Andrea Chénier

Umberto Giordano

  • For whom
    For lovers of grand emotions, rich orchestral textures, and historical drama. This is an opera evening for those who want love, revolution, and the force of fate all in one package.
  • If you liked these
    Tosca, Madama Butterfly, La Traviata, Turandot
  • Good to know
    Umberto Giordano's Andrea Chénier is loosely based on the fate of the poet André Chénier, who lived during the French Revolution. Among the work's most celebrated moments is Maddalena's deeply moving aria "La mamma morta."
  • Age recommendation
    12 years and older
  • Language
    Italian; Finnish and English surtitles
  • Duration
    About 2 hours and 30 minutes, 1 intermission
  • Tickets
    Tickets from €69.90 + order fee (from €1.50 + 0.65% of the order)
  • Premiere
    9.7.2027 klo 19

Tickets are already on sale for members of the Savonlinna Opera Festival Patrons’ Association! Gold, Platinum and Diamond members receive a -20 % discount 9.–22.6. U29 and Silver members can purchase tickets with a -15 % discount 16.–22.6. Read more and join as a member here. General ticket sales open 23.6. at 10 am. The early bird discount -10 % on price categories 1–4 and box seats is available until 30.6.2026.

The French Revolution is about to reach its bloody peak. Andrea Chénier, a poet, falls in love with Maddalena di Coigny, a young aristocratic woman who has been stripped of everything by the revolution. Although close to the Parisian nobility, Chénier sympathizes with the ideals of the revolutionaries. This connection soon gets him into trouble: he is accused of treason, despite the lack of evidence. Carlo Gérard, a revolutionary leader, denounces Chénier in a fit of jealousy. By the time remorse sets in, the machinery of terror is already in motion: Chénier is condemned to die. In the end, Maddalena decides her own fate and the two walk together toward the guillotine. 

A love that cannot be broken: Not by enemies, not by hate, not by fate.

Umberto Giordano’s opera in the verismo style is a true gem among lesser-known and rarely performed operas. It is filled with beautiful, emotionally stirring arias and lush orchestration. If you want everything to be grand and epic – the music, the voices and the staging by celebrated director Rodula Gaitanou – then this is the evening for you. 

The production has premiered in 2023 at Festspiele St. Gallen and has received raving reviews:
Opulent costumes and a simple yet sophisticated set design – he suggested Arc de Triomphe transforms into a giant guillotine at the end – make the performance a delight.” -stgallen24

The idea is both symbolic and ingenious.” -stgallen24

Synopsis

The poet Andrea Chénier lives through the turbulent years of the French Revolution. At first, he defends the ideals of freedom and justice, but soon realizes that revolution can also turn into fear, violence and arbitrary power. 

Chénier falls in love with Maddalena di Coigny, a young aristocratic woman whose world has collapsed in the upheaval of the revolution. Gérard, a former servant who has risen to become an influential figure of the revolution, is also in love with Maddalena. He is forced to choose between his personal passion and his conscience. 

When Chénier falls into the hands of his political enemies, Gérard tries to save him, but it is too late. Chénier is sentenced to death. Maddalena decides to follow the man she loves until the very end and takes the place of a condemned woman. In the end, Andrea Chénier and Maddalena walk together towards death. 

Team

  • Conductor

    N.N.

  • Stage director

    Rodula Gaitanou

  • Set designer

    takis

  • Costume designer

    takis

  • Chorus master

    Jan Schweiger

  • Savonlinna Opera Festival Choir
    Savonlinna Opera Festival Orchestra

Cast

Angelo Villari
Andrea Chénier
Camilla Nylund
Maddalena di Coigny
Tommi Hakala
Carlo Gérard
Malgorzata Walewska
countess di Coigny & Madelon
Waltteri Torikka
Roucher
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