Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835) wanted to move the audience of his operas to tears. And this is exactly what Beatrice di Tenda manages to do: it has great music and the story really touches the heart. In this production by Daniel Schmid, one can experience the stunning singers Edita Gruberova and Michael Volle in the main roles – with Marcello Viotti conducting the Orchestra of the Zurich Opera House. In Beatrice di Tenda, Bellini departs from the belcanto style, which he used in Norma, and explores a new way of musical expression, which brought to the fore a new warmth and different characteristics. The story is based on true events from the 15th century. It focuses on the impressive Beatrice di Tenda, who is wrongly accused by her husband to be unfaithful and is ultimately beheaded. The premiere of the opera was given at the Teatro la Fenice in Venice on 16 March 1873. Although Beatrice di Tenda is not Bellini’s most successful opera, the title role is a popular showpiece among sopranos. In this production, Beatrice is brilliantly interpreted by the “Queen of Belcanto”, Edita Gruberova.