Opera Los Angeles, United States Nicola Luisotti, conductor; Franco Zeffirelli, director; Roberto Alagna, Canio; Angela Gheorghiu, Nedda 7.30pm, Thursday 29 September 2005
Ruggiero Leoncavallo: I Pagliacci Description:
An epic Franco Zeffirelli production fills the stage with a breathtakingly realistic spectacle of a contemporary urban landscape. Los Angeles Opera's legendary Pagliacci returns for a thrilling all-star revival, led by Roberto Alagna and Angela Gheorghiu.
Hiding his obsession and rage behind the makeup of a clown, a jealous husband plots his murderous revenge onstage, and his faithless wife is forced to fight for her life in front of a cheering, oblivious audience. After their stunning performances in last season's La bohme, Roberto Alagna and Angela Gheorghiu return as the brutal leader of a troupe of traveling performers and his wife who yearns for escape from her loveless life.
Alberto Mastromarino is the rejected suitor whose humiliation sets a deadly plot in motion. Mariusz Kwiecien and Rod Gilfry share the role of Silvio, Nedda's secret lover, and Greg Fedderly returns as Beppe.
On September 17, soprano Annalisa Raspagliosi makes her Company debut as Nedda. A breathtaking, realistic vision of crowded tenements and teeming streets emphasizes the human drama of this vivid masterpiece. From the lone voice of a betrayed husband, voicing his heartbreak in of the world's most famous arias, to an epic sized, constantly moving recreation of an entire city, Pagliacci packs a dramatic punch unmatched in opera. ANGELA GHEORGHIU Angela Gheorghiu was born in Adjud, Romania. Her magnificent soprano voice and dazzling stage presence have established her as a unique international opera star. In addition to regular stage performances, she has made many recordings both on CD and DVD.
