Bruno Ravella
© Carole Parodi
Comedy and poignancy
‘Bruno Ravella’s thoughtful production struck a perfect balance of comedy and poignancy with nothing extraneous’
Wall Street Journal, Der Rosenkavalier, Santa Fe Opera
Director Bruno Ravella is recognised for his story-telling, attention to detail and an ability to clearly portray the subtleties of the human condition. Born in Casablanca of Italian and Polish parents, he was educated mainly in France, subsequently making London his home. He forges strong links with the houses where he works, resulting in reinvitations and ongoing collaboration.
Projects in 2025-26 include new productions of Donizetti’s Don Quichotte for Opéra de Lausanne and Il Barbiere di Sivigilia for Grange Park Opera, as well as a revival of his renowned Der Rosenkavalier at Garsington Opera. Recent work includes new productions of Rossini’s Guillaume Tell for Opéra de Lausanne and La bohème for Opera New Zealand, as well as the French premiere of Porpora’s Polifemo for Opéra de Lille (co-production with Opéra national du Rhin) and Donizetti’s Zoriada di Granada for Wexford Opera Festival, co-produced with Teatro Donizetti Bergamo. His production of Salome, created for Irish National Opera in 2024, was revived at Teatro Massimo di Palermo in Spring 2025.
He made his US debut in 2019, directing Rigoletto at Opera Theater of St Louis, and in summer 2024 made an acclaimed debut at the Santa Fe Opera, directing Der Rosenkavalier, originally created for Garsington Opera.
‘I can be very precise as to when to touch a piece of furniture, which way to turn or how to move, but within that, I try to let the singer express the idea truthfully. Less is more’
