One of the most striking productions of the Buxton International Festival 2025 is undoubtedly Mozart’s one-act comic opera, The Impresario (Der Schauspieldirektor). Presented by Opera Zuid and accompanied by the Buxton International Festival Orchestra, this production offers a cross-era satire where music intertwines with humor. With one opera, two divas, and endless chaos, this work promises to leave audiences in stitches.
So, is the story set in the 1800s, or does it resonate with today’s stage? Leo, an unlucky impresario who consoles himself with Dutch pancakes, is tasked with staging a new opera, but things are far from smooth. The plot features a rivalry for roles between two divas, a flirtatious tenor, a wild director, and emergency singers. While the story may be set in the 1800s, the backstage tensions and absurdities of the art world feel strikingly contemporary. Director Christopher Gillett’s witty and modern interpretation takes audiences on a satirical journey across time.
What’s the history of this comic opera? While working on his famous The Marriage of Figaro, Mozart was commissioned by Emperor Joseph II to compose this piece for a dinner entertainment at Schönbrunn Palace. The goal was to create a rivalry between a German singspiel and an Italian opera. Mozart’s The Impresario premiered on February 7, 1786, alongside Antonio Salieri’s Prima la musica, poi le parole. In this commissioned work, Mozart cleverly captured backstage rivalries with sharp humor.
In this production, Mozart’s music is performed in its original German and Italian, while the spoken dialogue is in English. Supported by English surtitles, this multilingual approach enhances the work’s universal energy. Festival Artistic Director Adrian Kelly sums it up: “This production brings fresh energy to Mozart’s witty opera. Christopher Gillett’s version is fun, playful, and musically captivating.”
Staged at the Buxton Opera House, The Impresario is a must-see for opera lovers and those intrigued by the inner workings of the performing arts. Blending Mozart’s classical form with contemporary aesthetics, this production humorously reveals what goes on behind the scenes of an artistic performance, bringing life itself to the stage.
Apartment No: 26 Note
If you have a particular interest in contemporary stagings of classic works during the festival season, productions like The Impresario are among the finest examples. This humorous touch at Buxton serves as a reminder of the timeless nature of the performing arts.
What do you think?
Show comments / Leave a comment