Damiano Michieletto's 'Lohengrin' Returns to La Fenice After Decades
Richard Wagner's 'Lohengrin' returned to Teatro La Fenice in Venice after decades, in a production by Damiano Michieletto originally staged in Rome in November 2025. The staging, designed by Paolo Fantin with lighting by Alessandro Carletti and costumes by Carla Teti, emphasized symbolism—particularly an egg motif representing mystery and origin—over narrative clarity. Conductor Markus Stenz led a dense reading that improved after a rigid first act. Tenor Brian Jagde portrayed Lohengrin with muscular force rather than ethereal mystery. Soprano Dorothea Herbert as Elsa was convincing but fatigued in the final act. Chiara Mogini's Ortrud was forceful but lacked flexibility. Claudio Otelli's Telramund was energetic but limited. Andrea Silvestrelli as Heinrich der Vogler struggled in the upper register. Äneas Humm as the Herald brought elegance despite a tenor-like timbre. The audience responded with warm enthusiasm, filling the theater.
Key facts
- Richard Wagner's 'Lohengrin' returned to Teatro La Fenice in Venice after decades.
- The production was directed by Damiano Michieletto, premiered in Rome in November 2025.
- Set design by Paolo Fantin featured a large curved wooden wall.
- Lighting by Alessandro Carletti, costumes by Carla Teti.
- Conductor Markus Stenz led the orchestra.
- Brian Jagde sang Lohengrin with a muscular, Heldentenor approach.
- Dorothea Herbert performed Elsa, showing fatigue in the last act.
- Chiara Mogini played Ortrud with excessive force and open high notes.
- Claudio Otelli portrayed Telramund with energy but limited expression.
- Andrea Silvestrelli as Heinrich der Vogler had difficulties in the upper register.
- Äneas Humm as the Herald showed elegance and good line.
- The production emphasized symbolic elements like an egg and a bathtub.
- The audience response was warm and enthusiastic.
Entities
Artists
- Richard Wagner
- Damiano Michieletto
- Paolo Fantin
- Alessandro Carletti
- Carla Teti
- Markus Stenz
- Brian Jagde
- Dorothea Herbert
- Chiara Mogini
- Claudio Otelli
- Andrea Silvestrelli
- Äneas Humm
- Christian Thielemann
- Pier Luigi Pizzi
- Michele Crosera
Institutions
- Teatro La Fenice
- Revista cultural el Hype
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Rome
Sources
- El Hype —