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Opera Rara join forces once again with The Hallé in Manchester to record and perform the newly edited original version of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra. The new Ricordi edition of the 1857 Simon Boccanegra, by Opera Rara’s Repertoire Consultant Roger Parker, is the first based on Verdi’s autograph score of the opera, which has only recently become available to scholars. The 1881 version, considered by many commentators to be superior to its 1857 cousin, is performed regularly worldwide. However, we believe that if the 1881 revisions had not come into being, it is certain that the 1857 version would hold an important place in Verdi “canon”. We want to shine a new light on the original in a performance and new studio recording with some of the world’s greatest Verdi specialists.

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Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra

The Bridgewater Hall

Initially the work was controversial because of Verdi’s overt operatic approach to a sacred text: he responded to every nuance of the words, such as the spine-chilling ‘Dies irae,’ the limpid beauty of the ‘Lacrimosa’ and the thrilling double-fugue of the ‘Sanctus.’ It’s a technically demanding tour-de-force and one Sheffield audiences have been waiting for, for over three years. The original cast from that delayed concert have reassembled and Sofi Jeannin will lead this star line-up, the Hallé and the massed voices of the Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus and Leeds Festival Chorus in this powerful and deeply felt season finale.

The Hallé in Sheffield: With Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus and Leeds Festival Chorus

Sheffield City Hall

The plebeians plan to overthrow the aristos; a former pirate becomes Doge; a little girl disappears; poison is poured into a glass of drinking water.

David Shipley

Bass

Events

Upcoming events

Jun 5 - Jul 11, 2025

Simon Boccanegra · Grange Park Opera

Past events

Apr 18, 2024

Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra · Opera Rara

Jun 18, 2023

The Hallé in Sheffield: With Sheffield Philharmonic Chorus and Leeds Festival Chorus · The Hallé

Future and recently performed repertoire

Pietro in Simon Boccanegra by Verdi

Grange Park Opera

Pietro in Simon Boccanegra by Verdi

Opera Rara

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