Vienna, May 14, 2026
With this video, Giuseppe Verdi’s "Stiffelio" begins at the Theater an der Wien. The rarely performed opera by the Italian master thus returns to a venue where it was first seen in Vienna 30 years ago.
Historical Significance and Rediscovery
Premiered in Trieste in 1850, "Stiffelio" is one of Verdi’s lesser-known works. Despite its musical qualities, the opera was only rediscovered late. Exactly 30 years ago, the first Vienna performance took place, a milestone in the reception of the piece. By 2009, a total of 36 performances of the three-act opera had been staged, including productions featuring world-famous tenors such as José Carreras and Plácido Domingo in the title role.
The current production at the Theater an der Wien continues this tradition but offers a modern interpretation. The plot unfolds in the sparse interiors of a 21st-century American religious community, lending the work a fresh, contemporary dimension.