Maometto II
The Opera of Mehmet II (Maometto II) with its magnificent production, Premiered
The work was on stage with the signature of the famous Italian conductor and director…
Staged by the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, the opera Mehmet II (Maometto II) won the admiration of art lovers with its premiere at the Atatürk Cultural Center – Türk Telekom Opera Hall on February 24.
Written by Gioachino Rossini, one of the most important composers of Romantic period opera literature, and librettist Cesare della Valle, it is one of the most important operas about Turks. Considered Rossini’s most innovative and ambitious opera, the work draws attention with its rich orchestration. In its carefully planned yet complex dramatic structure; it carries melodrama elements such as political intrigue, conspiracy and tragedy. In the work, the story of a heroic conflict between two enemies turns into the drama of an impossible love…
Premiered on December 3, 1820 at the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, this two-act opera tells the story of Anna, whom Mehmet the Conqueror, the seventh sultan of the Ottoman Empire and conqueror of Constantinople, falls in love with during the siege (1470) of the Venetian island of Evia (Negroponte). Anna, a Venetian who falls in love with Mehmet the Conqueror without knowing his true identity, must choose between her loyalty to her father and her country and her love for the Turkish Sultan Mehmet.
On the premiere night, the conductor of the work was the world-famous Italian conductor Alessandro de Marchi, who has conducted the orchestra of the world’s most prestigious opera houses and masterfully conducted the music of the geniuses of baroque and belcanto music.
The magnificent direction of the work was done by Renato Bonajuto, Italy’s world-renowned director with a rich repertoire. The décor design of the work is by Zeki Sarayoğlu, costume design by Gizem Betil and lighting design by Ahmet Defne. Istanbul State Opera and Ballet Chorus is conducted by Paolo Villa. The choreography of the work is by Nil Berkan.
Burak Bilgili as Mehmet II; Gülbin Günay as Anna; Esen Demirci as Calbo; Mert Süngü as Paolo Erisso; Berk Dalkılıç as Condulmiero; Anıl Önder as Selim were on stage.
The work, which was highly appreciated by art lovers and received a standing ovation, will continue to meet with the audience on February 28, March 2 / 6, 2 / 4 May 2024 at Atatürk Cultural Center – Türk Telekom Opera Hall.