Giacomo Puccini: Tosca

Tosca is an opera by Giacomo Puccini set in Rome in June 1800, at a time when the Kingdom of Naples’s control of the Italian capital was threatened by Napoleon’s invasion of the Apennine Peninsula. It intertwines historical events with fictional characters, while Puccini’s music – through its vivid orchestration, daring harmonies and dramatic pacing – intensifies their personal and political struggles. The lasting appeal of Tosca stems from the composer’s technical mastery of musical form, blending a late Romantic sensibility with innovative modern expression. The title role will be interpreted through a selection of arias by the American- Canadian soprano Sondra Radvanovsky, who, with her wide vocal range and rich repertoire, is considered one of the leading interpreters of both bel canto and verismo – particularly in the operas of Giuseppe Verdi, whose works bridge the two styles. The part of Cavaradossi will in be sung by Freddie De Tommaso. The American tenor signed an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon in 2021. The role of Baron Scarpia will be performed by the Welsh bassbaritone Sir Bryn Terfel, a singer who was initially primarily associated with Mozart roles before dedicating himself to the more psychologically demanding roles of Puccini and Richard Wagner. The star-studded cast, the SNG Maribor Symphony Orchestra and the SNG Maribor Opera Chorus will be conducted by the Lithuanian maestro Modestas Pitrėnas, a graduate of the Mozarteum University, who currently leads the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra.