The main focus of the conference is the production of Cavalli’s opera Il Giasone (1649) at Drottningholms Slottsteater, but the speakers will also touch on more general issues of performance practice, aesthetics and the history of culture involved in the production of Cavalli’s operas.

The Venetian Pier Francesco Cavalli (1602-76) was the most celebrated opera composer of his time and responsible for 27 – i.e. about a fourth – of the surviving operas from the 17^th century. As his works have begun to return to the stage, especially in the last ten years, a need has arisen to view his music, librettos and singers within the broader context of the histories of music, theatre and performance. What is the difference between the way his operas were produced and received in the 17^th century and the way we encounter them today? And what are the concrete challenges put to conductors and directors attempting to stage these operas today, while respecting their style and character?

These questions will be discussed by a panel featuring both researchers and practitioners: John La Bouchardière, Dinko Fabris, Magnus Tessing Schneider, Mark Tatlow and Deda Cristina Colonna.

The conference is held at Kungl. Myntkabinettet, Slottsbacken 6, Gamla Stan (Old town).

The opera Il Giasone plays on June 7 and 9 in connection with the conference. The performance on June 7 is part of Stockholm Early Music Festival which opens June 6.