Ticket release for Otello – preparations in full swing

Preparations for this summer’s staging of the opera Otello at Uppsala University are in full swing. A new chorus has been assembled, costumes are being created and a large number of student and employee volunteers have offered their assistance. Journalists wishing to cover the event may now apply for press passes.

Following the warm public response to its 2008 production of the opera Tosca, the University will stage Otello in the Grand Auditorium this summer. The premiere is scheduled for 12 June. The production will be directed by Wilhelm Carlsson, produced by Inger Friman and conducted by Stefan Karpe, director musices at Uppsala University. All three are well known from the Tosca production.

“Beginning rehearsals in connection with a new opera project here at Uppsala University is very stimulating,” says Stefan Karpe. “Those of us who worked on Tosca two years ago remember it as something special – a creative growth experience for all involved.

“Otello is an extremely dramatic and exciting opera. We are all looking forward to delving into the wonderful music.”

The Uppsala production, which will be set in the approximate present, will feature Michael Weinius in the tile role as Otello. Other soloists will include Emma Vetter (Desdemona) and Fredrik Zetterström (Jago). All three were involved with Tosca. The remaining roles will be filled by singers from the University College of Opera and choirs based in Uppsala. A new opera chorus has been assembled for the project. The Royal Academic Orchestra, Uppsala University’s symphony orchestra, founded in 1627, will serve as the orchestra.

Please note: Journalists may now apply for press passes for the 12 June premiere. The number of passes available is limited, and preference will be given to local/national media and specialty music/opera-related publications. Applications, which should be received by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 2 June, should be sent to presskontakt@uadm.uu.se.

The performances will begin at 6:00 p.m. and run until 10.30 p.m., with an intermission from 7:15–9:00 p.m., between acts II and III.

Any enquiries should be sent to the email address specified above. Senior Press Officer Anneli Waara will be pleased to help with advance contacts, interview requests and information about the status of the production at present and as the spring progresses. She can be reached by calling +46-70-425 07 18.

Tickets for the three performances scheduled for 12, 15 and 18 June will be available via ticnet starting on 25 March.

About Otello: Giuseppe Verdi’s Otello was first performed in 1887 at La Scala in Milan. The libretto was written by Arrigo Boito based on Shakespeare’s Othello, which addresses themes of love, jealousy and ethnicity. Otello, Verdi’s second to last opera, is an impassioned, bloody tragedy featuring a full orchestra and magnificent choral parts. Additional information is available at www.uu.se/otello

Press photo.