Otello

Theatre

• Heydar Aliyev Palace
• 11 Dec 2026 - 11 Dec 2026

OTELLO
(Opera in 4 Acts)

Composer — Giuseppe Verdi
Conductor — Mustafa Mehmandarov
Stage Director — People’s Artist Avaz Abdullayev
Costume Designer — Ulya Abdullayeva
Choirmaster — Honored Art Worker Sevil Hajiyeva
Concertmasters — Daniil Kirillov, Roza Salimova, Tofig Shikhiev

CAST:

Otello — People’s Artist Yusif Eyvazov
Desdemona — Honored Artist Afaq Abbasova
Iago — People’s Artist Avaz Abdullayev
Cassio — Honored Artist Tural Aghasiyev
Emilia — Nina Makarova
Roderigo — Honored Artist Aliahmad Ibrahimov
Lodovico — People’s Artist Akram Poladov
Montano — Igor Yadrov
Herald — Ruslan Persan

“Otello” is the last tragic opera by Giuseppe Verdi, based on the famous drama about revenge and jealousy by William Shakespeare. The libretto was written by Arrigo Boito.
The opera premiered on February 5, 1887 at the legendary Teatro alla Scala.

Short synopsis of the opera:

After defeating the Turks, the fleet led by the Moorish commander Otello returns to Cyprus, overcoming a violent storm. While everyone celebrates the victory, Iago secretly harbors hatred toward Otello and seeks to destroy him. Driven by jealousy and ambition, Iago convinces Otello that his young wife Desdemona is unfaithful with Cassio, who has received the promotion that Iago desired.

Consumed by jealousy, Otello begins to lose control. The innocent and frightened Desdemona desperately tries to defend herself, but her words cannot calm Otello’s suspicions. Iago’s treachery finally achieves its goal: Otello strangles Desdemona in their bedroom.

Soon after, Emilia— Iago’s wife — reveals the truth about the plot. Iago escapes, but Otello, horrified by what he has done, stabs himself. As he dies, he kisses the innocent Desdemona one last time.