Rossini’s epic finale masterpiece Guillaume Tell returns to the Royal Opera House after an absence of more than 20 years in a new contemporary production by award winning director Damiano Michieletto, who makes his UK debut. Music Director of the Royal Opera Antonio Pappano conducts a cast that includes many who sang on his acclaimed 2011 recording of the opera. Based on Schiller’s heroic drama, the opera tells the story of the Swiss patriot Guillaume Tell, determined to free Switzerland from Austrian rule. His courage is tested to the limit when he falls into the hands of the tyrannical governor Gesler. The score is Rossini’s most ambitious and inspired, packed with magnificent arias and choruses, atmospheric evocations of the Swiss landscaped and episodes of great dramatic power – which provides a wonderful showcase for the Royal Opera Corus and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. Come and experience Rossini’s greatest operatic achievement with us in the final new production of the season.
