Bregenz Festival Showcases Emerging Talent in Delightful Double Feature

Performance on August 16^th, 2024 at the at the Theater am Kornmarkt

By Oxana Arkaeva

Read in Spanish here

Production pictures by © Karl Forster

The double-bill performance of La Cambiale di Matrimony / Gianni Schicchi at the Bregenz Festival on August 16th at the Theater am Kornmarkt was a remarkable showcase of operatic talent and theatrical creativity. This production combined two distinct operatic works, offering a unique experience for the audience by integrating two very different operas into a cohesive performance: a challenging task that requires thoughtful interpretation and dramaturgy. The production also featured a young cast, which exposed fresh talent and endless energy.

The staging by Birgit Fassbaender can be considered the best for the past five years. It was innovative, and entertaining, effectively highlighting the comedic elements of both operas. It also showcased her professional expertise and creativity in bringing these classic works to life freshly and enjoyably. The comedic timing was impeccable, prompting genuine laughter from the audience and the chemistry between the cast members was evident. The costumes and stage design were crafted by Dietrich von Grebmer, and were both functional and visually appealing, enhancing the storytelling without overshadowing the action on the stage. 

The performance revealed several surprising vocal talents among the cast, many of whom were part of the Opera Studio of the Staatsoper Unter den Linden Berlin. Notably, Idil Kutay, who sang Fannì in “The Marriage Contract” and Lauretta in “Gianni Schicchi.” She stood out with her powerful and radiant soprano voice, demonstrating an impressive ability to deliver high notes with strength and clarity. There is room for improvement in balancing vocal dynamics, especially in lyric passages, as her voice is already more suited to roles like Mimi rather than a soubrette one. Another standout was Francesco Auriemma, who portrayed Slook in “The Marriage Contract” and Amantio di Nicolao in “Gianni Schicchi.” He sang with a rich baritone voice and displayed excellent comedic timing, capturing both characters’ bewilderment and charm with ease. Liza Vjera Lozica as Clarina in “The Marriage Contract” and La Ciesca in “Gianni Schicchi” stood out with her pleasing lyricism and expressive singing. Her rich mezzo-soprano has the potential of a Werther’s Charlotte, and she brings a knowing charm to the characters.

Dionysios Avgerinos impressed with a hearty performance as Tobia Mill, showcasing strong acting skills and vocal power. His acting was authentic and engaging, capturing the character’s complexities with a strong baritone voice. Francesco Lucii depicted Edoardo Milfort in “The Marriage Contract” with a refined, warm tenor. His performance was marked by vocal delicacy, though challenged when singing with larger voices. Maximilian Bell added depth to the ensemble numbers with a likable bass voice. His portrayal of Norton was both supportive and engaging, contributing to the overall comedic tone of the opera. Rommie Rochell´s performance as Zita was marked by a rich deep alto voice, and the ability to convey the character’s formidable nature. Jacob Phillips´s performance as Gianni Schicchi was marked by a strong stage presence and a rich baritone voice that captured the cunning and humor of the character. Gonzalo Quinchahual, who sang Rinuccio, impressed with his vibrant, true Italian tenor voice. His portrayal was youthful and energetic, effectively conveying the character’s romantic aspirations. 

The Symphonic Orchestra of Vorarlberg, under the baton of Claire Levacher, delivered a captivating performance, bringing Puccini’s and Cimarosa’s scores to life with precision and emotional depth. Levacher ensured a balanced sound that supported the singers while highlighting the intricate details of the score. In overall, this performance was a testament to the Bregenz Festival’s commitment to its high-quality, innovative opera, the fostering of young promising talents, and musical excellence to create a memorable and engaging evening for the audience.

Bregenz Sommer Festival will open with “Der Freischütz” revival of this year production win July 17th 2025. More information about the coming season here