Anna Netrebko returns as the radiant Leonora in Verdi’s monumental La forza del destino
Zurich is preparing for an operatic event of unforgettable grandeur as Anna Netrebko, one of the world’s most celebrated sopranos, steps once again into the soul-shattering role of Donna Leonora. After her resounding triumphs at Teatro alla Scala in Milan and her acclaimed performances in The Royal Opera House in London, Netrebko now brings her unique artistry to the Zurich Opera House — a voice of rare beauty, unmistakable richness, and emotional depth that makes her the ideal interpreter of Verdi’s tormented heroine.
Her Leonora is not merely sung — it is lived. With every breathtaking pianissimo, every soaring arc of melody, Netrebko transports audiences into the beating heart of Verdi’s drama, capturing the fragility, passion, and spiritual endurance that define this remarkable character. Zurich will experience evenings that linger long after the curtain falls — evenings that become part of the opera house’s history.
But the triumph extends beyond a single star. This production shines with a stellar cast, each bringing intensity, precision, and presence to Verdi’s vast world of destiny, vengeance, and redemption:
✨ Yusif Eyvazov (2, 7, 12, 15, 18 Nov) and Riccardo Massi (21, 26, 29 Nov / 17, 21 Dec) share the role of Don Alvaro, delivering heroic vocal fire and emotional power as the fated lover torn between passion and persecution.
✨ George Petean brings commanding authority and dramatic weight as Don Carlo di Vargas, capturing the relentless force of vengeance that propels the opera forward.
✨ Michele Pertusi lends his profound nobility and exceptional vocal gravitas to Padre Guardiano, the spiritual anchor in this world of chaos.
✨ Annalisa Stroppa ignites the stage as Preziosilla, infusing Verdi’s scenes of war and prophecy with irresistible energy and brilliance.
✨ Stanislav Vorobyov offers dignified intensity as Il Marchese di Calatrava, setting the opera’s tragic destiny in motion.
All supported with stirring excellence by the Chorus of the Zurich Opera, the Extra Choristers, the Children’s Choir, the Orchestra of the Zurich Opera House, and the Statistenverein, under the inspired musical direction of Gianandrea Noseda, whose mastery of Verdi illuminates every page of the score.
Director Valentina Carrasco and her visionary creative team — Carles Berga (stage design), Mariangela Mazzeo (associate set designer), Silvia Aymonino (costumes), Massimiliano Volpini (video), Fabrice Kébour (lighting), and dramaturg Fabio Dietsche — bring a dramatic staging that confronts fate and war with striking modern resonance.
