This week La Monnaie/De Mont is set to open the world premiere of Fanny and Alexander. The work is based on Oscar-winning film “Fanny och Alexander” from 1982. The work will include a commanding cast of 16 soloists many of them veterans and some newcomers. Among them are Anne Sofie von Otter.

Over the years, Von Otter has evolved her repertoire from Strauss and early works to performing more modern works. She has world-premiered such operas as Thomas Adès’ “The Exterminating Angel,” Sebastian Fagerlund’s “Höstsonaten,” and Mikael Karlsson’s “Melancholia”

Now she will create the role of Justina which was originally created in the film by Harriet Andersson. The work will combine the acoustic sound of a symphony orchestra with ingenious surround electronics which will once again stretch the mezzo’s virtuosic abilities and continue to showcase her versatility. Von Otter has been praised for her “sublime phrasing” and “beautifully enchanting” tone. 

And for audiences who are not in Brussels for the new work, Mezzo Live and Medici.TV are set to stream the work at a later date. This season the legendary mezzo will also perform in Norway, at the Opera de Lyon, and the Oper Köln in the world premiere of Philippe Manoury’s “Die letzten Tage der Menschheit.”

Recordings

There are so many great recordings to choose from when it comes to Von Otter including an acclaimed “Ariadne auf Naxos,” “La Clemenza di Tito,” a Christmas album, and “Pelléas et Mélisande.”

Here she is performing Mahler Song Cycles.