The Theater an der Wien will showcase Gasparini’s “Ambleto,” the first opera in music history to portray the story of Danish prince Hamlet, running from May 6 to 17, 2025.

This baroque treasure will feature countertenor Raffaele Pe in the lead role of Hamlet, joined by Miklós Sebestyén as Claudius, Ana Maria Labin as Gertrude, Erika Baikoff as Ophelia, Nikolay Borchev as Polonius, and Maayan Licht as Laertes. Directed by Ilaria Lanzino, who co-developed the new dramaturgy with Pe, the production promises a fresh take on the classic.

La Lira di Orfeo, under concertmaster Elisa Citterio, will perform the opera’s score.

Pe remarked, “In Vienna, we’ve approached this work with a blend of historical fidelity and contemporary insight. ‘Ambleto’ reflects a way to reimagine early music repertoire, often preserved in fragments. Instead of letting this remarkable music stay silent due to its incomplete state, we’ve created an authentic yet original path, resonating with the theatrical and musical ethos of its time.”

This production marks a significant moment for the Theater an der Wien, as it continues its tradition of reviving rare baroque works with innovative staging. Lanzino’s direction emphasizes the emotional depth of Hamlet’s journey, weaving together Gasparini’s intricate score with a visually striking interpretation that bridges the 18th century and today. The collaboration between Pe and Lanzino has already generated buzz for its bold approach, with early rehearsals highlighting the cast’s vocal precision and dramatic chemistry.

La Lira di Orfeo, renowned for its expertise in historical performance, will bring authenticity to the production, using period instruments to capture the nuances of Gasparini’s composition. Concertmaster Elisa Citterio has expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting the ensemble’s commitment to honoring the score’s original intent while making it accessible to modern audiences.

For Pe, this role is a continuation of his acclaimed career in early music, following performances at prestigious venues like Teatro alla Scala and the Bayerische Staatsoper. His vision for “Ambleto” not only showcases his vocal artistry but also underscores his dedication to preserving and reimagining historical repertoire. As the premiere approaches, anticipation is building for a production that promises to breathe new life into this long-overlooked masterpiece.