Giuseppe Verdi’s opera »Don Carlo« premiered in 1867. In this work the composer explores his great theme, the incompatibility of politics and private happiness, through almost all the characters. For modern audiences it paints an oppressively topical social panorama. In cooperation with the Salzburg Easter Festival, the Semperoper presents »Don Carlo«. The four-act Italian version from 1884 will be performed, supplemented by the instrumental prologue newly composed by Manfred Trojahn, which sets up the background to the drama.