(Credit: (c) ROH 2021)

This week, the Salzburg Festival is set to open its new production of Verdi’s “Macbeth” with a stellar cast that includes one of today’s most exciting artists at the festival, Asmik Grigorian.

Ever since her debut at the Salzburg Festival in 2017 as Marie in “Wozzeck,” Grigorian has become a favorite of the festival. She has since returned as “Salome” in 2019 and Chrysothemis in “Elektra.” In 2022 she sang all three operas in a highly acclaimed production of “Il Trittico” and this year she is set to portray Lady Macbeth.

Regarding her return to Salzburg in this role debut, Grigrorian told OperaWire, “Performing in Salzburg is very special to me.  Performances here have been both very special to me artistically and turning points in my career. This city, the audience, and the artistic team are all unique and give me good energy to perform at my best. I am very grateful to be able to return here every summer, and to feel at home and a sense of familiarity, and like I am returning to an extended family. I am happy to share a new character and artistic experience with Salzburg this season as Lady Macbeth.”

The role of Lady Macbeth will mark her third Verdi role. She performed the role of Violetta in “La Traviata” early in her career and in 2015 interpreted Leonora in “Il Trovatore” in her native Lithuania. This “Macbeth” will mark her biggest profile Verdi commitment and one that will be broadcast worldwide on Arte, Orf 2, and BR-Klassik.

Recordings

Every production that Grigroian has sung at Salzburg has been recorded and released on DVD. But for the purposes of this role debut here are some excerpts from “La Traviata” and “Il Trovatire: to showcase her Verdi roles thus far.