Musikalische Leitung Bertrand de Billy
Inszenierung Frank Castorf

Master of scenic complexity, Frank Castorf, is devoting himself to an opera which, while beautiful, is also considered a bit unsophisticated, thereby igniting a firework of associations that is as sensual as it is intel-lectual. Teaming up with set designer Aleksandar Denić and costume designer Adriana Braga Peretzki, the director shows how much politics and contemporary history is hidden underneath the surface of Gounod’s breathless waltzes and pleasant melodies: France’s early colonialism and its impact felt to date paired with democratic illusions and capitalist hedonism come together in Paris, which is scrutinized as a hub for pan-European developments. In this performance, which is incidentally a secret declaration of love for the capital of France, Juan Diego Flórez will make his debut as Faust. Alongside him, several young generation singers will star in their first State Opera productions: Nicole Car as Marguerite, Adam Palka as Méphisto-phélès and Boris Prýgl as Valentin. Bertrand de Billy will take over the musical direction and will return to the Vienna State Opera not only for this premiere.