Guillaume Tell (William Tell), Rossini's final opera and grand masterpiece, made its premiere at The New National Theatre Tokyo (NNTT) in the 2024/25 season. Based on Schiller's play about legendary hero William Tell, Guillaume Tell is a historical work depicting common people fighting for freedom under the oppression of the Habsburgs in the 14th-century Swiss Alps. Written in the grand opera style, this is a magnificent opera with numerous examples of chorus and ballet woven into it. Here, Rossini, who had already created numerous hits as the standard bearer of bel canto opera, aims for beautiful French-style melodies with this revolutionary work that opened new doors for Romantic-style grand opera.

This monumental opera is staged in its original language for the first time in Japan. The production marks the return of legendary director and designer Yannis Kokkos to the NNTT. Kokkos, who previously directed Le Rossignol and Iolanta remotely from France in 2021, once again brings his visionary touch to this new staging, promising to capture the grandeur and lyricism of Rossini's epic opera.

Artistic Director Kazushi Ono conducts the production, with the title role performed by the distinguished baritone Gezim Myshketa, renowned for his powerful portrayal of William Tell. Tenor René Barbera, who dazzled audiences as Don Ramiro in La Cenerentola (2021) with his brilliant high notes and delicate pianissimos, returns to the NNTT as Arnold. Star soprano Olga Peretyatko, in a highly anticipated return to the NNTT, takes on the role of Mathilde. This landmark production was a highlight of the NNTT's 2024/25 season, blending exceptional musical artistry with stunning stagecraft.

Viewing Period:21 March, 19:00 CET / 22 March, 3:00 JST - 21 September, 12:00 CET / 19:00 JST

Recorded on 26 November 2024
Performed at Opera Palace, New National Theatre Tokyo

• Creative staff & Cast

Conductor: ONO Kazushi
Production, Set and Costume Design: Yannis KOKKOS
Artistic Collaborator: Anne BLANCARD
Lighting Design: Vinicio CHELI
Video Scenography: Eric DURANTEAU
Choreographer: Natalie VAN PARYS
Stage Manager: TAKAHASHI Naohito

Guillaume Tell: Gezim MYSHKETA
Arnold Melchtal: René BARBERA
Walter Furst: SUDO Shingo
Melchtal: TANAKA Taiki
Jemmy: YASUI Yoko
Gesler: TSUMAYA Hidekazu
Rodolphe: MURAKAMI Toshiaki
Ruodi: YAMAMOTO Yasuhiro
Leuthold: NARITA Hiroyuki
Mathilde: Olga PERETYATKO
Hedwige: SAITO Junko
Un chasseur: SATO Shoji

Chorus: New National Theatre Chorus
Orchestra: Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra
Chorus Master: Kyohei Tomihira