Franco Alfano’s opera Risurrezione draws its inspiration from Tolstoy’s novel Resurrection and was the work that ensured Alfano’s considerable success as a composer. The plot narrates the story of Katyusha and her tragic love for prince Dimitri who seduces and abandons her, condemning her to a life of sacrifice and desperation. Seen here in Rosetta Cucchi’s acclaimed Florence production, Risurrezione recalls Richard Strauss and Puccini – the drama evolving in an uninterrupted flow with moments of soaring lyricism alongside striking and evocative orchestration. The work gives voice to an idea that Alfano left in his memoirs: ‘Recoiling from catastrophes, I believed and still believe in the renovation, regeneration, and final purification of human passions from evil to goodness.’

Cast:
- Katerina Mihaylovna (Katyusha): Anne Sophie Duprels
- Prince Dimitri Ivanovich Nehlyudov: Matthew Vickers
- Simonson, a political convict: Leon Kim
- Sofia Ivanovna, Dimitri’s aunt: Francesca Di Sauro
- Matryona Pavlovna, housekeeper: Romina Tomasoni
- An old maidservant: Nadia Pirazzini
- Vera / Korablyova: Ana Victoria Pitts
- Fenyichka: Barbara Marcacci
- The Hunchback: Filomena Pericoli
- The Redhead: Nadia Sturlese
- A woman: Silvia Capra
- Kritzlov / Second peasant: Lisandro Guinis
- Chief Guard: Gabriele Spina
- Guard: Giovanni Mazzei
- Train-station officer: Nicolò Ayroldi
- Officer / First peasant: Nicola Lisanti
- Muzhik: Egidio Massimo Naccarato
- Cossack: Antonio Montesi