Opera Out of Opera 2 launched its new season with a powerful opening night on Saturday, 12 October, at the Conservatorio di Musica Santa Cecilia in Rome. Staged in the recently renovated Sala Accademica—reopened exclusively for this occasion—the production offered a bold, contemporary interpretation of Don Giovanni that left a lasting impression on an audience of over 600 spectators.
This landmark event drew national media attention and was hailed as a highlight of Italy’s cultural calendar. Attended by notable guests from the worlds of politics, culture, and the performing arts, the performance showcased an international ensemble of emerging opera talents from across Europe, embodying the spirit of cross-border collaboration that defines the Opera Out of Opera initiative.
Don Giovanni, composed by W. A. Mozart with a libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, is widely regarded as one of the greatest operas ever written. Blending comedy, tragedy, and supernatural elements, it tells the story of a charismatic nobleman whose unchecked desires and manipulations lead him to a dramatic and chilling downfall. The opera explores themes of power, guilt, justice, and the consequences of a life without moral restraint.
Mozart’s score masterfully balances dark drama and lyrical beauty, from the fiery overture to the shocking final scene. The emotional depth of the characters—especially Don Giovanni’s complex mix of charm and cruelty—continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As relevant today as it was at its 1787 premiere, Don Giovanni remains a thrilling exploration of human behavior and the price of hubris.
