Tosca (2023)
Exeter, Plymouth and Dartmouth
Sponsored by Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management
Devon Opera’s 2023/24 mainstage production was Puccini’s iconic classic Tosca. Staged by acclaimed director Julia Mintzer. Pavel Timofeyevsky conducts an international cast and chamber ensemble.
An epic melodrama of romantic jealousy, political passion and erotic obsession. In the tempestuous dawn of 19th century Rome, a diva, an artist and the chief of police drive each other inevitably to a violent end. Tosca and Cavaradossi, madly in love, want only to live by their principles, but are pitted against powerful forces of corruption.
Aung in Italian with English surtitles.
Director ~ Julia Mintzer
Cast and creatives
Floria Tosca ~ Natasha Day
Mario Cavaradossi ~ Andrew Henley
Baron Scarpia ~ Pauls Putnins
Sacristan ~ Phil Wilcox
Spoletta ~ Martins Smaukstelis
Concierge ~ Anna-Luisa Wagner
Jailor ~ Ian Beadle
Roberti (silent) ~ Ian Beadle
Chorus ~ Martins Smaukstelis, Anna-Luisa Wagner
Music Director / Piano ~ Pavel Timofeyevsky
Clarinet ~ Matthew Wilsher
Cello ~ Urška Horovat
Violin / Viola ~ Aleksandra Mansurova
Associate Director ~ Jonny Danciger
Assistant Director ~ Anne Sutton
Stage Manager/Props/Costumes ~ Lydia Sweet
Production Design ~ Jonny Danciger
Surtitles ~ Julia Mintzer
Front of House ~ Diana Wilkinson
Poster / Programme Design ~ Daniel Saint
Piano Tuner ~ Graham Sharland
Production Transport ~ Mark Fillan
Website & Social Media ~ Roderick Hunt, Olya Edwards
Audience reviews
“I came home knowing that I had experienced something amazing”
“Emotionally wrung out, full of enthusiasm about this evening’s performance: fantastic singing, great acting and superb orchestration”
“Devon’s a better place tonight thanks to your endeavors”
“Tremendous…sublime…the singers made the roof rattle!”
“It was a feast for body, soul and mind. Production excellent and ‘orchestra’ to be praised wherever I go”
“The whole production was hugely effective, professional and highly original…no doubt that this was something very special”
“All three principals had very fine voices indeed…Julia Mintzer [was] a very imaginative Director…Strongly recommend whatever Opera Devon do next”
“Devon Opera gave us one of the most memorable performances we have experienced”
“The genius of Pavel Timofeyevsky…produced such musical drama and beauty…intense and passionate playing added to the whole performance...very privileged that Devon Opera is able to provide us with the opportunity to see exceptional talent perform these large operatic works to the highest standard in a small, intimate, local theatre”
