Count becomes valet

Florian Sempey, a French baritone, started as a count in Vienna and later took on the role of a valet in Naples, showcasing his versatility in opera.

Debut in The Marriage of Figaro

On September 9, Sempey made his debut as Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro, performing alongside Elsa Dreisig, who portrayed his wife in the production.

Quick transition to Cinderella

Just six weeks later, on October 20, Sempey performed as Dandini in Cinderella at Naples’ San Carlo theater, marking a swift move between two major opera houses.

Familiar role with a twist

Dandini is a role Sempey has experience with; in April 2024, he stepped in for a colleague who lost his voice, taking over the second half of the performance in Toulouse.

Modern staging of Cinderella

The Naples production of Cinderella is directed by Damiano Michieletto, transforming the setting from a run-down cafeteria to a stylish loft, as seen in previous stagings in Dresden and Paris.

New talent and historic first

Aigul Akhmetshina will sing Angelina in the Naples production, opposite Jack Swanson as the prince, while Speranza Scappucci will conduct, becoming the first woman to lead an opera at the San Carlo since its 1737 opening.

French voices in Europe

This autumn has seen a surge of French opera talent across Europe, with Gaëlle Arquez debuting as Carmen in Berlin and Benjamin Bernheim set to perform as Cavaradossi in Berlin starting October 25.

Elsa Dreisig returns to Madrid

Elsa Dreisig is set to reprise her role as the countess in The Marriage of Figaro at Madrid’s Teatro Real on November 11, directed by Robert Carsen, while her husband, Sempey, continues his operatic journey in Naples.