At the Opera Screening Series “Five Senses Concert”, audiences will enjoy Tosca by the Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, one of the highlights of the permanent collection, presented on a large screen with powerful speakers. This production was staged at the Arena di Verona Opera Festival in 2023, and is notable for its grand open-air stage and dramatic storytelling set within a traditional mise-en-scène.

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Composer – Giacomo Puccini
Conductor – Francesco Ivan Ciampa
Director – Hugo De Ana
Cast – Sonya Yoncheva,
Vittorio Grigolo,
Roman Burdenko
Orchestra – Orchestra dell’Arena di Verona

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Set in Rome, the painter Cavaradossi becomes entangled in a political conspiracy after sheltering the republican Angelotti. His lover, the opera singer Tosca, is threatened by the chief of police, Scarpia, a man consumed by power and desire. As Scarpia tortures Cavaradossi, he forces Tosca to reveal Angelotti’s whereabouts, and she ultimately gives in to save her lover.

Scarpia then demands Tosca’s submission in exchange for Cavaradossi’s life. In despair, Tosca kills him. Trusting Scarpia’s promise, she believes the execution of Cavaradossi will be staged with blank shots—but in reality, he is killed. As everything collapses around her, Tosca throws herself from the castle to escape those pursuing her.

This tragic thriller portrays how love, shadowed by jealousy and suspicion, becomes entangled in power and desire, leading to inevitable destruction.

The 2023 Arena di Verona Opera Festival production is distinguished by its magnificent staging that fully utilizes the spatial grandeur of the ancient amphitheater, along with a traditional yet refined direction. It received wide acclaim for the intense performances and vocal excellence of its world-class cast.