SHOWN SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 @ 3:00PM ONLY:

OPERA ON THE ISLAND: I PURITANI

Part of the ITALY’S GRAND OPERAS SERIES

Performed at Teatro Comunale di Bologna

‘Florez gave a very fine performance’full in tone, razorsharp in attack, with the stratospheric notes above top C well integrated within a chiseled melodic line… Nino Machaidze has many of the qualities_ a wide range, uncommon emotional sensitivity, ease in coloratura_ that are indispensable for Elvira.’ _Opera News

Following five years of extraordinary success with La Sonnambula, Norma and Beatrice di Tenda, I Puritani, the last opera written by a young Bellini, who died at age 34, is the richest example of transition from the lyrical classicism to the passion of romanticism. The first performances, in Paris, 1835, interpreted by the most beautiful voices of the time, became a legend.

For this production of I Puritani, the Teatro Comunale di Bologna has reunited two young stars who could well become the dream couple in the opera world: Juan Diego Florez and Nino Machaidze. Conducted by the extremely talented Michele Mariotti, I Puritani has been directed by the internationally renowned Pier’Alli, who, for more than 25 years, has set milestones in the story of opera direction.

CAST:

Ugo Guagliardo (Lord Gualtiero Valton)

Ildebrando D’Arcangelo (Sir Giorgio)

Juan Diego Florez (Lord Arturo Talbo)

Gabriele Viviani (Sir Riccardo Forth)

Gianluca Floris (Sir Bruno Robertson)

Nadia Pirazzini (Enrichetta di Francia)

Nino Machaidze (Elvira)

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Conductor: Michele Mariotti

Chief Chorus Master: Paolo Vero

Direction, Sets & Costumes: Pier’Alli

Costumes: Maria Danilova

Lights: Pier’Alli and Daniele Naldi

Tickets are $17.50 all seats, $15.00 for members.