Giovanna d’Arco (1845), based on the play Die Jungfrau von Orleans by Friedrich von Schiller, is Verdi’s seventh opera. In the opera the French national heroine does not die on a stake, but in a battle. In addition, librettist Temistocle Solera, having adapted the Schiller drama to opera, introduced a love line between Giovanna and the King of France. The music combines the fresco and heroic style of Verdi’s early operas with the qualities of French grand opera. The highlights of the piece are the overture and magnificent choruses.

On the opening night at La Scala on February 15, 1845 Giovanna d’Arco was a huge success. The title role was performed by Erminia Frezzolini for whom the part was written. Later Giovanna was performed by the famous singers Teresa Stolz, Adelina Patti and Montserrat Caballé. Yet the stage life of the opera has not been successful as it is rarely staged and performed mostly in concert. In Moscow Giovanna d’Arco in concert was performed only once ten years ago.

The Novaya Opera presents “unknown” Verdi to the public again. In previous years the theatre showed I due Foscari and I Lombardi, and this year the Epiphany Festival gives Giovanna d’Arco. The podium will be taken by Michael Guettler, who worked in Semperoper in Dresden and the Deutsche Oper in Berlin, La Fenice in Venice and the Paris National Opera. Currently he is the chief conductor of the Finnish National Opera and a permanent guest conductor of the Mariinsky Theatre.

Michael Guettler
Profession: Conductor
The conductor’s task is to combine his knowledge, feelings, understanding of music with the knowledge and performing art of the orchestra… To engage, lead, unite, play and exist in music, to soar above it. And to infinitely enjoy it. Besides, conducting is an art to feel when not to interfere with the orchestra’s play.