Dutch National Opera is set to present the world premiere of “Animal Farm” as part of its Opera Forward Festival 2023.

The work, which is based on George Orwell’s iconic book, features a libretto by Ian Burton and music by Alexander Raskatov. It will star Gennady Bezzenbenkov, Misha Kiria, Michael Gniffke, James Kryshak, Germán Olvera, Karl Laquit, Artyom Krutko, Helena Rasker, Maya Gour, Elena Vassilieva, Marcel Beekman, and Francis van Broekhuizen.

Bassem Akiki conducts.

”It’s essential to present new operas that describe our times and explore new musical and theatrical languages, leaving space for the imagination. I always thought that ‘Animal Farm’ was the perfect subject for an opera because it has in it all the necessary ingredients and it allows for different levels of interpretation,” Michieletto said in an official press statement.

The work was co-commissioned and co-produced by the Dutch National Opera, Vienna State Opera, Teatro Massimo, and Finnish National Opera and Ballet.

The work will premiere on March 3, 2023. It will be followed by six additional performances through the 16th of March.