona’s Liceu Theater – Dates & Tickets
- Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu is set to once again host Amilcare Ponchielli’s La Gioconda, a cornerstone of Italian Romantic opera, from February 17 to March 2.
- La Gioconda, a work that bridges the gap between Verdi and Puccini, is notable for its synthesis of diverse musical styles.
- This revival marks the third time La Gioconda has been programmed since the Liceu’s reopening in 1999, underscoring its enduring appeal to audiences.
Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu is set to once again host Amilcare Ponchielli’s La Gioconda, a cornerstone of Italian Romantic opera, from to . This production, under the musical direction of Daniel Oren and staging by Romain Gilbert, promises a visually and dramatically compelling experience, steeped in the atmosphere of 17th-century Venice.
La Gioconda, a work that bridges the gap between Verdi and Puccini, is notable for its synthesis of diverse musical styles. The opera incorporates Verdian melodic influences, choral passages reminiscent of Venetian folk music, touches of Mussorgsky and Tchaikovsky in its soliloquies, Wagnerian orchestration, and elements of French Grand Opéra, culminating in a finale that foreshadows the verismo movement. The Liceu itself has a long history with this opera, having staged it over 150 times, with the most recent production occurring during the 2018/2019 season – the 154th performance at the theatre.
This revival marks the third time La Gioconda has been programmed since the Liceu’s reopening in , underscoring its enduring appeal to audiences. Gilbert’s production aims to present a Venice far removed from the typical postcard image, instead focusing on a darker, more unsettling portrayal of the city, reflecting the power dynamics and underlying violence of the era. The staging draws inspiration from the commedia dell’arte, adding another layer of historical and artistic context.
Adding to the spectacle, the production features a ballet corps of 12 dancers, alongside acrobats and a mime artist, bringing Vincent Chaillet’s choreography for the famed “Dance of the Hours” to life. This iconic ballet sequence, known for its evolving melody and rhythm depicting the passage of time, is a highlight of the opera and a testament to Ponchielli’s compositional skill.
The vocal performances will be led by a stellar cast. Saioa Hernández and Ekaterina Semenchuk will share the role of Gioconda, while Àngel Òdena and Gabriele Viviani will portray Barnaba. Michael Fabiano and Martin Muehle will alternate as Enzo Grimaldo, and Ksenia Dudnikova and Varduhi Abrahamyan will perform as Laura Adorno. Rounding out the cast are John Relyea and Alexander Köpeczi as Alvise Badoero, and Violeta Urmana and Anna Kissjudit as the Cieca. Urmana’s participation is particularly noteworthy, as she will have performed all three principal female roles in the opera throughout her career.
The production also boasts costume design by renowned fashion designer Christian Lacroix, further enhancing the visual richness of the staging. The Liceu is also offering an exclusive performance for audience members under 35, complete with a masquerade ball, on .
Beyond the Liceu’s walls, the opera will reach a wider audience through a live broadcast on Radio Clásica on , presented by Pep Gorgori. The performance has also been selected for inclusion in the European Broadcasting Union’s (EBU) Euroradio Season, ensuring its transmission across various European radio stations. The broadcast will remain available on the Radio Clásica website for 30 days, extending its accessibility.
La Gioconda’s narrative centers on a tale of vengeance, revolving around Barnaba, an agent of the Venetian Inquisition, and his unrequited love for the singer Gioconda. The story unfolds with a complex web of relationships, involving deception, sacrifice, and tragedy. The opera’s libretto, by Arrigo Boito, is based on Victor Hugo’s play Angélo, tyran de Padoue.
Musically, the opera is celebrated for its dramatic intensity and lyrical beauty. Key moments include Barnaba’s aria “O monumento!”, which establishes his villainous character; Laura’s aria “Voce di donna”; Enzo’s passionate “Cielo e mar!”; and, of course, the captivating “Dance of the Hours.” The opera culminates in Gioconda’s powerful suicide aria, a demanding role that showcases the soprano’s vocal and dramatic range.
As the Liceu prepares to raise the curtain on this latest production of La Gioconda, it reaffirms its commitment to presenting both classic repertoire and innovative staging, ensuring that this enduring work continues to resonate with audiences for generations to come.