The Teatro La Fenice is set to present Verdi’s “Ernani.”

The production, which is set to open on March 16, will star Piero Pretti in the title role, Ernesto Petti as Don Carlos, Michele Pertusi as De Silva, and Anastasia Bartoli as Elvira.

Regarding his title role, Pretti said, “I have been close to ‘Ernani,’ studying the opera, for the past 15 years and, despite my initial reservations, had a strong desire to be him, and now I feel I am ready and mature enough for this magnificent role within such a gripping plot. I dare offer you a bold parallel. For a Sardinian from the Barbagia region like me, playing the part of a bandit /nobleman is strikingly evocative because we have been immersed since childhood, whether we like it or not, in our ‘Barbagian code’ of behavior pervaded with its sense of honor. In this opera too, Ernani is ready to give his life to honor his word.”

Riccardo Frizza will conduct the production by Andrea Bernard. The opening night will be live on a radio broadcast on Rai Radio3 and the production will run through March 28, 2023.