Orchestra e Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino

On the eve of the 1990 World Cup final, Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, and Luciano Pavarotti sang together for the first time. A look behind the scenes at a musical event whose phenomenal success lasted for more than a decade.

Inspired by hearing performances of Handel's oratorios during his visits to London, Haydn composed Die Schöpfung ('The Creation') in 1798. Through a series of accompanied recitatives, arias, duets and choruses, the music depicts the creation of the universe and the carefree existence of Adam and Eve. Haydn drew on the full complement of his symphonic and vocal prowess which reach peaks of almost operatic intensity. With rich harmonies and sonic magnificence in abundance, Die Schöpfung represents the apex of the Viennese oratorio tradition.

The Dutchman - Thomas Gazheli Senta - Marjorie Owens Daland - Mikhail Petrenko Erik - Bernhard Berchthold Mary - Annette Jahns Daland’s Steerman - Timothy Oliver Fiorentino Maggio Musicale Chorus (chorus master: Lorenzo Fratini)

Richard Strauss' Salome opens the 87th Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Festival. Alexander Soddy conducts; Emma Dante directs the new production. Lidia Fridman is Salome, Anna Maria Chiuri is Herodias, and Nikolai Schukoff plays Herod.

From Orvieto Cathedral, Easter Concert. The Orchestra and Choir of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, conducted by Maestro Elder. Haydn: The Creation, Prelude. Mozart: ‘Ah!, lo previdi!’; Aria: ‘Ah t'invola agl'occhi miei’. Haydn: Missa in tempore belli in C major.

From Orvieto Cathedral, the traditional Easter Concert. The Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Daniele Rustioni, performs Wagner’s *Tannhäuser* Overture and Brahms’ Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73.

Ruggero Raimondi and Barbara Frittoli star in this 2006 production of the Verdi opera with Zubin Mehta conducting the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino. Giuseppe Verdi's last opera is given new life in this production by Luca Ronconi. Utilizing the sights and social conditions of modern Britain, this version of Shakespeare's THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR keeps the comedy accessible while still featuring all the elements that have made this opera a perennial favorite.