SEASON 2016/17

CORPORATE PARTNERS

THANK YOU MASS MEDIA FOR MAKING IT POSSIBLE ABC Agència EFE TV Expansión

SPECIAL PROJECT SUPPORTERS

EL PETIT CORPORATE SUPPORTERS GIVE US YOUR SUPPORT

If you'd like everyone, everywhere to have a chance to discover . If you'd like them to revel in the feelings, the emotions and the thrills. If you'd like to share in our values and history. If you'd like to be part of a living, top-flight that reaches out to the world.

So that we can all enjoy the Liceu together and be the stars of the cast.

Get in touch and we'll tell you how:

Sponsorship Service 93 485 86 31 / [email protected] liceubarcelona.cat/donans-suport

COLLABORATORS AMICS BENEFACTORS

Angelini Cementos Molins GiS Mandarin Oriental, Amics de l'Òpera Carlos Garcés Núria Oliveras Axis Corporate Cinesa Gramona Barcelona de Tarragona Àngels Garcia Antoni Planas Banco Mediolanum Coca-Cola Happy Click Port de Barcelona Juan José Araúna Anna M. Garcia M. del Pilar Pons BASF Dilograf Illy Caffè Rolex Ramon Bassas Carme Garriga Rosa M. Provencio Bon Preu Eurofragance Jarclos Segur Ibérica Amèlia Bataller F. Xavier Garriga Pura Puchal Caixa d’Enginyers Fundación Loewe Koobin Serunion Montserrat Baulenas Ezequiel Giró Encarna Roca Catalana Occident Genebre-Hobby Flower Lavinia Sogeur Manuel Bertran Joan Gonzàlez Josep Roca Cellnex Telecom GFT Nationale Suisse Sumarroca Montserrat Boix Jaume Graell M. Carme Rusiñol Tradisa Beatriz Bonet Montserrat Grifell M. del Sáez Sebastià Borràs Eulàlia Juncosa Anna M. Sagarra M. Àngels Bosch Tomàs Llusera Montserrat Sirera BENEFACTORS José Ignacio Brugarolas Javier Lozano Maria Soldevila Josep Brustenga Mercè Mata Jaume Subirà Carlos Abril Manuel Crehuet Pere Grau Miquel Roca Manuel Busquet M. Rosa Miquel Noemí Torrent Salvador Alemany Josep Cusí Calamanda Grifoll Josep Sabé Mercè Castells Alfons Miralles Josep Torrent Josep Balcells Antoni Esteve Francesca Guardiola Francisco Salamero Àngela Català Manel Mogas Roser Torres Joaquim Barraquer Magda Ferrer-Dalmau Maria Guasch Maria Soldevila Guzmán Clavel Anna Molero Antoni Torvà Núria Basi Maria Font de Carulla José Manuel Mas Jordi Soler José M. Coronas Ferran Molina Heribert Turu Manuel Bertran Mercedes Fuster Josep Milian Karen Swenson Anna Cruella Julio Molinario Isabel Vergé Manuel Bertrand José Gabeiras José M. Mohedano Manuel Terrazo José Miguel Cuatrecasas Ramon Moret Teresa Vilardell Agustí Bou José Luis Galí Carmen Molins Ernestina Torelló Andrea de Escalada Catalina Munar Tristan Xancó Carmen Buqueras Francisco Gaudier Joan Molins Joan Uriach Julio de la Cruz M. Glòria Nebot Pere Zanuy Cucha Cabané Lluís M. Ginjaume Josep Ignasi Molins Marta Uriach Montserrat Escofet M. Ángeles Nicolás Josep Joan Zaragoza Joan Camprubí Ezequiel Giró Josep Oliu Josep Vilarasau Salvador Escofet Marta Obregón Guzmán Clavel Jaume Graell Maria Reig Maria Vilardell † Isabel Escudé Carme Olivella Josep M. Corrales Francisco A. Granero Francisco Reynés Salvador Viñas Maria Farré Elisenda Olivella BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE FOUNDATION

Honorary President Carles Puigdemont i Casamajó

President of the Board Joaquim Molins i Amat First Vice-president Santi Vila i Vicente Second Vice-president José María Lassalle Ruiz Third Vice-president Jaume Asens i Llodrà Fourth Vice-president Mercè Conesa i Pagès Representatives of the Government of Josep M. Busquets i Galera, Pilar Fernández i Bozal, Jordi Sellas i Ferrés, Pau Villòria i Sistach Representatives of the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport Santiago Fisas Ayxelà, Francisco Gaudier Fargas, Montserrat Iglesias Santos, Santiago de Torres i Sanahuja Representatives of Barcelona City Council Isabel Balliu i Badia, Berta Sureda i Berna Representative of Barcelona Provincial Council Juanjo Puigcorbé i Benaiges Representatives of the Society of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Ignasi Borrell i Roca, Manuel Busquet i Arrufat, Javier Coll i Olalla, Josep Maria Coronas i Guinart, Àgueda Viñamata y de Urruella Representatives of the Sponsorship Council Salvador Alemany i Mas, Luis Herrero Borque, Carlos López Blanco, Alfonso Rodés i Vilà

EXECUTIVE COMMISSION

President Joaquim Molins i Amat Representatives of the Government of Catalonia Santi Vila i Vicente, Pau Villòria i Sistach Representatives of the Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport Montserrat Iglesias Santos, Antonio Garde Herce Representatives of Barcelona City Council Isabel Balliu i Badia, Berta Sureda i Berna Representative of Barcelona Provincial Council Juanjo Puigcorbé i Benaiges Representatives of the Society of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Manuel Busquet i Arrufat, Javier Coll i Olalla Representatives of the Sponsorship Council Salvador Alemany i Mas, Luis Herrero Borque

Secretary of the Board and the Executive Commission Joaquim Badia

MANAGEMENT TEAM

General Manager Roger Guasch General Artistic Director Christina Scheppelmann Music Director Josep Pons Financial Director Anna Serrano Director of Communications and International Relations Joan Corbera The Foundation of the Gran Teatre del Liceu is a member of: Marketing and Commercial Director Agustí Filomeno Director of Human Resources and General Services Jordi Tarragó Technical Director Xavier Sagrera Director of the Music Department Antoni Pallès Assistant to the Artistic Director Leticia Martín Chorus Director Conxita Garcia ORQUESTRA DEL GRAN TEATRE DEL LICEU

OUR ORCHESTRA COR DEL GRAN TEATRE DEL LICEU

OUR CHORUS TABLE OF CONTENTS

16 PRESENTATION

18 EL PETIT LICEU

28 OPERA

58 BALLET

66 CONCERTS AND RECITALS

78 SUBSCRIPTIONS AND TICKETS 16 | PRESENTATION PRESENTATION | 17

PRESENTATION

The 2016/17 season, designed by our Artistic Director Christina Scheppelmann, May will be a busy month, with two on the bill simultaneously: Wagner's The rests on two basic principles: balance and quality. At the Liceu great voices ring out, Flying Dutchman (Der fliegende Holländer) and Donizetti's La fille du régiment. The but the stars of the future also get their chance; the classical and contemporary idioms former will be conducted by Oksana Lyniv who, after working with Kirill Petrenko, is alternate; new technologies revolutionize the stage; and, most important of all, a great triumphing in opera houses throughout the world, while the latter is a revival of the team of leaders ensure that the Liceu remains a cultural landmark. famous Laurent Pelly production we saw in the 2009/10 season. Both offer luxury casts, Javier Camarena's presence being of special note, since it will be his second The season begins officially on 7 October with a highly theatrical version of Verdi's Liceu appearance this year. directed by Christof Loy, who returns after his brilliant Arabella. In response to audience demand, however, activities will be underway in September with extra In the final straight of the season, we find Kasper Holten's version of Mozart's Don performances of the last title of the 2015/16 season: Mozart's Magic Flute (Die Giovanni –- a coproduction between the Liceu and House, combining Zauberflöte), in a production that achieves an unforgettable blend of opera and classical touches with a spectacular revolving set and projections –- and Verdi's Il animation. trovatore, sung by a magnificent cast in a new interpretation by Joan Anton Rechi. And last but not least, The Merry Widow (Die lustige Witwe) will bring the season to a close. In November one of the great classics returns: Mozart's (Le nozze di Figaro), in a version by Lluís Pasqual, which brings Kyle Ketelsen Three different productions make up the ballet programme: Coppélia by the Ballet back to the Liceu. The last title in 2016 will be Elektra by , as seen by Nacional Sodre from Uruguay, directed by dancer Julio Bocca; La Stravaganza, that giant of French drama, Patrice Chéreau. This key work of the 20th century repertory a contemporary creation by choreographer Angelin Preljocaj; and the well-known has a hauntingly tragic and violent plot, matched by music of extreme intensity. It is creations of IT Dansa. a veritable tour de force for both the orchestra and Evelyn Herlitzius, in the title role, who will be on stage from beginning to end. The Liceu Symphony Orchestra continues to perfect its talents in the symphony music season by performing works from the major repertory. These include Mozart's To ring in 2017 we have by . Werther is one of the basic tenor – the Pau Casals Memorial Concert – and the Tchaikovsky concert series featuring parts and will be played by Piotr Beczala and Josep Bros in turn. The Expressionistic for piano and violin, with Khatia Buniatishvili and Chad Hoopes respectively mise-en-scene signed by Willy Decker (Billy Budd, Death in …) restores the as the soloists,. essentially Romantic character of this tragic protagonist. Finally the Petit Liceu season gets off to a strong start with Aria Kadabra 16/17, Luca Francesconi's Quartett is part of the contemporary repertory. Alex Ollé (La Fura which uses spells and sleight of hand to explore the titles in this year's adult season. dels Baus) will bring us this updated, hi-tech version of Les liaisons dangereuses, in Two popular shows for younger children return to the bill –- Els músics de Bremen and which projected images and stunning sets play a prominent part. L’ocell prodigiós — while La petita Flauta Màgica is back in force as a family show for the festive season. Besides enjoying Guillem Tell and El Superbarber de Sevilla, After celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of his Liceu debut, Plácido Domingo returns as teenagers will have an opportunity to discover full-scale operatic performances thanks Athanaël in a concert version of Massenet's Thaïs. One of the season's great novelties, to a new subscription formula. The conversion of the PE series of performances into an without a shadow of doubt, is Verdi's , which comes to us in a classical “Initiation to Opera” Budget Subscription is the prime novelty of this year's subscriptions, interpretation with colourful, striking decors. Javier Camarena will be singing the role of designed to allow young people, families, seniors and other groups to sample our the Duke of Mantua for the first time ever and Carlos Álvarez will be back as Rigoletto. opera programme at extremely attractive rates. EL PETIT LICEU

20 ARIA KADABRA 16/17

21 EL SUPERBARBER DE SEVILLA

22 LA PETITA FLAUTA MÀGICA

24 L'OCELL PRODIGIÓS

25 LA CASA FLOTANT

26 ELS MÚSICS DE BREMEN

27 GUILLEM TELL

In cooperation with

With the support of 20 | EL PETIT LICEU EL PETIT LICEU | 21

ARIA EL KADABRA SUPERBARBER 16/17 AT THE GRAN TEATRE DEL LICEU DE SEVILLA AT THE GRAN TEATRE DEL LICEU

Magic director Brando Music Artistic director Silvana Stage director Tricicle Idea and creation Opera Illusion Coproduction Gran Teatre del Liceu NEW Dramaturgy and stage Anna Llopart Institut Valencià de la Música New production Gran Teatre del Liceu SEASON, Characters played by NEW Brando i Silvana, Kris, Mag Ramó and SHOW Roberto Vara

THROUGHOUT THE ADAPTED BY EL TRICICLE 2016/17 SEASON: FROM ROSSINI'S FAMOUS A MAGICAL SHOW OPERA

Magic invades the Liceu once Rosina is in love with young Count more in a fascinating show of Almaviva. But her guardian, Doctor make-believe in which the witches Bartolo, will stop at nothing to drive from Macbeth cast a spell on them apart because he wants to Figaro, sending him rushing off to marry her himself and get his hands explore the entire 2016/17 Liceu on her fortune. Fortunately the programme and discover titles funny, lovable barber Figaro lays a like Elektra, Rigoletto and Don series of traps for Bartolo and the Giovanni... young lovers are reunited.

Scenes and illusions rich in colour Adapted for young audiences by and surprises, and a mystery or two El Tricicle from Rossini's opera The to solve by pronouncing the Liceu's Barber of Seville. magic words: Aria Kadabra.

OCTOBER 2016 Rate Magic, sleight of hand and opera in a fun-filled show for NOVEMBER 2016 Rate A show featuring well-known tunes, a spanking space, and 16 SUNDAY 11.00 h XIV audiences of all ages. 19 SATURDAY 12.00 h XIV side-splitting humour. 22 SATURDAY 12.00 h XIV 20 SUNDAY 11.00 h XIV Approximate running time: 60 minutes. Recommended for audiences Approximate running time: 75 minutes. Recommended from 8 years 23 SUNDAY 12.00 h XIV over 6, over 12, over 16... in short, for any age! Photo: El Superbarber de Sevilla Photo: Aria Kadabra 22 | EL PETIT LICEU EL PETIT LICEU | 23

LA PETITA FLAUTA L'OCELL AT THE TEATRE-AUDITORI SANT CUGAT AND MÀGICA AT THE GRAN TEATRE DEL LICEU PRODIGIÓS AT THE TEATRE-AUDITORI SANT CUGAT

Music Music Stage director Joan Font (Comediants) Original idea and dramatization Production Gran Teatre del Liceu Joaquín Casanova and Elisa Ramos Stage director Joaquín Casanova New production La Maquiné and ABAO - OLBE

THE ADVENTURES OF A PUPPET VERSION OF THE PAPAGENO AS SEEN BY LEGEND OF STRAVINSKY'S JOAN FONT (COMEDIANTS) FIREBIRD

Papageno the bird-catcher tells us The garden of paradise is home to about the wonderful adventures he all species of animals and plants, had with his friend Prince Tamino including a little bird the colour of when they set out together to rescue fire that nobody has ever seen. Princess Pamina, the daughter of His flight is like a spark of light, his the Queen of Night, who was held plumage is handsome, and his song prisoner by the wicked Sarastro. bewitching... He's the wonderbird! Surely you've heard of him? A children's version of Mozart's Magic In this show, inspired by Igor Flute by Comediants. This dashing, Stravinsky's The Firebird, the piano eye-catching production is a regular and violin provide the music, while feature of the Petit Liceu programme the plot is taken from a Russian folk and has already been seen by over tale and the legend of the Phoenix. 380,000 people. Puppets, actors and video images join forces in this unique production to tell a tale that will delight the young and the not-so-young alike.

DECEMBER 2016 Rate An enjoyable, entertaining operatic show. FEBRUARY 2017 Rate With its rich narrative content and universal values, this is an 17* SATURDAY 18.00 h XV 18 SATURDAY 18.00 h XV ideal story to tell in musical form, especially for children. 26 MONDAY 19.30 h XIV Approximate running time: 75 minutes. Recommended from 6 years 19 SUNDAY 12.00 h XV 27 TUESDAY 11.00 h XIV Photo: La petita Flauta Màgica Approximate running time: 50 minutes. Recommended from 4 years * At the Teatre-Auditori Sant Cugat Photo: L'ocell prodigiós 24 | EL PETIT LICEU EL PETIT LICEU | 25

LA ELS CASA MÚSICS FLOTANT AT THE GRAN TEATRE DEL LICEU DE BREMEN AT THE GRAN TEATRE DEL LICEU

Music Xavier Montsalvatge and Music Poire Vallvé Claude Debussy Stage director Joan-Andreu Vallvé Original idea and dramatization (Centre de Titelles de Lleida) Joaquín Casanova and Elisa Ramos Production Gran Teatre del Liceu Stage director Joaquín Casanova Coproduction Gran Teatre del Liceu, Festival Internacional de Música y Danza, Granada, and Kreart-La Maquiné

NOÈ MUST SAVE ALL THE A FARMYARD REVOLUTION ANIMALS AND GET THEM PERFORMED BY PUPPETS ON BOARD THE ARK!

This tale is about farm animals who Noè is a little girl who has never seen rebel against their cruel owners and rain and longs to see a rainbow. solve their predicament thanks to One day she saves the life of a fish. their sharp wits and teamwork. It's so grateful that it warns her a great flood is about to sweep over the A dance show for puppets based on world. So Noè builds a ship and tells the Grimm brothers' fairy tale. Set to all the animals to come on board and original music composed specially be saved. But some fail to answer the for the show, it includes a scene in call, so she decides to go and find which the children join in the song them in this great musical adventure. «Cap a Bremen» («Off to Bremen»). A dramatized tale, in which music by Montsalvatge and Debussy, played live on the piano, combines with images to create a deeply moving effect. The youngest members of the audience will be thrilled by the big animals in puppet form.

FEBRUARY 2017 Rate MARCH 2017 Rate Visual magic, with evocative music played live on stage by a A show that will fascinate the very young. 25 SATURDAY 12.00 h XIV pianist. The show also addresses the theme of respect for the 25 SATURDAY 11.00 h XIV 26 SUNDAY 11.00 h XIV 26 SUNDAY 11.00 h XIV earth and the environment. Approximate running time: 55 minutes. Recommended from 3 years APRIL 2017 Rate Approximate running time: 50 minutes. Recommended from 3 years Photo: Els músics de Bremen 1 SATURDAY 11.00 h XIV Photo: La casa flotant 2 SUNDAY 11.00 h XIV 26 | EL PETIT LICEU EL PETIT LICEU | 27

GUILLEM PERFORMANCE GUIDE TELL AT THE TEATRE-AUDITORI SANT CUGAT FOR SPECIFIC AGE GROUPS

Music Gioachino Rossini The Liceu has more to offer young people besides the Petit Liceu shows. In the following calendar we also Adapted, dramatized and directed by propose a few titles from the 2016/17 adult season which are recommended for those under 16. La Baldufa Stage director Ramon Molins Set design Carles Pijuan PERFORMANCES Recommended for 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Production Gran Teatre del Liceu ELS MÚSICS DE BREMEN LA CASA FLOTANT L'OCELL PRODIGIÓS LA PETITA FLAUTA MÀGICA ONCE UPON A TIME... THERE GUILLEM TELL WAS AN ARROW, AN APPLE, ARIA KADABRA 16/17 AND GIOACHINO ROSSINI EL SUPERBARBER DE SEVILLA IT DANSA Guillem (aka «William») Tell is a Swiss BNS / JULIO BOCCA hero who heads his people's revolt against their Austrian overlords and is forced to shoot an arrow at an apple LA FILLE DU RÉGIMENT placed on his son's head. RIGOLETTO MOZART'S REQUIEM This fast-paced adaption of Rossini's opera was made by the company La Baldufa for family audiences. It uses a MACBETH range of artistic techniques, including WERTHER puppets, animation, and sets inspired TCHAIKOVSKY SERIES by medieval times.

Formulas to enable you enjoy our shows:

· Family group shows: Enjoy one show per season · Last-minute discounts for the under-35s: at a flat rate of 25 € per seat. Apply in advance to Buy two tickets at a 50% discount on the day the Box Office. of the performance. · Youth subscription: The PE series offers discounts of · Carnet Jove (Catalan government youth ID): up to 50% to young people who buy tickets to 4-5 special offers and discounts. MAY 2017 Rate A theatrical tour de force. shows. More information on page 98. 6 SATURDAY 18.00 h XV · Discounts for students and young people under 18: In the course of the season the Liceu announces Approximate running time: 65 minutes. Recommended from 6 years Purchase tickets to a seat anywhere in the special offers and discounts, such as the Secret Seat Photo: Guillem Tell opera house at a flat rate of 30 € on the day of Service. More information from liceubarcelona.cat the performance. OPERAS

31 THE MAGIC FLUTE

33 MACBETH

35 LE NOZZE DI FIGARO

37 ELEKTRA

39 WERTHER

41 QUARTETT

43

45 THAÏS

47 RIGOLETTO

49 THE FLYING DUTCHMAN

51 LA FILLE DU RÉGIMENT

53

55 IL TROVATORE

57 THE MERRY WIDOW OPERAS | 31

THE MAGIC Singspiel in two acts Libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder FLUTE World premiere: 30/09/1791 at the DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE First Liceu performance: 15/01/1925 Last Liceu performance: 28/07/2016 WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Number of Liceu performances: 69

Music director Antonello Manacorda Stage directors Suzanne Andrade and Barrie Kosky * MAGICAL, SPECTACULAR AND Videos Paul Barritt MOVING Original idea «1927» (Suzanne Andrade and Paul Barritt) * EVOCATIVE OF A 1920S and Barrie Kosky SILENT MOVIE Set design and costumes Esther Bialas Dramaturgy Ulrich Lenz Lighting Diego Leetz After being attacked by a snake, Tamino Production Komische Oper Berlin is rescued by the three ladies-in-waiting of the Queen of Night, who promises he will Pamina Maureen McKay (12, 15 and 17/9) / marry her daughter Pamina if he can save Adela Zaharia (13 and 16/9) her from the wicked Sarastro. Tamino sets Tamino Jussi Myllys (12, 15 and 17/9) / off with the bird-catcher Papageno, a magic Adrian Strooper (13 and 16/9) flute, and a set of magic chimes. They find Papageno Richard Sˇveda Pamina but discover that Sarastro is in fact Papagena Julia Giebel protecting her from her mother. Tamino Sarastro Dimitry Ivashchenko successfully overcomes three trials to win Queen of Night Olga Pudova Pamina's hand. The furious Queen pursues Monostatos Johannes Dunz them but is ultimately vanquished. First lady Mirka Wagner Second lady Karolina Gumos This opera, rife with symbolism and Third lady Nadine Weissmann allusions to Free Masonry, was the last Man in armour 1 Timothy Richards Mozart wrote. He conducted it on the first Man in armour 2 Bogdan Talos night, shortly before he died. The singers and music director are members of the Komische Oper Berlin company This production, which blends the singers with colourful animations reminiscent of Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu the silent films of the 1920s, arouses Chorus director Conxita Garcia enthusiasm everywhere it goes.

SEPTEMBER 2016 Series Rate «Brilliant transformation of The 12 MONDAY 20 h PA VII Magic Flute» (Los Angeles Times) 13 TUESDAY 20 h PE VII «A clever concept and precise 15 THURSDAY 20 h PC VII execution» (New York Times) 16 FRIDAY 20 h PB VI 17* SATURDAY 18 h PD VI Approximate running time: 3 hours *Performance with audio description Audience briefing session in the Foyer 45 minutes before the opera begins Photo: Die Zauberflöte at the Komische Oper Berlin © Komische Oper Berlin OPERAS | 33

Melodrama in four acts Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave World premiere of the first version: 14/03/1847, Teatro della Pergola, Florence Premiere of the second (French) version: 21/04/1865, Théâtre Lyrique, Paris MACBETH First staged in Barcelona: 01/07/1848, Liceu Last Liceu performance: 05/04/2004 Total Liceu performances: 106

Music director Giampaolo Bisanti * AN OPERA TO MARK Stage director Christof Loy SHAKESPEARE YEAR Choreography Thomas Wilhelm * IN A SPECTACULAR AND Set design Jonas Dahlberg SURREALISTIC PRODUCTION Costumes Ursula Renzenbrink Costume assistant Sarah J.Rolke Lighting Bernd Purkrabek Scotland. Macbeth listens as the mysterious Production Grand Théâtre de Genève witches foretell that he will become king of Scotland. When his wife finds out, she Macbeth Ludovic Tézier (7, 10, 13, 16, 20 and 23/10) / persuades him to murder the present king Luca Salsi (8, 11, 14, 19 and 22/10) and take his place. The witches' predictions Lady Macbeth Martina Serafin (7, 10, 13, 16, 20 and 23/10) / drive Macbeth to treat both friends and rivals Tatiana Serjan (8, 11, 14, 19 and 22/10) with brutality until, alone and furious, he Banco Vitalij Kowaljow (7, 10, 13, 16, 20 and 23/10) / faces the final battle and perishes. Guerzoni (8, 11, 14, 19 and 22/10) Macduff Saimir Pirgu (7, 10, 13, 16, 20 and 23/10) / Giuseppe Verdi venerated Shakespeare's Teodor Ilincai (8, 11, 14, 19 and 22/10) plays and this was his first opera based on Malcolm Albert Casals a text by the Bard. He wanted to achieve Lady-in waiting to Lady Macbeth Anna Puche "something extraordinary", a phrase which Servant/Herald/Assassin Marc Canturri sums up his his enthusiasm.

Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu In this version, stage director Christof Loy Chorus director Conxita Garcia chooses a classical, timeless setting and adds touches of surrealism. Black and white predominate and the drama is intense.

OCTOBER 2016 Series Rate Christof Loy's production 7 FRIDAY 20 h H I 8 SATURDAY 20 h C IV 10 MONDAY 20 h A IV 11 TUESDAY 20 h PA VI 13 THURSDAY 20 h B II 14 FRIDAY 20 h E VI 16 SUNDAY 17 h T II Approximate running time: 3 hours and 20 minutes 19* WEDNESDAY 20 h PE VI *Performance with audio description 20 THURSDAY 20 h D III Audience briefing session in the Foyer 45 minutes before the 22 SATURDAY 20 h PB VI opera begins 23 SUNDAY 18 h F II Photo: Macbeth at the Grand Théâtre de Genève © GTG/Monika Rittershaus OPERAS | 35

Opera buffa in four acts LE NOZZE Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte World premiere: 01/05/1786, Burgtheater, Vienna DI FIGARO First staged in Barcelona: 02/02/1916, Liceu Last Liceu performance: 03/02/2012 WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Total Liceu performances: 90

Music director Josep Pons * MOZART'S BRILLIANT Stage director Lluís Pasqual CONTRIBUTION TO OPERA BUFFA Choreography Montse Colomé * DIRECTED BY LLUÍS PASQUAL Set design Paco Azorín AGAINST A 1930S BACKCLOTH Costumes Franca Squarciapino Lighting Albert Faura Coproduction Gran Teatre del Liceu and Seville, . Figaro, the barber, is Welsh National Opera (Cardiff) preparing for his wedding to Susanna but Bartolo wants him to marry Marcellina, Figaro Kyle Ketelsen his housekeeper. Count Almaviva makes Susanna Mojca Erdmann (7, 12, 14, 16 and 19/11) / advances to Susanna but she and Rosina, Elena Copons (10 and 20/11) the Countess, devise a scheme to arouse Count Almaviva Gyula Orendt the Count's jealousy. Meanwhile young Countess Almaviva Olga Mykytenko Cherubino longs to discover what love is all Cherubino Anna Bonitatibus (7, 12, 14, 16 and 19/11) / about... Gemma Coma-Alabert (10 and 20/11) Bartolo Valeriano Lanchas Based on the second part of Beaumarchais' Marcellina Maria Riccarda Wesseling trilogy about Figaro, which began with Le Basilio José Manuel Zapata barbier de Séville, this masterpiece of opera Barbarina Isabella Gaudí buffa features wonderful music and attains Don Curzio Vicenç Esteve Madrid great dramatic depth. It was the first brilliant Antonio Roberto Accurso achievement of the Mozart-Da Ponte tandem.

Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Chorus director Conxita Garcia A revival of the much applauded show by Lluís Pasqual, set in the 1930s, which makes great demands on the actors and puts the spotlight on the amorous intrigues of the plot.

NOVEMBER 2016 Series Rate Lluís Pasqual's production at the 7 MONDAY 20 h H V Liceu 10 THURSDAY 20 h E IV 12 SATURDAY 18 h F IV 14 MONDAY 20 h G V 16 WEDNESDAY 20 h B IV Approximate running time: 3 hours and 30 minutes 19* SATURDAY 20 h C IV *Performance with audio description 20 SUNDAY 17 h T V Audience briefing session in the Foyer 45 minutes before the opera begins Photo: Le nozze di Figaro at the Liceu (2011/12) © Antoni Bofill OPERAS | 37

Tragedy in one act Libretto by Hugo von Hoffmansthal. World premiere: 25/01/1909, Dresden Opera ELEKTRA First staged in Barcelona: 15/02/1949, Liceu Last Liceu performance: 03/03/2008 RICHARD STRAUSS Total Liceu performances: 36

Music director Josep Pons * AN OPERATIC RARITY AT THE Stage director Patrice Chéreau (†2013) LICEU Stage director of this revival Vincent Huguet * BY THE GREAT FILM DIRECTOR Set design Richard Peduzzi PATRICE CHÉREAU Costumes Caroline de Vivaise Lighting Dominique Bruguière Coproduction Gran Teatre del Liceu, Teatro alla Scala (), Mycenae, Greece. Elektra and House (New York), Festival d’Aix-en-Provence, Chrysothemis are the daughters of Queen Staatsoper Unter den Linden (Berlin) and Finnish National Opera Klytämnestra, who murdered her husband (Helsinki) with the complicity of her lover Aegisth. Her daughters plan their revenge but before Klytämnestra Waltraud Meier they can act, their brother Orest, whom Elektra Evelyn Herlitzius everyone thought dead, returns. When he Chrysothemis Adrianne Pieczonka finds out what has occurred, he kills both Aegisth Thomas Randle his mother and her lover. Elektra performs a Orest Alan Held wild triumphal dance and then falls dead. The Tutor of Orestes This is a work of musical contrasts, in which The Overseer/The Confidante of KlytämnestraRenate Behle Strauss reflects the full horror of Sophocles' Young Servant Florian Hoffmann tragedy. First Maidservant Bonita Hyman The Royal Train-bearer/Second Maidservant Andrea Hill This famous production was the last by Third Maidservant Silvia Hablowetz the versatile film and play director Patrice Fourth Maidservant Marie-Eve Munger Chéreau. The action takes place at an Fifth Maidservant Roberta Alexander unspecified period. Both the characters and the human dimension of the tragedy of Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Elektra, are portrayed with superb skill. Chorus director Conxita Garcia

DECEMBER 2016 Series Rate Patrice Chéreau's production at the 7 WEDNESDAY 20 h H VI Festival of Aix-en-Provence (2013). 11 SUNDAY 17 h T V 15 THURSDAY 20 h B V 19* MONDAY 20 h A VI 23 FRIDAY 20 h C V Approximate running time: 1 hour and 45 minutes *Performance with audio description Audience briefing session in the Foyer 45 minutes before the opera begins Photo: Elektra at the Teatro alla Scala. © Brescia e Amisano/Teatro alla Scala OPERAS | 39

Lyric drama in four acts Libretto by Édouard Blau, Paul Milliet and Georges Hartmann World premiere: 16/02/1892, Vienna Opera WERTHER First staged in Barcelona: 29/04/1899, Liceu Last Liceu performance: 19/07/1992 JULES MASSENET Total Liceu performances: 51

Music director Alain Altinoglu * GOETHE'S CLASSIC RETURNS Stage director Willy Decker TO THE LICEU AFTER 25 YEARS Set design Wolfgang Gussmann * A PRODUCTION THAT HAS WON Costumes Wolfgang Gussmann ACCLAIM THE WORLD OVER Lighting Joachim Klein Production Oper Wetzlar, . Werther is in love with Werther Piotr Beczala (15, 18, 23, 25 and 28/1; 1 and 3/2) / Charlotte but when she becomes engaged to Josep Bros (17, 19, 24, 27, 29 and 31/1; 4/2) another man he has to give her up. After her Charlotte Anna Caterina Antonacci (15, 18, 23, 25 and 28/1; marriage, Charlotte sends him away. Driven 1 and 3/2) / Nora Gubisch (17, 19, 24, 27, 29 and 31/1; 4/2) to despair by his impossible love, Werther Albert Étienne Dupuis (15, 18, 23, 25 and 28/1; 1 and 3/2) / commits suicide and expires in his beloved Joan Martín-Royo (17, 19, 24, 27, 29 and 31/1; 4/2) Charlotte's arms. Sophie Elena Sancho Péreg (15, 18, 23, 25 and 28/1; 1 and 3/2) / Sonia de Munck (17, 19, 24, 27, 29 and 31/1; 4/2) In this opera based on Goethe's novel, The Magistrate Stefano Palatchi Massenet paints a faithful portrait of a Johann Marc Canturri personage who embodies the Romantic Schmidt Antoni Comas concept of melancholy caused by disappointed love. Willy Decker's Romantic- Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Expressionist production has already won Cor Infantil Amics de la Unió de Granollers acclaim in various opera houses. The Children’s chorus director Josep Vila i Jover contrasting colours and impossible shapes match the different states of mind evoked by the plot.

JANUARY 2017 Series Rate FEBRUARY 2017 Series Rate Willy Decker's production in Rome 15 SUNDAY 17 h T III 1 WEDNESDAY 20 h G IV (2015). 17 TUESDAY 20 h PC VII 3* FRIDAY 20 h E IV 18 WEDNESDAY 20 h H V 4 SATURDAY 18 h F V 19 THURSDAY 20 h B VI 23 MONDAY 20 h A IV 24 TUESDAY 20 h PE VII 25 WEDNESDAY 20 h D IV Approximate running time: 2 hours and 20 minutes 27 FRIDAY 20 h PB V *Performance with audio description 28 SATURDAY 20 h C III Audience briefing session in the Foyer 45 minutes before the 29 SUNDAY 18 h PD V opera begins 31 TUESDAY 20 h PA VII Photo: Werther at the . © Barbara Aumüller/Oper Frankfurt OPERAS | 41

Opera in one act Libretto by Luca Francesconi QUARTETT World premiere: 26/04/2011, Teatro alla Scala, Milan LUCA FRANCESCONI First performance in Spain

Music director Peter Rundel * FIRST PERFORMANCE IN SPAIN Stage director Àlex Ollé () OF THE BRILLIANT PRODUCTION Set design Alfons Flores BY ALEX OLLÉ (LA FURA DELS BAUS) Costumes Lluc Castells Lighting Marco Filibeck Video Franc Aleu Paris, France. Two ex-lovers get caught up Sound design Serge Lemouton/IRCAM in a game of seduction that can only end in Production Teatro alla Scala (Milan) death. The Marquise de Merteuil challenges the Viscomte de Valmont to seduce her niece Viscomte de Valmont Robin Adams Cécile, who is a virgin, but he opts instead Marquise de Merteuil Allison Cook to lead Madame de Tourvel, a faithful wife, astray. Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu The opera composed by Luca Francesconi — a re-reading of Heiner Müller's play based on Les liaisons dangereuses — reflects on the decadence of certain classes of society. Alex Ollé (of La Fura dels Baus) offers a production set in a box suspended above the stage to represent the emotional isolation of the characters.

Music played live by the Liceu Orchestra combines with recorded and electronically manipulated music played by another orchestra, the sound of which is projected over the audience's heads. A unique experience of immersion.

FEBRUARY 2017 Series Rate MARCH 2017 Series Rate Report on Quartett by the Royal 22 WEDNESDAY 20 h D VIII 2 THURSDAY 20 h B VIII Opera House (2014) 26 SUNDAY 18 h PD VIII 3* FRIDAY 20 h PB VIII 27 MONDAY 20 h A VIII

Approximate running time: 1 hour and 20 minutes *Performance with audio description Audience briefing session in the Foyer 45 minutes before the opera begins Photo: Quartett at the Teatro alla Scala. © Brescia e Amisano/Teatro alla Scala OPERAS | 43

TEUZZONE Opera in three acts Libretto by Apostolo Zeno World premiere: Carnival season 1719, Teatro Arciducale, Mantua CONCERT VERSION First performance in Spain

Music director Jordi Savall * FIRST EVER PERFORMANCE AT THE GRAN TEATRE DEL LICEU Teuzzone Paolo López * JORDI SAVALL BRINGS VIVALDI'S Zidiana Marta Fumagalli MOST EXOTIC OPERA BACK Zelinda TO LIFE Sivenio Furio Zanasi Cino Roberta Mameli Egaro Aurelio Schiavoni China. Prince Teuzzone is the late Troncone Carlo Allemano Emperor's legitimate heir. But Zidiana, his widow, plots with governor Cino and Le Concert des Nations general Sivenio to oust him. In the end the rivalry between them causes the plot to fail and the Prince is restored to power.

Teuzzone, by Antonio Vivaldi, has a libretto by Apostolo Zeno. It is the composer's most exotic opera, and one of the least well known, despite the fascinating arias it contains.

First performed in 1719 at the Mantua Carnival, it also comes to the Liceu at carnival time. We owe the revival of this Baroque opera to Jordi Savall, who brings it to the Liceu for the very first time, nearly three hundred years after the premiere.

FEBRUARY 2017 Series Rate Listen to Vivaldi's marvellous music 24 FRIDAY 20 h G VIII conducted by Jordi Savall. 25 SATURDAY 18 h F VIII

Approximate running time: 3 hours and 10 minutes Photo: Jordi Savall OPERAS | 45

Comédie lyrique in three acts Libretto by Louis Gallet THAÏS World premiere: 16/03/1894, Opéra de Paris First staged in Barcelona: 22/02/1905, Liceu JULES MASSENET Last Liceu performance: 08/07/2007 (concert version) CONCERT VERSION Total Liceu performances: 34

Music director Patrick Fournillier * PLÁCIDO DOMINGO RETURNS IN AN OPERA SELDOM SEEN Thaïs Nino Machaidze AT THE LICEU Athanaël Plácido Domingo * A WORK THAT MAKES GREAT Nicias Celso Albelo VOCAL DEMANDS Crobyle Sara Blanch (winner of the 2016 Viñas Contest) Myrtale Marifé Nogales Albine M. José Suárez Egypt. Athanaël, a monk, wants to convert the courtesan Thaïs to Christianity. She Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu tries to seduce him but he persists and Chorus director Conxita Garcia manages to win her over. After leaving her in a nunnery, he realizes he loves her. Time goes by and Athanaël dreams that Thaïs is dying. He wakes up and rushes to the nunnery to find her on her death-bed. Thaïs thanks him for saving her soul and he confesses his love. But she dies in ecstasy, oblivious to his words.

One of Massenet's most frequently staged operas comes to the Liceu with a cast that includes Plácido Domingo. The tremendously difficult title role is accessible only to the most talented virtuoso singers.

MARCH 2017 Series Rate Listen to «Méditation», one of 1 WEDNESDAY 20 h D V Massenet's best-loved pieces. 4 SATURDAY 20 h E V

Approximate running time: 3 hours and 10 minutes Photo: Plácido Domingo at the Liceu (I due Foscari, 2014/15). © Antoni Bofill OPERAS | 47

Melodrama in three acts Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave World premiere: 02/03/1851, Teatro , Venice RIGOLETTO First staged in Barcelona: 03/12/1853, Liceu Last Liceu performance: 05/01/2005 GIUSEPPE VERDI Total Liceu performances: 360

Music director Riccardo Frizza * JAVIER CAMARENA'S DEBUT AS Stage director Monique Wagemakers THE DUKE OF MANTUA Set design Michael Levine * THE DRAMA BY VICTOR HUGO Costumes Sandy Powel ABOUT THE WORLD-FAMOUS Lighting Reinier Tweebeeke JESTER Dramaturgy Klaus Bertisch Coproduction Gran Teatre del Liceu and Mantua, . Rigoletto, the Duke of Duke of Mantua Javier Camarena (21, 24, 26 and 29/3; Mantua's jester, has a secret daughter. The 1, 3 and 6/4) / Antonino Siragusa (22, 25, 28 and 30/3; 2 Duke seduces her after having her abducted and 5/4) and brought to his palace by courtiers who Rigoletto (25/3) / Carlos Álvarez (21, 24, 26 and think she is the jester's mistress. Rigoletto 29/3; 1, 3 and 6/4) /Àngel Òdena (22, 28 and 30/3; 2 and vents his rage on them and demands 5/4) his daughter back. After convincing his Gilda Desirée Rancatore (21, 24, 26 and 29/3; 1, 3 and 6/4) / daughter that the Duke does not love her, María José Moreno (22, 25, 28 and 30/3; 2 and 5/4) he plots his revenge... Sparafucile Ante Jerkunica (21, 24, 26 and 29/3; 1, 3 and 6/4) /Enrico Iori (22, 25, 28 and 30/3; 2 and 5/4) Javier Camarena has chosen the Liceu Maddalena Ketevan Kemoklidze (21, 24, 26 and 29/3; for his debut as the Duke of Mantua, 1, 3, 5 and 6/4) / Ana Ibarra (22, 25, 28 and 30/3; 2/4) starring beside Carlos Álvarez in this luxury Giovanna Gemma Coma-Alabert production. Rigoletto, based on a play by Count Monterone Gianfranco Montresor Victor Hugo, is part of the operatic canon Marullo Toni Marsol and was censored before the premiere for Matteo Borsa Josep Fadó criticizing the monarchy of the period. Count Ceprano Xavier Mendoza Countess Ceprano Mercedes Gancedo Monique Wagemakers' mise en scène is minimalist but of great technical complexity. Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu The red Venetian Renaissance costumes Chorus director Conxita Garcia recreate Rigoletto's full range of fierce emotions.

MARCH 2017 Series Rate APRIL 2017 Series Rate The famous quartet "Della figlia 21 TUESDAY 20 h G I 1 SATURDAY 20 h C I dell'amore", a fine passage from 22 WEDNESDAY 20 h PA VI 2* SUNDAY 17 h T IV Rigoletto, sung by Carlos Álvarez 24 FRIDAY 20 h E II 3 MONDAY 20 h A II and others. 25 SATURDAY 18 h F V 5 WEDNESDAY 20 h PE VI 26 SUNDAY 18 h - IV 6 THURSDAY 20 h B I Approximate running time: 2 hours and 35 minutes 28 TUESDAY 20 h PC VI *Performance with audio description 29 WEDNESDAY 20 h H IV Audience briefing session in the Foyer 45 minutes before the 30 THURSDAY 20 h D V opera begins Photo: Rigoletto at the Teatro Real. @ Javier del Real/Teatro Real OPERAS | 49 THE FLYING Romantic opera in three acts DUTCHMAN Libretto by World premiere: 02/01/1843, DER FLIEGENDE Dresden Opera First staged in Barcelona: 12/12/1885, Liceu HOLLÄNDER Last Liceu performance: 04/09/2012 (concert version) RICHARD WAGNER Total Liceu performances: 86

Music director Oksana Lyniv * A TOP-NOTCH CAST FOR A Stage director Philipp Stölzl NEW WAGNERIAN Choreography Mara Kurotschka PRODUCTION Set design Philipp Stölz, Conrad Moritz Reinhardt * A PERCEPTIVE AND POETIC Costumes Ursula Kudrna MISE EN SCÈNE Lighting Herman Münzer Production Staatsoper Unter den Linden (Berlin), original production by the Theater Basel Norway. The Dutchman, a young man condemned to roam the seas till he finds Daland Jun a woman who is faithful, meets Captain Senta Emma Vetter (2, 6, 10, 14, 18 and 22/5) / Daland who is sailing home. The Captain Anja Kampe (26 and 28/5) grants him the hand of his daughter Senta, Erik Shawn Mathey but when her previous suitor returns, the Mary Itxaro Mentxaka Dutchman despairs and sets sail once more. Helmsman Mikeldi Atxalandabaso Senta, whose love is sincere, sacrifices Dutchman Thomas Johannes Mayer herself to save him.

Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu The fine cast is headed by Thomas Johannes Chorus director Conxita Garcia Mayer as the Dutchman, and Emma Vetter and Anja Kampe alternating as Senta.

This perceptive production, by stage and cinema director Philipp Stölzl, reinterprets the tale by transferring it to the Daland mansion, where Senta is reading the legend of the Flying Dutchman. Fact and fiction intertwine as she imagines the events.

MAY 2017 Series Rate Watch the trailer of this production 2 TUESDAY 20 h A IV at the Staatsoper in Berlin. 6 SATURDAY 20 h C IV 10 WEDNESDAY 20 h D V 14 SUNDAY 18 h PD V 18 THURSDAY 20 h B IV 22 MONDAY 20 h H VI Approximate running time: 2 hours and 20 minutes 26* FRIDAY 20 h E V *Performance with audio description 28 SUNDAY 17 h T V Audience briefing session in the Foyer 45 minutes before the opera begins Photo: The Flying Dutchman at the Staatsoper Berlin. @ Matthias Baus OPERAS | 51

Opéra-comique in two acts Libretto by Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges and Jean-François-Alfred Bayard LA FILLE DU World premiere: 11/02/1840, Opéra Comique, Paris First staged in Barcelona: 30/08/1844, Teatre Nou RÉGIMENT First Liceu performance: 06/11/1850 Last Liceu performance: 25/03/2010 Total Liceu performances: 36

Music director Giuseppe Finzi * CAMARENA AT THE HEAD OF Stage director Laurent Pelly A GLITTERING CAST Set design Chantal Thomas * LAURENT PELLY'S MUCH Costumes Laurent Pelly LAUDED PRODUCTION Lighting Joël Adam Choreography Laura Scozzi New dialogues Agathe Mélinand Swiss Tyrol. Marie, a young orphan, has Production Gran Teatre del Liceu, based on the original been adopted by a regiment of soldiers. coproduction by the Metropolitan Opera House (New York), She meets Tonio, a civilian, and falls in () and Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna) love, but the soldiers oppose the marriage until Tonio enlists in the regiment. The Marie Sabina Puértolas Marquise de Berkenfield claims Marie as Marquise de Berkenfield Ewa Podles´ her lost niece, takes her to her castle and Duchesse de Crakentorp Bibiana Fernández tries to educate her to be a nobleman's Tonio Javier Camarena wife. But meanwhile, Tonio and the Sulpice Simone Alberghini regiment refuse to give Marie up... Hortensius Isaac Galán The Liceu presents this new version of Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Laurent Pelly's much lauded production, Chorus director Conxita Garcia which combines social criticism with a keen sense of humour, against a background of beautiful scenery.

A glittering cast, headed by Javier Camarena, Sabina Puértolas, Ewa Podles´ and Simone Alberghini, sing this refreshingly amusing opera by Donizetti.

MAY 2017 Series Rate Video of this production at the Liceu 16 TUESDAY 20 h A II in the 2009/10 season. 19 FRIDAY 20 h E III 21 SUNDAY 17 h T III 24 WEDNESDAY 20 h D III 27 SATURDAY 20 h C III 29* MONDAY 20 h H IV Approximate running time: 2 hours and 45 minutes *Performance with audio description Audience briefing session in the Foyer 45 minutes before the opera begins Photo: La fille du régiment at the Liceu (2009/10). © A. Bofill OPERAS | 53

Dramma giocoso in two acts Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte DON World premiere: 29/10/1787, Prague First staged in Barcelona: 18/12/1849, Teatre Principal GIOVANNI First staged at the Liceu: 21/02/1866 Last Liceu performance: 30/08/2008 WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Total Liceu performances: 67

Music director Josep Pons Stage director Kasper Holten * A PRODUCTION FEATURING Set design Es Devlin STRIKING VISUAL EFFECTS Video Luke Halls * A HI-TECH VIEW OF DON Costumes Anja Vang Kragh GIOVANNI'S MINDSET Lighting Bruno Poet Choreography Signe Fabricius Coproduction Gran Teatre del Liceu, Royal Opera House Seville, Spain. Don Giovanni's bid (London), The Israeli Opera (Tel Aviv) and Houston Grand Opera to seduce Donna Anna ends up with him fighting and killing her father, the Don Giovanni Mariusz Kwiecien´ (19, 21, 26, 28 and 30/6; Commendatore. In the ensuing imbroglio, 2/7) / Carlos Álvarez (20, 22 and 27/6; 1/7) Don Giovanni makes passes at girls and Il Commendatore Eric Halfvarson (19, 21, 22, 26, 28 and flees from jealous fiancés, aided and 30/6; 1 and 2/7) / Mariano Buccino (20 and 27/6) abetted by his servant Leporello. In the end Donna Anna Carmela Remigio (19, 21, 26, 28 and 30/6; the ghost of the Commendatore carries off 2/7) / Vanessa Goikoetxea (20, 22 and 27/6; 1/7) him off, still resolutely unrepentant. Don Ottavio Dmitry Korchak (19, 21, 26, 28 and 30/6; 2/7) / Toby Spence (20, 22 and 27/6; 1/7) The Liceu is fortunate to be able to offer Donna Elvira Miah Persson (19, 21, 26, 28 and 30/6; 2/7) two top-quality casts with Mariusz Kwiecien´ / Myrtò Papatanasiu (20, 22 and 27/6; 1/7) and Carlos Álvarez in the title role. Kasper Leporello Simón Orfila (19, 21, 26 and 28/6; 1/7) / Holten's hi-tech production is set amid Anatoli Sivko (20, 22, 27 and 30/6; 2/7) impracticable platforms and stairs. Don Masetto Valeriano Lanchas (19, 21, 26, 28 and 30/6; 2/7) / Giovanni's mindset is reflected in the special Toni Marsol (20, 22 and 27/6; 1/7) effects, projected images, and excellent Zerlina Julia Lezhneva (19, 21, 26 and 28/6; 1/7) / lighting. Rocío Ignacio (20, 22, 27 and 30/6; 2/7)

Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Chorus director Conxita Garcia

JUNE 2017 Series Rate JULY 2017 Series Rate Enjoy the video of the presentation 19 MONDAY 20 h A IV 1* SATURDAY 20 h C VI of this production at the Royal 20 TUESDAY 20 h H VI 2 SUNDAY 17 h T VI Opera House. 21 WEDNESDAY 20 h D IV 22 THURSDAY 20 h B IV 26 MONDAY 20 h PA V 27 TUESDAY 20 h G IV Approximate running time: 3 hours 28 WEDNESDAY 20 h PC IV *Performance with audio description 30 FRIDAY 20 h E VI Audience briefing session in the Foyer 45 minutes before the opera begins Photo: Don Giovanni at the Royal Opera House. © ROH/Bill Cooper OPERAS | 55

Opera in four acts Libretto by Salvadore Cammarano and IL Emanuele Bardare World premiere: 19/01/1853, Teatro Apollo, Rome TROVATORE First staged in Barcelona: 20/05/1854, Liceu Last Liceu performance: 30/12/2009 GIUSEPPE VERDI Total Liceu performances: 275

Music director Daniele Callegari * AN UPDATED VERSION OF THE Stage director Joan Anton Rechi LICEU'S OWN PRODUCTION Set design William Orlandi * IN A BRAND NEW MISE EN Costumes Mercè Paloma SCÈNE Coproduction Gran Teatre del Liceu and Ópera Oviedo

Count di Luna Artur Ruzin´ski (17, 20, 23, 26 and 29/7) / Saragossa, Spain. Manrico, the George Petean (18, 21, 24 and 28/7) troubadour, and Leonora are in love. Manrico Marco Berti (17, 21, 24 and 28/7) / But the Count di Luna is also wooing Yonghoon Lee (18, 20, 23, 26 and 29/7) Leonora and his younger brother was once Leonora Kristin Lewis (17, 20, 23, 26 and 29/7) / kidnapped by Manrico's mother, Azucena. Tamara Wilson (18, 21, 24 and 28/7) The Count captures and tortures Azucena Azucena Marianne Cornetti (17, 20, 23, 26 and 29/7) / and when Manrico tries to rescue her, he Ekaterina Gubanova (18, 21, 24 and 28/7) too is captured. Leonora intercedes by Ferrando Carlo Colombara (17, 20, 23 and 26/7) / offering to marry the Count, but ultimately Marco Spotti (18, 21, 24, 28 and 29/7) commits suicide. Then Luna kills Manrico Ines Maria Miró and it is the dying Azucena who reveals that the troubadour was the Count's long-lost Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu brother. Chorus director Conxita Garcia Il trovatore is back, sung by great voices, in a new version by Joan Anton Rechi, set in the timeless decors created by William Orlandi.

JULY 2017 Series Rate Enjoy a recording of the gypsies' 17 MONDAY 20 h G V chorus from the 2009/10 Liceu 18 TUESDAY 20 h PE V production. 20 THURSDAY 20 h H V 21 FRIDAY 20 h C V 23 SUNDAY 17 h T V 24 MONDAY 20 h A V Approximate running time: 3 hours and 10 minutes 26 WEDNESDAY 20 h D V *Performance with audio description 28 FRIDAY 20 h E V Audience briefing session in the Foyer 45 minutes before the 29* SATURDAY 18 h F V opera begins Photo: Il trovatore at the Liceu (2009/10). © Antoni Bofill OPERAS | 57

THE MERRY Operetta in three acts Libretto by Victor Léon and Leo Stein WIDOW World premiere: 30/12/1905, Theater an der Wien, Vienna DIE LUSTIGE WITWE First Liceu performance: 12/03/1913 Last Liceu performance: 24/02/1980 FRANZ LEHÁR CONCERT VERSION Total Liceu performances: 18

Music director Josep Pons * BACK AT THE LICEU, AFTER A 37-YEAR ABSENCE Hanna Glawari Angela Denoke * CONDUCTED BY JOSEP PONS Count Danilo Bo Skovhus Valencienne Elena Sancho Péreg Camille Ben Bliss (winner of the 2015 Viñas Contest) Paris, France. Hanna, a wealthy widow, is being pressured by Baron Zeta to marry Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Count Danilo for political reasons. Danilo Chorus director Conxita Garcia and Hanna once had an affair but now he refuses to marry her so that no one can think he is after her money. She, on the other hand, refuses to marry him unless he tells her he loves her. After a series of vicissitudes, Hanna admits she would lose her fortune if she did remarry, so he declares his love for her and everything ends happily.

Franz Lehár's famous operetta, one of the most widely performed works in opera houses throughout the world, is back at the Liceu after a 37-year absence.

Conductor Josep Pons offers us a selection of excerpts in concert version.

JULY 2017 Series Rate «The Waltz of the Mermaids» is 27 THURSDAY 20 h B VII one of the best known pieces in the operetta.

Approximate running time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Photo: Franca Duval in the The Merry Widow at the Liceu (1962/63). © Ras Rigau BALLET

61 BNS / JULIO BOCCA

63 IT DANSA

65 BALLET PRELJOCAJ

With the support of BALLET | 61

SODRE NATIONAL BALLET/URUGUAY JULIO BOCCA COPPÉLIA

Choreography Enrique Martínez (†1998) * JULIO BOCCA'S TROUPE Music Léo Delibes REVISITS THIS POPULAR CLASSIC Libretto Charles Nuitter, based on the tale Der Sandmann (The Sandman) by E. T. A. Hoffmann Musical adaptation John Arthur Lanchbery Coppélius wants to give Franz's soul to his Set design and Costumes José Verona mechanical doll, Coppélia. But Swalhilda, Lighting Paulo César Medeiros Franz's fiancée, impersonates Coppélia to Production Theatro Municipal de Rio (Brazil) save him.

Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu This amusing yet profound tale questions Music director Martín García the scientific values that challenge faith and seek to create life on the basis of reason. It also leads us to mistrust those we love.

The inspiration for Léo Delibes' ballet came from one of E.T.A. Hoffmann's tales of fantasy. Yet both the characters and the traditional dances endow it with a marked realism.

Julio Bocca directs the Sodre National Ballet from Uruguay in this highly theatrical version. The colourful costumes reinforce the vigour and elegance of the dancing and acting.

DECEMBER 2016 Series Rate A view from the flies of the SNB 16 FRIDAY 20 h E VIII rehearsing Coppélia. 17 SATURDAY 17 h F VIII 17 SATURDAY 21 h PB VIII 18 SUNDAY 17 h T VIII 20 TUESDAY 20 h H IX

Approximate running time: 1 hour and 55 minutes Photo: Coppélia by the BNS © Santiago Barreiro BALLET | 63

IT DANSA THE YOUTH COMPANY WAD RAS OF BARCELONA'S INSTITUT UN BALLO DEL TEATRE MINUS 16

WAD RAS * A NEW EXTENDED Directors and choreographers Montse Sánchez PROGRAMME FROM THE and Ramón Baeza INSTITUT DEL TEATRE Music Antonio Martínez Ñoño TO SUIT ALL AGES

UN BALLO Choreography Jiˇrí Kylián Wad Ras is a lament, an attack on fear, Music Maurice Ravel injustice and despair. Wad Ras won first prize in the 5th Choreography Contest for MINUS 16 Spanish and Flamenco Dancing held in Choreography Ohad Naharin Madrid. Music Pablo Beltrán Ruiz, Luiz Antonio and Djalma Ferreira, Carl Ford, Percy Faith, Un ballo features two orchestral works Paul Lincke, Harold Arlen and Antonio Vivaldi by Ravel: "Menuet" from Le tombeau de Couperin and Pavane for a Dead Princess. Production IT Dansa Its grace and intimacy evoke a veritable imperial ball, in which the dancers form couples and then part in keeping with the harmony and rhythm.

Minus 16 moves rapidly through various states of mind, from joy to despondency, and from intimacy to collective fun... Dancers and audience come together in a unique choreographic proximity.

JANUARY 2017 Series Rate Audiences of all ages throughout 28 SATURDAY 12 h - XIII the world have identified with these 29 SUNDAY 11 h - XIII choreographies.

FEBRUARY 2017 Series Rate

4 SATURDAY 11 h - XIII

Approximate running time: 1 hour and 10 minutes Photo: Minus 16 by IT Dansa. © Antoni Bofill BALLET | 65

SPECTRAL EVIDENCE / BALLET LA STRAVAGANZA ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PRELJOCAJ ANGELIN PRELJOCAJ

SPECTRAL EVIDENCE * THE FAMOUS PRELJOCAJ Choreography Angelin Preljocaj COMPANY VISITS THE LICEU Music John Cage AT LAST Costumes Olivier Theyskens * VIVALDI INTERLACED WITH Lighting Mark Stanley CONTEMPORARY WORKS Choreology Dany Lévêque

LA STRAVAGANZA Spectral Evidence shows the trial of four Choreography Angelin Preljocaj women. The geometrical lines of the set Music Antonio Vivaldi (( No. 8, RV 249, excerpts from combine with John Cage's percussion-based , Laudate Pueri Dominum), Evelyn Ficarra music to conjure up a cold, frightening (Source of Uncertainty), Serge Morand (Naïves), Robert atmosphere until, between a man and Normandeau (Eclats de voix), Åke Parmerud (Les objets obscurs) a woman, feelings arise. Neither the Set design Maya Schweizer flames licking the stake nor the dream of Costumes Hervé Pierre resurrection can prevent their encounter. Lighting Marc Stanley Choreology Noémie Perlov In La Stravaganza music by Vivaldi is interlaced with contemporary pieces as bodies are hurled towards modern times. Couples are formed from all the periods of American immigration, only to destroy the group's rationale and transport it elsewhere.

FEBRUARY 2017 Series Rate Admire the clash between classical 8 WEDNESDAY 20 h A IX and modern in La Stravaganza. 9 THURSDAY 20 h B IX 10 FRIDAY 20 h D IX 11 SATURDAY 17 h PD IX 11 SATURDAY 21 h C VIII

Approximate running time: 1 hour and 45 minutes Photo: Spectral Evidence by the Ballet Preljocaj. © JC Carbonne CONCERTS & RECITALS

68 DMITRI HVOROSTOVSKY

69 SIMON KEENLYSIDE

70 MOZART REQUIEM

71 ELS PASTORETS

72 SONDRA RADVANOVSKY

73 VIÑAS SINGING CONTEST

74 GREGORY KUNDE

75 JOYCE DIDONATO & IL POMO D’ORO

76 SYMPHONY CONCERTS: TCHAIKOVSKY

68 | CONCERTS AND RECITALS CONCERTS AND RECITALS | 69

CONCERT RECITAL DMITRI SIMON Works by Glazunov, Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky, HVOROSTOVSKY Programme: to be determined Duparc, Poulenc, Strauss and Schubert. KEENLYSIDE

A DUEL BETWEEN Dmitri Hvorostovsky baritone Simon Keenlyside baritone Malcolm Martineau piano Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Mikhail Tatarnikov conductor

NOVEMBER TO THE SOUND ONE OF THE FINEST MALE OF THE WORLD'S FINEST VOICES OF OUR TIMES BARITONES

Simon Keenlyside is one of the The impressive Dmitri Hvorostovsky, world's most charismatic baritones, one of the most highly acclaimed displaying consistently high quality and interesting baritone voices on the and sensitivity of interpretation. His worldwide opera scene, is back at versatility, depth and sense of drama the Liceu. are second to none and he ranks among the leading present-day Hvorostovsky, who will be exponents of Lieder. accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Remembered at the Liceu for his Liceu, is outstanding for his distinctive brilliant performances in Hamlet voice and stage presence. He made and Don Giovanni, he has always his international reputation by singing been well received by the Barcelona Russian music, both operatic and audience. His rendering of Hamlet traditional, but soon became one of earned him the award for the best the leading Verdi baritones, known for male singer of the season in the his refined, expressive phrasing. Critics' Awards organized by the Friends of the Liceu.

NOVEMBER 2016 Series Rate : «Eri tu», Dmitri Hvorostovsky. Hamlet in the 2003/04 Liceu season, Simon Keenlyside. NOVEMBER 2016 Series Rate 6 SUNDAY 18 h C VIII 18 FRIDAY 20 h PC X

Photo: Dmitri Hvorostovsky Photo: Simon Keenlyside 70 | CONCERTS AND RECITALS CONCERTS AND RECITALS | 71

PAU CASALS MEMORIAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Masonic Funeral Music MOZART'S (Maurerische Trauermusik), KV 477 (479a) ELS Concert for piano and orchestra No. 23 in A major, KV 488 Albert Guinovart REQUIEM Requiem, KV 626 PASTORETS Els Pastorets, a Christmas cantata

Elena Copons soprano Jordi Galceran text Gemma Coma-Alabert mezzo-soprano Elisabeth Egea narrator David Alegret tenor José Antonio López baritone Members of the Symphony Orchestra and Ignasi Cambra piano Chorus of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Symphony Orchestra and Chorus of the Liceu Cor Vivaldi-Petits Cantors de Catalunya Conxita Garcia chorus director Òscar Boada chorus director Josep Pons conductor

AN ENTRANCINGLY A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC BY THE LUMINOUS WORK COMPOSER OF 'MAR I CEL'

The Requiem is a work bathed in This Christmas classic, based on the mystery. Its luminous lyricism has traditional Catalan nativity play Els the power to entrance us while the Pastorets by Folch i Torres, relates the counterpoint and fugues impress adventures of two young shepherd on us the inevitability of death. Its boys. A narrator tells the story to the exquisite beauty has made it an all- accompaniment of some delightful time classic. music.

It was commissioned by an Albert Guinovart – the composer of anonymous aristocrat, who hoped such successful musicals as Mar i to pass it off as his own work. But cel, Flor de nit and Gaudí – has re- the already ailing Mozart became orchestrated the work for its return to obsessed with it and saw it as his the Liceu. It will be performed by the own requiem. He failed to complete Liceu Symphony Orchestra and one it and it was finished by his pupil F. of Catalonia's foremost children's X. Süssmayr on the basis of outlines choirs, the Cor Vivaldi-Petits Cantors de and instructions provided by the Catalunya. dying composer.

NOVEMBER 2016 Series Rate Listen to the «Dies Irae», one of the most emblematic DECEMBER 2016 Series Rate A reminder of Els Pastorets, a Christmas cantata by 15 TUESDAY 20 h H VII passages from Mozart's Requiem. 17 SATURDAY 12 h - XIII Albert Guinovart. 17 THURSDAY 20 h E VII 18 SUNDAY 11 h - XIII

Photo: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Photo: Christmas Concert (2015/16) © Antoni Bofill 72 | CONCERTS I RECITALS CONCERTS I RECITALS | 73

RECITAL VIÑAS Final round Up-and-coming operatic singers from all over the world who have emerged victorious from the SONDRA SINGING qualifying rounds now compete for the main awards. Final concert Works by Verdi, Bellini, Rachmaninov, A chance to hear the main prize-winners in this RADVANOVSKY Copland, Massenet and others. CONTEST year's edition of the Contest.

Sondra Radvanovsky soprano Symphony Orchestra of the Anthony Manoli piano Gran Teatre del Liceu Daniel Gil de Tejada conductor

THE SOPRANO RETURNS AFTER COME TO THE LICEU AND TRIUMPHING IN '' AND DISCOVER THE VOICES OF '' THE FUTURE

The great Sondra Radvanovsky returns Dr Jacint Vilardell founded the to the Liceu this season, accompanied Contest in 1963 in memory of the on the piano by Anthony Manoli, after famous Catalan tenor Francesc her triumphs in Tosca and Norma. Viñas. Since then it has earned great international prestige and The critics are unanimous is won support from the world's considering Radvanovsky as one of leading opera houses. the leading sopranos in her particular repertory. Prominent singers who have won the Viñas Contest include: Tamara «A voice with a broad span, from the Wilson (2011), Javier Camarena striking high and ultra-high notes to the (2005), Violeta Urmana (1992), firm low register» – Ara.cat Zeljko Lucic (1997), Antonio Gandia (2004), Vicenç Sardinero (1965) and (1970).

53rd edition of the International Singing Contest.

DECEMBER 2016 Series Rate Sondra Radvanovsky singing «Vissi d'arte» from Tosca FINAL AUDITION FINAL CONCERT An international competition in which some of the great voices of international opera have taken part. 22 THURSDAY 20 h D X at the Liceu. JANUARY 2017 Series Rate JANUARY 2017 Series Rate At the end of the Contest, the Jury's verdict will be 20 FRIDAY 15 h - XIII 22 SUNDAY 18 h - XII announced. Photo: Sondra Radvanovsky Photo: J'nai Bridges, winner of the 2016 edition of the Contest. 74 | CONCERTS I RECITALS CONCERTS I RECITALS | 75 CONCERT GREGORY JOYCE DIDONATO KUNDE & IL POMO Giuseppe Verdi Works by Monteverdi, Purcell, JUAN JESÚS RODRÍGUEZ Arias, duets and orchestral pieces D’ORO Händel, Leo and Jommelli, and others.

Gregory Kunde tenor Joyce DiDonato mezzo-soprano Juan Jesús Rodríguez baritone Il Pomo d'Oro Symphony Orchestra of the Maxim Emelyanichev conductor and Gran Teatre del Liceu harpsichordist Manuel Coves conductor

TODAY'S GREAT TENOR PURE BAROQUE ENERGY IN SINGS VERDI TIME OF WAR

In the wake of his successes in Joyce DiDonato loves Barcelona Norma and Rossini's , and her moving voice tells us so Gregory Kunde will offer us a each time she comes to the Liceu. In concert of arias from Verdi operas, her new show she gives a powerful accompanied by the Symphony rendering of Baroque arias that Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del explore the dichotomy between Liceu. discord and harmony in time of war.

Kunde, considered one of the most The excellent ensemble of period elegant of singers, continues to instruments, Il Pomo d’Oro, will impress audiences with his delicate accompany her in this outstanding phrasing, while his impeccable style concert, treating us to a blend of and acting abilities fit him for the stylistic mastery, superb technique, most demanding roles in Italian and and artistic enthusiasm. French opera.

FEBRUARY 2017 Series Rate at the Liceu: «Nel furor delle tempeste». JUNE 2017 Series Rate Joyce DiDonato and Il Pomo d’Oro performing «Lascia ch’io 12 SUNDAY 17 h T IX 4 SUNDAY 18 h A IX pianga».

Photo: Gregory Kunde © Chris Gloag Photo: Joyce DiDonato © Nick Heavican 76 | CONCERTS I RECITALS CONCERTS I RECITALS | 77

TCHAIKOVKY TCHAIKOVKY SERIES: SERIES: Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky Piano concerto No. 1 in B flat minor, Op. 23 Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 35 PIANO Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64 Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36 VIOLIN

Khatia Buniatishvili piano Chad Hoopes violin

Symphony Orchestra of the Symphony Orchestra of the Gran Teatre del Liceu Gran Teatre del Liceu Josep Pons conductor Josep Pons conductor

KHATIA BUNIATISHVILI, CHAD HOOPES, YOUTH BEAUTY AND VIRTUOSITY AND TALENT

The First Piano Concerto is a prime The D-major Violin Concerto conjures example of musical Romanticism. It up a typically Slavonic atmosphere is remarkable for its high drama and of melancholy, which alternates with the skilful dialogue between the solo extroverted rhythmic episodes. This instrument and the orchestra, which is a major title in the international does not merely accompany the repertory. piano but shares the leading role. The central idea of the 4th The 5th Symphony was written after Symphony is destiny, that relentless a troubled period in the composer's leading-thread of all life which rudely life. The orchestration is brilliant, awakens man from his dreams. while from very the start of the There are moments of joy and work a Leitmotiv embodies the wistfulness too, but predestination idea of inexorable destiny, which invariably predominates. was already present in the 4th Symphony.

MAY 2017 Series Rate Second movement of Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony. Last movement of Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony. JUNE 2017 Series Rate 25 THURSDAY 20 h G VIII 1 THURSDAY 20 h B VIII

Photo: Khatia Buniatishvili Photo: Chad Hoopes © Lisa-Marie Mazzucco