2026 National Co-production Opera | Announcement of Verdi's 'Il Trovatore' Performances

The 2026 National Co-production Opera will be held at four locations: Kanazawa Opera House (Ishikawa), Hirakata City General Cultural Arts Center (Osaka), Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre (Tokyo), and Niigata Prefectural Civic Center (Niigata). The chosen work is Giuseppe Verdi's opera 'Il Trovatore.' Due to the highly advanced vocal skills required, this work is relatively rarely performed in Japan, making this a precious opportunity. The dramatic story unfolds with the troubadour Manrico, the noblewoman Leonora who loves him, and Count di Luna who obsesses over Leonora, alongside the gypsy woman Azucena, who carries a tragic past. It depicts love and revenge among people tossed about by status and fate, with intricately intertwined destinies leading to an unexpected tragedy. The production will be directed by Misato Takagishi, known for bringing the world of a work to life with delicate psychological portrayals. The conductors will be Jun Iisaka, experienced and well-versed in various works, and Yu Kumakura, a talented young conductor representing his generation. This work is known as a representative masterpiece from Verdi's middle period, and its passionate and dramatic music has made it a popular work repeatedly performed in opera houses worldwide. Especially famous is the chorus 'Anvil Chorus,' along with many other masterpieces that have left their mark on opera history, drawing audiences into the world of the story. Experience the grand drama where love, revenge, and fate intertwine, and Verdi's soul-stirring melodies. Please look forward to the National Co-production Opera 'Il Trovatore.' 'Il Trovatore' Special Website Synopsis Burning love, unending revenge, and a shocking secret of blood. The setting is Spain. Count di Luna and the troubadour Manrico, who love the same woman, are fated to confront each other without knowing their true relationship. Caught between them is the noblewoman Leonora, who loves Manrico. Their intensely wavering emotions eventually lead them to an irreversible tragedy. Behind this lies the presence of the gypsy woman Azucena, who carries a past tragedy. Driven by revenge for her mother's execution by fire, she harbors deep resentment towards the di Luna family, and her long-held obsession twists their fate dramatically, pushing the story towards a shocking conclusion. Composer: Giuseppe Verdi Libretto: Salvatore Cammarano Act 1 [The Duel] Palace of Aliaferia / Palace Gardens Act 2 [The Gypsy Woman] Mountains of Biscay / Monastery Courtyard Act 3 [The Gypsy Woman's Son] Camp / Castle Chapel Act 4 [The Execution] Near the Walls of Aliaferia Palace / Prison within the Palace What is the National Co-production Opera? A project where theaters, music halls, and arts organizations nationwide collaborate to produce original and high-level operas with new productions, which would be impossible for a single venue. Started in 2009, it has accumulated achievements such as Hidenori Noda's production of 'The Marriage of Figaro ~The Gardener Saw It!~' (2015 / 13 performances in 10 cities), Toshiki Okada's production of 'Yuzuru' (2021 / 3 performances in 3 cities), Mansai Nomura's production of 'Die Fledermaus' (2023 / 3 performances in 3 cities), Kaiji Moriyama's production of 'La Bohème' (2024 / 8 performances in 7 cities), and Kunio Sugihara's production of 'L'elisir d'amore' (2025 / 3 performances in 3 cities). Message from Director Misato Takagishi While there are many types of 'opera,' 'Il Trovatore' is undoubtedly one of the supreme examples of the 'blood-pumping, flesh-stirring' kind! The maestro Verdi, often called the King of Opera, excelled at depicting deep human dramas using powerful melodies, and around the time he composed this work, he also seemed fascinated by eerie subjects. Although the plot is an intense drama of love and hate, this work, which was a bit eerie, exotic, and somewhat new, was a huge hit in Italy at the time, receiving great acclaim. At the climax, by deliberately leaving a slight mystery unresolved and using music as an ally, it delivers a sudden shock. By doing so, it achieved a novel technique of leaving the audience bewildered in the world of the play. Truly a maestro! This time, an unparalleled group of wonderful soloists has gathered. They will powerfully showcase the true essence of the maestro's music. Please also look forward to the orchestras and choruses, which will have different colors at each venue. And, together with a staff full of artistic sensibility, I would like to present the 'true face' of this masterpiece, not by transforming it with heavy makeup, but by fully utilizing its inherent charm. 'Il Trovatore,' composed over 170 years ago and still completely vibrant... I guarantee it will be an exciting stage, unique to opera. A story of blood-bound destiny where melodies of love and flames of hatred intertwine! Please come and witness it with your own eyes. We await you at the theater!! Director: Misato Takagishi Cast Conductor Jun Iisaka [Ishikawa, Niigata, Osaka] ©Rikimaru Hotta Conductor Jun Iisaka [Ishikawa, Niigata, Osaka] ©Naohisa Izawa Keywords: