Opera in the Crypt: Tosca (Chamber version)

Vienna, Peterskirche — Krypta

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About the Event

Experience the awe‐inspiring architecture of Vienna's magnificent Peterskirche and let the power of opera awaken your senses. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of 'Tosca', performed deep beneath St. Peter's Church. This chamber version of the opera, while minimally shortened, delivers a gripping and intense performance by three exceptional artists. The close proximity to the stage creates an entirely new and immersive experience of this famous work.

OPER in der KRYPTA is synonymous with authentic and honest opera craftsmanship, faithfully presenting the original compositions as they were written. Despite being the smallest opera theater in Austria, the KRYPTA delivers performances that captivate audiences with their intensity and exceptional quality. No matter the season, the climate within the KRYPTA remains pleasantly regulated, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.

Storyline:
The painter Mario Cavaradossi hides a political fugitive from the henchmen of police chief Baron Scarpia. When Scarpia encounters Tosca in the church during his search, he stirs up her (unfounded) jealousy. She suspects that her beloved Mario is in the arms of a blonde beauty. Outraged, Tosca sets out to catch the two of them in flagrante delicto. Scarpia is enraptured by her temperament and beauty and has her followed.
In the evening, he summons her to his house with an 'invitation'. Cavaradossi, who has been arrested in the meantime, is brought before her and threatened with torture if she does not reveal where the fugitive is hiding. Mario implores Tosca not to reveal anything. However, she had found out about it during her visit that afternoon. When the torture becomes unbearable, she can no longer stand it and reveals the secret in order to save her lover.

Nevertheless, Cavaradossi is sentenced to death. Tosca begs Scarpia for his life and he offers her a deal. If she does his bidding, Mario will only be shot for show. As proof, he issues a pass for both of them and instructs his henchman with a meaningful look. As Scarpia approaches Tosca, confident of victory, she stabs him.
Tosca seeks out her Mario on the roof of Castel Sant'Angelo, the place of his execution. She excitedly shows him the letter of safe conduct and explains that he is only being shot for show. He has to let himself go, like an actor. As soon as the soldiers have gone, she will hurry to him and leave Rome with him forever.
The soldiers appear. Cavaradossi refuses the blindfold and stands in front of the guns. As the shots fade away, Tosca, who is watching everything, praises her Mario, who has fallen completely. She quickly runs to him to finally escape, only to realize in horror that Scarpia has betrayed her. Mario Cavaradossi is dead. When Scarpia's henchmen try to catch the murderer and close in, she takes her own life.

Practical Information

The 'Opera in the Crypt' series is a unique form of presenting opera at its very essence. With piano accompaniment, talented singers in costumes perform the works in the exceptional, intimate atmosphere of the crypt under St. Peter's Church. Through the short distance between audience and musicians you can experience opera in a way you have never heard or seen it before.

Program

Giacomo Puccini – Tosca

Program is subject to change

Cast / Production

Floria Tosca: Katharina J.A. Gebauer
Mario Cavaradossi: Sergio Tallo‐Torres
Baron Scarpia: Florian Pejrimovsky

Musical direction/piano: Maximilian Schamschula

Peterskirche

The Peterskirche (St Peter’s Church) is the second-oldest church in Vienna, founded around 800AD, if legend is to be believed. The present church was built in 1732 in the Baroque style, with Vienna's first baroque dome. Inspired by St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the interior is adorned with frescoes, sculptures, golden altarpieces and carved wood. Peterskirche is one of Vienna's busiest classical music venues, featuring a diverse program that includes daily organ concerts, operas, choral concerts and performances by prominent local and international artists. In addition to performances in the elegant main sanctuary, the Peterskirche also hosts concerts in the fascinating and intimate crypt below ground level.

Giacomo Puccini

Giacomo Puccini was an Italian opera composer of the late 19th century. He was considered one of the greatest composers of the Italian Opera, second only to Verdi. His early works were characterised by features of the traditional 19th century romantic Italian opera. Later, his style developed into the realistic verismo style, which inspired him to write his most famous masterpieces and became one of the leading exponents of the style. His most renowned works La bohème (1896), Tosca (1900), Madama Butterfly (1904), and Turandot (1924), all are popular operas played in the most prestigious venues of the classical world.

Address

Peterskirche, Petersplatz, Vienna, Austria — Google Maps