Verdi’s 1853 epic, 15th-century melodrama Il trovatore (‘The Troubadour’) has been given a spectacular new staging by director Adele Thomas. The Royal Opera’s previous, 2016 production (directed by David Bösch) was all about tanks and a full-stage funeral pyre. This 2021 co-production with Opernhaus Zürich is all about medieval costume (Annemarie Woods) and wacky li’l demons. With basically no set (also Annemarie Woods), a massive wooden staircase allows the ensemble to create the kind of warped, flat perspective redolent of Hieronymous Bosch’s paintings.

Such a minimalist production requires a lead cast of exceptional quality to carry the story. This was achieved at Zürich, and has been done again here (thanks to Director of Casting, Peter Mario Katona). As the doomed, love-struck maiden Leonora, Rachel Willis-Sørensen astounds us with her beautiful, technically brilliant soprano. But the way she acts and embodies the role somehow transcends the melodrama into something psychologically real. The fact Willis-Sørensen was a last-minute replacement for indisposed Marina Rebeka just makes it all the more remarkable.

The brilliant Royal Opera Chorus have been utilised to their full here, most notably in the opera’s most famous tune, Coro di Zingari (‘Anvil Chorus’), popping heads through trapdoors and wiggling bums at the audience. Throughout, the chorus offer a much-needed zany, comic edge to the otherwise tragic and melodramatic proceedings.

This is truly Verdi at his very best. Next year, in May 2024, there will a Farewell Gala Concert celebrating Music Director Antonio Pappano’s 23-year tenure: the applause he receives here as conductor is palpable.

Playing at the Royal Opera House 2 June – 2 July 2023.