Kazushi Ono introduces new opera season in Tokyo

Kazushi Ono introduced the New National Theatre Tokyo 2021/2022 opera season at a press conference this morning, revealing a programme of works ranging from Gluck to the postponed world premiere of Super Angels by Keiichiro Shibuya, who is known for his electronic music.

Ono is Artistic Director of Opera at NNTT and explains his programme choices in his introduction to the season: 'Throughout the world, we are currently living in uncertain times, with no clear end in sight. But I am sure you are all hoping for the light to shine again. When we look back at the history of opera, we can see how composers have overcome various difficulties to turn a new page in its history. Interestingly, this is a theme that unites the four new productions of the New National Theatre's 2021/22 season.'

The season includes new productions of La Cenerentola and Orfeo ed Euridice, and Ono will conduct new productions of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg (18 November to 1 December), Pelléas et Mélisande (2 July to 17 July), as well as Super Angels (21 and 22 August), which he has also produced.

Super Angels uses cutting-edge technology and stage design to tell the story of an android who makes friends with children. Keiichiro Shibuya has previously written operas performed by Artificial Intelligence, and this is his first to include an orchestra, as well as featuring a children's choir of 60.

Find the full list here.

Ono is currently conducting Wagner's Die Walküre at New National Theatre Tokyo, standing in for Taijiro Iimori, who had to stand down for health reasons.