Giuseppe Fortunino Francesco Verdi was born the 10th October 1813.

 

 giuseppe-verdi-hacia-1850

Verdi is considered with Richard Wagner the most influential composer of operas of the nineteenth century and he dominated the Italian scene after BelliniDonizetti and Rossini.

His works are frequently performed in opera houses throughout the world. Verdi’s operatic output is staggering, with 28 operas, many of which contain arias that have made their way into popular culture.

2013 was the 200th anniversary of his birth and The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden staged Les Vêpres siciliennes directed by Stefan Herheim in his UK debut.

Stefan studied stage direction with Götz Friedrich and is considered one of the most innovative opera directors of the new generation.

http://www.wagneropera.net/RW-Performers/Stefan-Herheim.htm

See here one of the many reviews

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/opera/10388871/Les-Vepres-Siciliennes-Royal-Opera-Royal-Opera-House-review.html