Dear Public,

It is with joy and enthusiasm that the entire team at the Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège is proud to present its 2022-2023 season. We have chosen to name this season De différents regards (From different perspectives) to reflect the programme, which will include both works and events devised by my predecessor and proposals that herald the direction in which I wish to take the opera house in artistic terms. There will therefore be different perspectives on the repertoire and identity of the opera, combined with the multiple views of each of its staff on the works, artists and events proposed.

As a prelude to the drive towards constant renewal in which I wish to place our institution, this season will witness the adoption of a new logo and a new visual identity that you can discover in the following pages. Built around a photographic project that places humans at its focal point, inviting everyone to be caught up and inspired by the views, but also to contribute their own.

Another change for this season is the arrival of a new Music Director, Giampaolo Bisanti. Having a conductor of this calibre in this position, who has already won acclaim on several occasions on our stage, is an undeniable asset for raising the quality level of our productions. His regular presence in Liège and his investment in the recruitment of new artists for the Orchestra and the Choir are a guarantee of stability and quality.

The artistic programme for the new season includes nine new opera productions: most of them had been previously scheduled and then cancelled due to the health crisis. The time has finally come for all of us to bring them to life in front of our audiences! At the end of the season, I have been able to programme Adriana Lecouvreur and Dialogues des Carmélites, as well as proposing a new production of I Lombardi alla Prima Crociata on the basis of the distribution already engaged. It provides a way to conclude this transitional season, between the arrangements already made and forthcoming orientations.

To open the season, the second edition of the International Orchestra Conducting Competition will witness young artists displaying their talent in front of a jury made up of personalities from the world of opera, via a series of rounds open to the public.

Three prestigious concerts are also scheduled this season, which will see the legendary Plácido Domingo and the exceptional sopranos Ermonela Jaho and Marina Rebeka perform on our stage. We will also welcome Cecilia Bartoli and her ensemble Les Musiciens du Prince for a concert version of La Clemenza di Tito.

More than ever, our opera house is open to all, regardless of age or situation: this is why two productions for young audiences as well as numerous concerts and discovery activities complete the new season.

Lastly, this season, we should have been playing host to a major Ukrainian dance company to welcome ballet back to our stage again. Unfortunately, the tragic circumstances that are today affecting Ukraine make their visit very unlikely. In the hope that we can reschedule this invitation as soon as possible, we would like to pay tribute to the deeply afflicted Ukrainian nation.

I thank you for your continued interest in our establishment and our performances and wish you much pleasure as you discover the details of this new season.

 

Stefano Pace

General and Artistic Director