Timeless music, gripping drama, and a fresh take on a beloved classic

Teatro Coccia in Novara launches its highly anticipated 2025 opera season with Giuseppe Verdi’s masterpiece, Otello. As has become tradition since 2022, the season opens in celebration of San Gaudenzio. The performances are scheduled for Friday, January 24, at 8:30 PM, and Sunday, January 26, at 4:00 PM. This marks the return of Otello to the Teatro Coccia stage after an absence of nearly two decades, last performed in 2007.

The Production

Under the baton of American maestro Christopher Franklin, who makes his debut conducting this Verdi classic, the production boasts the direction of Italo Nunziata. Franklin returns to Novara following his acclaimed direction of Il Barbiere di Siviglia in 2023. The visual elements promise to captivate, with costumes by Artemio Cabassi (Tosca, Madama Butterfly) and sets by Domenico Franchi, known for his work on Il Trovatore in 2023. Lighting design by Fiammetta Baldiserri, reprised by Ivan Pastrovicchio, further enhances the atmosphere.

The orchestra pit will feature the Italian Philharmonic Orchestra alongside the Banda di Palcoscenico, while vocal depth is provided by the Coro del Teatro Municipale di Piacenza, led by Corrado Casati, and the Coro Voci Bianche Piacenza, directed by Giorgio Ubaldi.

This production is a prestigious collaboration between Teatro Coccia and several esteemed institutions, including Fondazione Teatri di Piacenza, Fondazione Teatro Comunale di Modena, Fondazione I Teatri di Reggio Emilia, and Teatro Sociale di Rovigo.

A Remarkable Cast

The cast of Otello features internationally renowned artists. Tenor Roberto Aronica takes on the challenging title role, while Angelo Veccia embodies the manipulative Iago.

Making her Italian debut in the role of Desdemona is soprano Iwona Sobotka, whose career continues to ascend with prestigious performances worldwide. The supporting cast includes Oronzo D’Urso as Cassio, Andrea Galli as Roderigo, and Shi Zong, who debuts as Lodovico. Emilia, a pivotal role, is portrayed by Nikolina Janevska, whose performances have earned acclaim both in Europe and Asia.

Spotlight on Iwona Sobotka

Soprano Iwona Sobotka brings her artistry to Teatro Coccia as Desdemona. Winner of the Grand Prize at the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition, Sobotka has earned recognition for her powerful interpretations and technical prowess. She has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and debuted roles including Isolde in Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde. Her versatility extends beyond opera, as she frequently appears as a soloist in major symphonic works. In the 2023–2024 season, she dazzled audiences with performances of Strauss’ Vier Letzte Lieder and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2. Her debut as Desdemona in Novara marks yet another milestone in her impressive career.

Nikolina Janevska: rich mezzo voice and dramatic depth

Macedonian mezzo-soprano Nikolina Janevska portrays Emilia in this production. A graduate of the National Opera in Skopje, where she is a principal soloist, Janevska has a repertoire that spans iconic roles such as Carmen, Dorabella (Così fan tutte), and Fenena (Nabucco). Her international career includes performances in China, Italy, and Germany. Italian audiences may remember her from her debut as Maddalena in Rigoletto at Teatro Petruzzelli in Bari or her portrayal of Adalgisa at the National Theatre of Macedonia.

Don’t Miss it! How to Secure Tickets for Otello

Tickets for Otello at Teatro Coccia are expected to sell quickly. Visit the theatre’s official website or box office to book your seats. For the best experience, consider premium seating, which offers an up-close view of the performers and the stage.

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