Rehearsals have commenced for Giacomo Puccini's Tosca at the St Margarethen quarry in Burgenland, Austria, one of Europe's most dramatic open-air stages. The production, directed and designed by Thaddeus Strassberger, promises to immerse audiences in the tension between faith and revolution, light and shadow, that defines the opera's Rome during the Napoleonic Wars.
A Baroque Vision for a Natural Amphitheatre
Strassberger, who previously enchanted quarry audiences with Turandot in 2021 and Aida in 2024, returns with a concept rooted in the aesthetics of Baroque Rome. The stage will feature monumental recreations of the basilica of Sant'Andrea della Valle, the Palazzo Farnese, and Castel Sant'Angelo. Central elements—an altar, a sanctuary, and an oversized candle—symbolise opulent splendour, decay, and spirituality.
Costume designer Giuseppe Palella, collaborating again with Strassberger, mirrors this tension between light and darkness in his creations. The duo previously conjured the magical worlds of Asia and Egypt; now they turn to Rome at a time of political upheaval.
Musical direction falls to Italian conductor Valerio Galli, known for his expertise in Puccini's works. He will lead the resident Piedra Festival Orchestra, composed of Hungarian musicians, alongside the Philharmonia Chor Wien under choirmaster Walter Zeh. A special highlight is the debut of the Gumpoldskirchner Spatzen children's choir, who will perform the Te Deum.
International Cast Brings Depth to Iconic Roles
The passionate, impulsive Floria Tosca will be interpreted by three sopranos: Lebanese-Canadian Joyce El-Khoury, Irish-born Celine Byrne, and Canadian Melissa Purnell. The idealistic painter Cavaradossi will be sung by Norwegian Bror Magnus Tødenes, Chinese tenor Yongzhao Yu, and Hungarian tenor Adorján Pataki. The villainous Police Chief Scarpia will be portrayed by Armenian baritone Gevorg Hakobyan, Korean-born Hansung Yoo, and Sicilian Marco Caria.
Supporting roles feature a diverse lineup: Ukrainian-born Volodymyr Morozov and Hungarian bass Zoltán Nagy share the roles of Angelotti and the Jailer, while Ivan Zinoviev and Ilia Kazakov take on the Sacristan and Sciarrone. The role of Spoletta is split between Polish tenor Michał Prószyński and British tenor Peter Kirk.
The production runs from July to August 2026, offering audiences a chance to experience Puccini's masterpiece in a setting that amplifies its drama. For those planning a visit, the quarry is located near the town of St Margarethen, about 50 kilometres south of Vienna, and is easily accessible by car or train.
This staging of Tosca continues a tradition of ambitious opera in the quarry, which has previously hosted productions like Carmen in 2023. The combination of natural acoustics, monumental sets, and international talent makes it a highlight of Austria's summer cultural calendar.
