Ionut Pascu’s Calendar 2024-2025
Ariadne auf Naxos - R. Strauss
Role : Music Teacher
“Backstage mayhem before the première of a new opera - the story of the mythological Ariadne who belives she is loyal to her beloved but then discovers a few other truths about the essence of love in Strauss' exciting opera.” - The Israeli Opera
Otello - G. Verdi
Role : Iago
“Following a "fake news" conspiracy, shakespearean hero, Ottelo, led by his uncontrollable rage, murders his wife. A grand production directed by Adrian Noble, one of the greatest Shakespeare directors of our time, in collaboration with the Vienna Staatsoper.” - The Israeli Opera
Hidden Treasures
Conductor, Orchestrator
Experience the beauty of musical rarities by celebrated Romanian masters, brought to the Israeli audience in a new and vibrant light. The fresh orchestrations of forgotten art songs and other chamber music gems have been meticulously crafted by the innovative conductor and baritone, Ionuț Pascu.
The core of the musical program is a convergence of 2024 anniversaries: celebrating 150 years since the birth of Alfonso Castaldi, the founder of the Romanian composition school, as well as 135 and 132 years since the births of his disciples, Mansi Barberis and Diamandi Gheciu. Additionally, we commemorate 100 years since the birth of Mariana Dumitrescu, the beloved poet of Romanian composers for their art songs. The celebratory evening will feature prominent Romanian voices from the opera world, including the 2024 Young Artist of the Year (International Classical Music Awards), soprano Aida Pascu, the Bucharest National Opera soloist Madeleine Pascu and the tenor Andrei Manea.
A concert in cooperation with the Embassy of Romania and the Romanian Cultural Institute.
Rigoletto - G. Verdi
Role : Rigoletto
The opera centers around the tragic story of Rigoletto, a hunchbacked jester in the court of the Duke of Mantua. The Duke is a womanizer and Rigoletto helps him mock the courtiers, which earns him many enemies. The opera’s drama unfolds when Rigoletto’s daughter, Gilda, falls in love with the Duke, unaware of his true nature. A curse placed on Rigoletto leads to a series of tragic events, culminating in a heartbreaking climax where his plans for revenge end up in unintended and devastating consequences. Love, betrayal and fate are central to this powerful and emotional work.
Oedipe - G. Enescu
Role : Oedipe
Enescu’s masterpiece is based on the Greek myth of Oedipus and covers the protagonist’s life life from birth to death. The opera explores themes of fate, identity and redemption, following Oedipe as he unknowingly fulfills a prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother, leading to tragedy and ultimately his quest for understanding and atonement. The opera is noted for its rich orchestration and emotional depth.
Nabucco - G. Verdi
Role : Nabucco
One of the most important operas in Verdi’s career, Nabucco remains a timeless show.
The story is set in the time of the Babylonian King Nabucco and explores themes of power, faith and freedom, with a focus on the personal and political turmoil faced by the characters.
L’elisir d’amore
Role : Dulcamara
Nemorino is in love with Adina, but Adina does not think too much of him. In a grandiose sunflower field blossoming on the opera stage, they will both learn a magical lesson about love.
Eugene Onegin - P. I. Tchaikovsky
Role : Onegin
"Eugene Onegin" is a renowned opera composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, based on the novel in verse by Alexander Pushkin. Premiered in 1879, the opera is a poignant exploration of love, regret, and the complexities of human emotion. Set in 19th-century Russia, it tells the story of the aristocratic and aloof Eugene Onegin, who rejects the sincere affections of the young Tatyana Larina. As time passes, Onegin realizes his mistake, but his newfound feelings come too late. The opera is celebrated for its lyrical beauty, rich character development, and Tchaikovsky's evocative score, capturing the essence of Russian romanticism.