Otello

OTELLO (Opera in 4 Acts) Composer — Giuseppe Verdi Conductor — Mustafa Mehmandarov Stage Director — People’s Artist Avaz Abdullayev Costume Designer — Ulya Abdullayeva Choirmaster — Honored Art Worker Sevil Hajiyeva Concertmasters — Daniil Kirillov, Roza Salimova, Tofig Shikhiev CAST: Otello — People’s Artist Yusif Eyvazov Desdemona — Honored Artist Afaq Abbasova Iago — People’s Artist Avaz Abdullayev Cassio — Honored Artist Tural Aghasiyev Emilia — Nina Makarova Roderigo — Honored Artist Aliahmad Ibrahimov Lodovico — People’s Artist Akram Poladov Montano — Igor Yadrov Herald — Ruslan Persan “Otello” is the last tragic opera by Giuseppe Verdi, based on the famous drama about revenge and jealousy by William Shakespeare. The libretto was written by Arrigo Boito. The opera premiered on February 5, 1887 at the legendary Teatro alla Scala. Short synopsis of the opera: After defeating the Turks, the fleet led by the Moorish commander Otello returns to Cyprus, overcoming a violent storm. While everyone celebrates the victory, Iago secretly harbors hatred toward Otello and seeks to destroy him. Driven by jealousy and ambition, Iago convinces Otello that his young wife Desdemona is unfaithful with Cassio, who has received the promotion that Iago desired. Consumed by jealousy, Otello begins to lose control. The innocent and frightened Desdemona desperately tries to defend herself, but her words cannot calm Otello’s suspicions. Iago’s treachery finally achieves its goal: Otello strangles Desdemona in their bedroom. Soon after, Emilia— Iago’s wife — reveals the truth about the plot. Iago escapes, but Otello, horrified by what he has done, stabs himself. As he dies, he kisses the innocent Desdemona one last time.