Unique production of Tosca in Uppsala's historic milieus

On June 13 and 14 2008 the opera Tosca will be performed in a unique production that recreates and brings to life much of its origin. The three acts will be staged in three historic venues in Uppsala with some of Sweden’s most prominent soloists.

The plot of Giacomo Puccini’s opera Tosca revolves around historical events and buildings in Rome in the middle of June in 1800. According to directions in the score, the first act takes place in the Baroque church Sant’Andrea della Valle, Act II in a room at Palazzo Farnese, and Act III on the roof of Castel Sant’Angelo.

In Uppsala the opera will be staged with the city as a backdrop at three historic milieus, with breaks for the audience to move between the acts. The three acts of Tosca will be performed in the cathedral (Act I), in the University’s Grand Auditorium (Act II), and at the castle (Act III). Three of Sweden’s most prominent opera singers will perform: Emma Vetter (Tosca), Michael Weinius (Cavaradossi), and Fredrik Zetterström (Scarpia). Also participating are Uppsala University’s own orchestra—the Royal Academic Orchestra— and several of the city’s fantastic choirs. The opera will be directed by Wilhelm Carlsson and produced by Inger Friman.

"Venue is key to the plot of the opera. We want to take the opera to existing locales instead of creating these spaces with stage design on an opera stage. The score also includes things like ringing bells and cannon shots—all of which we can arrange in Uppsala", says Stefan Karpe, director musices and the person behind this unique project.

"This year we are celebrating Puccini’s 150 birthday, so it is extra gratifying to be part of producing one of my favorite operas in a way that has never been done before in Sweden", says Ulf Pettersson, vice-rector and chair of the steering group.

"Tosca offers all feelings: love, hate, and violent death. The venues are just perfect, and if the choice were entirely mine, I would choose these very three singers. This is extremely inspiring and will be truly magnificent", says director Wilhelm Carlsson.

The production is being made possible by the support of, among others, the Kjell and Märta Beijer Foundation, the municipality of Uppsala, Uppsala Cathedral, Uppsala Tourism, and Sjö Travel Agency-Destination Poland. An important collaborative partner has been Uppsala City Theater.

Read more: http://www.tosca.uu.se

Tickets will be released by www.ticnet.se on April 2.

The media are invited to apply for accreditation for the June 13 performance—limited number of places. Please contact presskontakt@uadm.uu.se before June 2, 13:00 pm local time, alt. Anneli Waara, information officer, cell phone: +46 (0)70-425 07 18.