WOLFGANG KOCH sings Alfio and Tonio in a new production Cavalleria rusticana / I Pagliacci at Bayerische Staatsoper Munich

WOLFGANG KOCH sings Alfio and Tonio in a new production of “Cavalleria Rusticana” / “I Pagliacci” at Bayerische Staatsoper.

This new production of "Cavalleria Rusticana" / "I Pagliacci" marks the first new staging of these two iconic verismo operas at the Bayerische Staatsoper in 46 years. One of today’s leading dramatic baritones, Wolfgang Koch will sing Alfio and Tonio in this production directed by Francesco Micheli, and conducted by Daniele Rustioni and Andrea Battistoni. Alongside these roles, he will be seen at the Bayerische Staatsoper as the Forester in "The Cunning Little Vixen" and as Telramund in "Lohengrin". Internationally celebrated for his compelling stage presence and powerful interpretations of the core German and Italian repertoire, Koch will also return to the Vienna State Opera as Borromeo in "Palestrina" and appear at San Francisco Opera as Kurwenal in "Tristan und Isolde" in the 2024/25 season.

PREMIERE: 22 May 2025  

Further performances: 25, 19 May, 1, 4, 8, 12 June, 9, 12 July 2025   

Francesco Micheli, one of Italy’s most original and influential stage directors and General Manager of the Donizetti Festival in Bergamo, makes his debut at the Bayerische Staatsoper with this new double bill. Known for his ability to bring contemporary relevance to classic works, Micheli collaborates closely with his long-standing creative team: set designer Edoardo Sanchi, costume designer Daniela Cernigliaro, and dramaturg Alberto Mattioli.