Following the success of both Nabucco and The Lombards, Verdi was looking for a different kind of drama that happens quickly and is based on more violent passions; for something like that he needed an extremely romantic text which he found in the tragedy of Victor Hugo. From a musical-scenic point of view, Verdi's attention is concentrated on the possibilities of musical characterization, in particular - in the context of dramatic situation where three men court one woman - on the expressive quality of male solo roles. Butsince this is Verdi we are talking about, he achieved even more than he planned...

Ernani was premiered by maestro Lipanović and world-renowned conductor, Giancarlo del Monaco. Leading role will be alternated by tenors Domagoj Dorotić and Roberto Iuliano; in one of the most difficult roles of dramatic coloratura sopranos we will have the privilege to listen to the world-famous soprano Lana Kos; a major role of the Spanish King Carlos V is interpreted by Ventseslav Anastasov, and one of the best Verdi bass roles will be interpreted by National Principle Opera Soloist Ivica Čikeš.