At the heart of Simon Boccanegra are two themes that characterise Verdi’s most powerful operas: the relationship between a father and a daughter, and the poignant conflict between public responsibility and personal desires. These emotions resonate in vocal lines full of feeling and colourful orchestral accompaniment with dramatic contrasts. Conductor Fabio Luisi, a regular guest with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, will make his debut with Dutch National Opera, conducting this masterpiece by one of his favourite compo- sers. Dutch director Jetske Mijnssen returns to our theatre for a new production after her compelling interpretation of Donizetti’s Tudor Trilogy. Mijnssen’s remarkable ability to explore the emotional depth of characters makes her ideally suited to handle the intricate dynamics of Simon Boccanegra and his long-lost daughter Amelia. World-class Verdi interpreters A dazzling cast of Verdi interpreters has been engaged for this final opera of the season. George Petean, a world-class Verdi baritone, returns to Amsterdam to sing the multi-faceted title role of Simon Boccanegra. The role of Boccanegra’s daughter, Amelia Grimaldi, will be performed by the celebrated soprano Federica Lombardi, who received great praise in Amsterdam for her part in Verdi’s Messa da Requiem. Tenor Joshua Guerrero – renowned for his glowing sound — will take the stage as Amelia’s lover, Gabriele Adorno. Bass Georg Zeppenfeld lends his warm voice to the role of Boccanegra’s opponent, Jacopo Fiesco. Photo: Hugo Thomassen Verdi’s masterpiece of power and parental love Shortly after the loss of both his lover and his daughter, Simon Boccanegra is – against his will – declared leader of Genoa, a citystate in the midst of political turmoil. Verdi presents a nuanced portrait of a father and politician who yearns in vain for freedom and peace. The celebrated conductor Fabio Luisi will lead the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and an ensemble of outstanding singers through the richly textured score. New production Opera with a prologue and three acts Sung in Italian Libretto Francesco Maria Piave Musical direction Fabio Luisi Stage direction Jetske Mijnssen Set design Etienne Pluss Costume design Hannah Clark Lighting design Valerio Tiberi Movement direction Jean-Franç ois Kessler Dramaturgy Laura Roling Simon Boccanegra George Petean Amelia Grimaldi Federica Lombardi Jacopo Fiesco Georg Zeppenfeld Gabriele Adorno Joshua Guerrero Paolo Albiani Germá n Olvera Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Chorus of Dutch National Opera Chorus master Edward Ananian-Cooper Part of the Holland Festival Premiere 4/6/2026 Subsequent performances: 7*, 10, 13, 17, 21*, 25, 28* June 2026 | Curtain-up: 19:30 / *14:00 | Ticket sales start on: 28 August 2025 | Price Category: A | Location: Main Stage, Dutch National Opera & Ballet “ Fabio Luisi is steeped in the Verdi style” The New York Times The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is internationally renowned for its unique sound. Since its founding in 1888, it has collaborated with the world’s leading conductors and soloists. Each year, the orchestra performs around eighty concerts at the Concertgebouw and forty at other major venues. Fabio Luisi has been a regular guest with the Concertgebouw Orchestra since his debut in 2005. 61
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