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Italian Opera Academy in Tokyo vol.5 “Simon Boccanegra” Announcement of cast change
We would like to announce a change in the cast of Mitsui Fudosan presents Italian Opera Academy in Tokyo vol.5 “Simon Boccanegra” scheduled for performances on September 13 (Sat.) and 15 (Mon./Holiday), 2025.
Ildar Abdrazakov, who was originally scheduled to play the role of Jacopo Fiesco (bass) is unable to appear due to unforeseen family circumstances. After thoughtful discussions with Maestro Riccardo Muti, Michele Pertusi will perform the role instead.
We sincerely apologize for this change.
Thank you for your kind understanding.
Spring Festival in Tokyo Executive Committee
Message from Ildar Abdrazakov
Dear Friends and Fans in Japan,
It is with a heavy heart that I must share the news that I will not be able to perform in Tokyo as planned. Due to unforeseen family circumstances, I have had to cancel my visit, and I deeply regret any disappointment this may cause.
Please know that this decision was not made lightly. I have always treasured the immense support and kindness you have shown me, and I look forward to an opportunity in the future when we can once again share a magical experience together.
Thank you for your understanding and your continued love. I hope to see you all soon, under happier circumstances.
With all my gratitude and warmest wishes,
Ildar Abdrazakov
Riccardo Muti Conducts "Simon Boccanegra"（Concert Style）
September 13 [Sat.], 2025 at 15:00（Door Open at 14:30）
September 15 [Mon./ Holiday], 2025 at 19:00（Door Open at 18:30）
Tokyo College of Music 100th Anniversary Hall（Ikebukuro Campus）
Jacopo Fiesco（Bass）
Before change Ildar Abdrazakov
↓
After change Michele Pertusi
No refunds will be made due to this change. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Acclaimed as one of the greatest singers in the present world lyric scene, Michele Pertusi was born in Parma, where he studied piano and singing at the Conservatory “A. Boito”. Then he continued his studies with Arrigo Pola, Carlo Bergonzi and Rodolfo Celletti.
In February 2005 he won the Grammy Award for the Best Opera Recording in the title role of Verdi’s Falstaff, with the London Symphony conducted by Sir Colin Davis (LSO LIVE). In 1995 he was awarded the “Abbiati International Prize”. His recording of Il turco in Italia conducted by Riccardo Chailly for Decca was awarded the Gramophone Award. He has also been the recipient of the Golden Medal as Cultural Benemeritus by the President of the Italian Republic. In 2018 he was awarded the prestigious “Rodolfo Celletti” prize at Festival della Valle d’Itria in Martina Franca.
He collaborated with most of the world leading conductors, including Riccardo Muti, Carlo Maria Giulini, Zubin Metha, Georg Solti, Daniel Barenboim, James Levine, Kazushi Ono, Myung-Whun Chung and Antonio Pappano and he has appeared at the most important opera houses, concert houses and festivals all over the world.
In recent years Michele Pertusi has established himself as a outstanding interpreter of Verdi’s roles such as Filippo II in Don Carlo (Vienna State Opera, Teatro Real Madrid, Festival Verdi, La Scala), Attila (La Scala, La Fenice Venice, Festival Verdi, Opéra de Liege), Pagano in I Lombardi alla prima crociata (Festival Verdi, Monte-Carlo), Sparafucile in Rigoletto (Festival Verdi, Vienna), Fiesco in Simon Boccanegra (Vienna, Turin, Parma), Padre Guardiano in La forza del destino (Liège, Lyon), Conte Walter in Luisa Miller (Bayerische Staatsoper Munich, Opera di Roma), Da Silva in Ernani (La Scala, Palermo, Venice), Massimiliano in I masnadieri (La Scala, Valencia), Zaccaria in Nabucco (Festival Verdi, Arena di Verona), Banco in Macbeth (Festival Verdi), Procida in Les vêpres siciliennes (Rome), Ramfis in Aida (Arena di Verona), and Messa da Requiem under the baton, among others, of Riccardo Chailly, Zubin Metha, Myung-Whun Chung, Daniele Gatti.
Refined and outstanding interpreter of Rossini’s roles, Michele Pertusi is a regular guest of Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, where he made his debut in 1992 as Assur in Semiramide, followed by Moïse et Pharaon, Maometto II, Guillaume Tell, Il viaggio a Reims, Le siège de Corinthe, Torvaldo e Dorliska, La gazza ladra and Il barbiere di Siviglia. For his achievements at ROF, he was awarded the “Rossini d’oro” Prize.
His discography includes, among others, Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, Stabat Mater, Cantata per Pio IX and La Cenerentola conducted by Riccardo Chailly (Decca), Don Giovanni and Così fan tutte conducted by Georg Solti (Decca), Le nozze di Figaro under Zubin Mehta’s baton (Sony), Semiramide and Maometto II (Ricordi), Don Giovanni conducted by Daniel Barenboim (Erato), La damnation de Faust and Falstaff conducted by Colin Davis (LSO live).
Recent highlights are: Turandot at Puccini Festival in Torre del Lago; La forza del destino at Aix-en-Provence Festival and at Opéra de Lyon; Norma at Teatro alla Scala; Attila at Teatro La Fenice Venice; Verdi’s Messa da Requiem at Maggio Musicale Fiorentino with Zubin Mehta, with Staatskapelle Dresden conducted by Daniele Gatti, at Salzburg Easter Festival with Antonio Pappano and Accademia di Santa Cecilia; Simon Boccanegra at Teatro dell’Opera di Roma and at Teatro San Carlo di Napoli; Mosè in Egitto in Modena and in Piacenza; Macbeth (French version) at Festival Verdi Parma; Turandot at Teatro La Fenice Venice and at La Monnaie Brussels; Il barbiere di Siviglia at Rossini Opera Festival; Guglielmo Tell with Michele Mariotti and Don Carlo with Riccardo Chailly at Teatro alla Scala; Nabucco at Arena di Verona.
Among the projects of the season 2025/26: Verdi’s Messa da Requiem at Festival Verdi in Parma; La forza del destino at Opernhaus Zurich; Nabucco at Teatro San Carlo di Napoli; Lucia di Lammermoor at Opéra du Capitole de Toulouse; Nabucco and Lucia di Lammermoor at Teatro alla Scala.