Damiano Michieletto is well known for his operatic productions throughout Europe. He has directed almost every major work in the repertoire and has collaborated with every major theater in the world including the Royal Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Salzburg Festival, Rossini Opera Festival, Wiener Staatsoper.

This week Michieletto returns to his home city of Venice for the world premiere of “Le baruffe.” The work is a commission of the Teatro La Fenice and composed by Giorgio Battistelli. What makes this a special occasion for Michieletto is that he is not only directing but is also one of the librettists of the opera.

“Le Baruffe” is based on one of the most important Italian comedies by Carlo Goldini and this libretto is the second time that Michieletto works on a text by Goldini. He previously directed the play “Il Ventaglio” in 2012 at the Teatro Stabile.

The director noted that he likes Goldini a lot and that the libretto was all Goldini and his job was just to cut and consolidate the play based on his theatrical instincts without reducing the meaning of the drama and text. He also noted, “that they wanted to create a musical text as if it was written by Goldini.”

Referring to the production that he has prepared, Michieletto “noted that it will be technically simple but dynamic with a lot of movement.”

For those not in Venice for the world premiere, the Teatro La Fenice will stream the opera.

Following La Fenice’s production, Michieletto will direct a new production of “Giulio Cesare in Egitto” in Paris, “The Fiery Angel” at the Bolshoi Opera, and Berstein’s Mass in Rome.

Recordings 

For those not familiar with Michieletto’s work, there are numerous DVDs of his productions including “La Bohème,” “Jackie O,” “La Scala di seta,” “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci,” and La Gazza Ladra.

Listen to Michieletto speak about working in opera.