Rising from Humble Roots to Exalted Heights

Innsbrucker Festwochen der Alten Musik [ENA] From its very first chords, this radiant production of Antonio Vivaldi’s Il Giustino enchants with a sublime blend of youthful energy, baroque exuberance, and dramatic finesse. Nestled within the prestigious Innsbrucker Festwochen der Alten Musik and featuring the inspiring Barockoper:Jung ensemble, this performance transcends expectations—delivering an immersive, jubilant, and profoundly uplifting operatic experience.

What makes this rendition of Il Giustino particularly splendid is the cast, whose members are all victorious talents from the 2024 Pietro Antonio Cesti singing competition. Under the expert baton of Stefano Demicheli and the imaginative direction of Claudia Isabel Martin Peragallo, these youthful voices deliver both technical finesse and emotional gravity. Their dedication is palpable, their interpretations full of verve and heart—infusing every aria with sincerity, bravery, and baroque shine. Imagine the charming simplicity of Giustino—so gracefully embodied by Justina Vaitkute—rising through comedy, danger, and mythic grandeur, all while maintaining a humanity that hooks the listener.

The ensemble, featuring voices such as Jiayu Jin as Arianna, Maximiliano Danta as Anastasios, and Benedetta Zanotto, Lucija Varšić, Sarah Hayashi, Thoma Jaron-Wutz, and Massimo Frigato, rounds out a cast whose cohesion is as striking as their individual brilliance. Narratively, Il Giustino is a cornucopia of baroque delight: from a wild bear and sea monster to criminal intrigue, identity swaps, and courtly rescue missions. This production embraces these elements with theatrical gusto, drawing the conductor, director, cast, and orchestra into a whirlwind of staged brilliance. The seamless collaboration brings forward not merely a story of a peasant’s ascent to emperorship, but the very spirit of baroque opera—lavish and swift.

Vivaldi’s original version premiered in 1724 in Rome as a showcase exclusively for male voices—a reflection of ecclesiastical restrictions of the era. Here, we delight in a modern perspective: the richly textured timbres of mixed voices bring fresh color to the score. At once historically informed and vibrantly present, this production honors the opera’s roots while celebrating its living vitality. Under Stefano Demicheli’s musical leadership, the Barockorchester:Jung pulses with grace, wit, and precision. Their playing illuminates the score’s intricate contours, buoying the singers while underscoring key dramatic moments with crisp articulation and propulsive rhythmic energy.

The result is an aural tapestry that delights—voiced and orchestrated with elegance and flair. Equally, Claudia Isabel Martin Peragallo’s staging strikes a balance between youthful exuberance and thoughtful storytelling. The visual narrative unfolds with clarity and dynamism—not grandiose, but rather clever, inventive, and emotionally engaging—enhancing the opera’s comedic twists and heroic arcs. An hour before curtain, a free introduction led by the Festwochen dramaturg offers the audience an invaluable bridge into the opera’s world. These insights into the music, staging, and creative vision deepen the viewer’s appreciation and make the evening not only entertaining, but illuminating.

Moreover, thoughtful touches—such as performance in Italian enriched by German surtitles—ensure accessibility and emotional immediacy. The approximately three-hour duration, including an intermission, allows for immersive engagement without compromise. This production isn't just an opera—it’s a shining testament to the vision of the Innsbrucker Festwochen der Alten Musik, long a world-class stage for both established masters and rising stars. Through programs like Barockoper:Jung, the festival nurtures emerging artists and breathes new life into baroque opera. Il Giustino becomes a vehicle not only for musical expression, but for career-defining brilliance and the future of the genre—bold, youthful, and unafraid to dream.

In sum, this Il Giustino is a triumph—effervescent, smartly staged, and richly performed. It captures the joy of baroque drama, the thrill of hopeful ascension, and the enchantment of genuine artistic collaboration. It reminds us how opera, in its best form, can thrill, teach, and inspire—keeping centuries-old art vibrantly alive in the here and now. By evening’s end, the cheers feel earned and communal, the applause a resounding affirmation not just of performance, but of potential realized. This Il Giustino stands as a highlight of the 2025 festival—sure to resonate in memory long after the final note fades.