Vita in Francia: Libertà, Padre e Pirenei

At the age of eight, Chiara Muti experienced the rehearsals of Strehler’s production of Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, with her father, Riccardo Muti, conducting the orchestra of La Scala. She recalls it as a pivotal moment, sparking a passion for both music and theater that led her to enroll at the school of Piccolo. Strehler, a former violinist, was described by Chiara as “a frustrated orchestra conductor.” She further characterized him as “fantastic, even if his harshness wouldn’t stand up to today’s politeness,” noting his immersive directorial style – physically engaging with actors, mirroring their movements, and creating a shadowy presence during rehearsals. According to Chiara, a director’s role is to reveal what lies beneath the surface, much like a musician seeks the nuances between notes.

A Family of Artists

Chiara Muti has transitioned from actress to director, even directing her father. “He called me for Sancta Susanna, and I didn’t think I was ready, but he understood that my work could lead to opera direction,” she stated. Her father, she says, “has always let me be free.” Her brothers pursued studies in Architecture and Law. She credits him with indirectly fostering her love for theater, and they have collaborated on productions including Così fan tutte, Don Giovanni, and Manon Lescaut, with plans to revisit Macbeth and Don Giovanni in Japan.

A Father’s Dedication

Chiara Muti describes her father as “true and humble,” acknowledging that his perceived aloofness stems from his exacting standards. She notes his continued preparation, even when revisiting familiar works, emphasizing his commitment to thorough exploration as a key lesson.

Did You Know? Chiara Muti recalls attending rehearsals of Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro at La Scala with her father, Riccardo Muti, at the age of eight.

Life in France

Chiara Muti has chosen to reside in France, spending much of her time in the countryside at the foot of the Pyrenees. Her husband, a pianist, practices in their home studio while she reads and listens to operas in the library, often punctuated by their daughter’s requests for help with homework. They have even given names to the oak trees in their woods, with Marie Antoinette being Chiara’s favorite. Her daughter attends high school in France, balancing her studies with smartphone use, which Chiara jokingly refers to as “a demonic instrument,” a sentiment reflected in her use of screens in her production of Guillaume Tell at La Scala.

Expert Insight: The Muti family’s collaborative artistic endeavors highlight the intergenerational transmission of passion and expertise within the performing arts. Chiara Muti’s description of her father’s dedication to preparation underscores the rigorous commitment required for sustained excellence in classical music and opera.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sparked Chiara Muti’s interest in theater?

Attending rehearsals of Strehler’s production of Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro with her father, Riccardo Muti, at the age of eight sparked her passion for theater.

What did Chiara Muti direct her father in?

Chiara Muti directed her father in productions of Sancta Susanna, Così fan tutte, Don Giovanni, and Manon Lescaut, and they are planning to collaborate on Macbeth and Don Giovanni in Japan.

Where does Chiara Muti currently live?

Chiara Muti lives in France, spending time in the countryside at the foot of the Pyrenees.

How might the balance between tradition and innovation shape the future of opera, as exemplified by the collaborative work of the Muti family?