Arrow Artur Ruciński debuts at the Vienna State Opera as spectacular Count Luna

01 Feb, 2025
Artur Ruciński debuts at the Vienna State Opera as spectacular Count Luna
© Artur Ruciński / Karpati & Zarewicz

Artur Ruciński regularly appears in prestigious opera houses around the world. He has performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera and Ballet in London and the Bavarian State Opera in Munich. February 2 marks his first performance on one of the most important stages in Europe – the Vienna State Opera (Wiener Staatsoper). He plays the role of Count Luna in Giuseppe Verdi’s ”Il Trovatore”, alongside Maria Agresta (Leonora), Clémentine Margaine (Azucena) and Vittorio Grigolo (Manrico). Agata Ubysz talks to the Polish baritone the day before his debut.

You sing at the Vienna State Opera tomorrow. Have you been looking forward to this day?

A few years ago, I received an invitation from Vienna, but unfortunately the dates in my calendar had already been booked. The performance at the Vienna State Opera is definitely a significant event in my career. I will sing Count Luna in Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” on this prestigious stage with a great pleasure. I had already sung in Vienna in the 2012/2013 season, at the Theater an der Wien. I also made my debut as Count Luna in “Il Trovatore.” I am glad I can return to this wonderful city years after to sing one of my favorite roles from Verdi’s repertoire.

You replaced the legendary Plácido Domingo, who had been stricken with fever, in the role of Count Luna at the prestigious festival in Salzburg. What are your memories of those performances from 11 years ago?

It was an extraordinary experience. Replacing such a reputable artist as Plácido Domingo was both a huge challenge and an honor. Despite the short rehearsal period, I tried to meet the audience’s expectations and convey the depth of the character. I received a very warm welcome. It was then that I worked with Ania Netrebko and maestro Daniele Gatti for the first time.

Can we say your debut in Salzburg – an important moment in the life of any opera singer – marked the beginning of your international career?

It certainly contributed to its development, but the key moment was when Daniel Barenboim invited me to sing the role of Eugene Onegin at the Staatsoper in Berlin. The performance opened the doors to many prestigious opera houses around the world.

Let’s go back to “Il Trovatore” and the role of Count Luna you have sung on opera stages across the world. Which production is closest to you?

Each of them was special, but my fondest memories are of the performances at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, ​​the Teatro Real in Madrid and the opera in Chicago. Those performances will remain in my memory for a long time due to the great atmosphere of the opera houses and the enthusiastic audience reaction.

When will Polish fans have the opportunity to hear you?

I have no scheduled performances in Poland in the near future. However, I am always happy to return to the Polish stage and I hope I will have an opportunity to sing for our audience soon.

Thank you for the interview.

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