Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci” Opens San Diego Opera’s 2014 Season
American tenor Frank Porretta sings the role of Canio, the murderous clown.
San Diego Opera announces the return of opera’s beloved “Pagliacci” by Ruggero Leoncavallo when it opens the 2014 season on Saturday, January 25, 2014 for four performances only. Making his return to the Company to sing the role of the murderous clown Canio, is American tenor Frank Porretta who was last heard as the Duke in “Rigoletto” in 2002. Soprano Adina Nitescu makes her Company debut as Nedda, Canio’s ill-fated wife. Also making a Company debut is baritone Rodolfo Giugliani as the hunchback Tonio, who is in love with Nedda. Baritone David Adam Moore, who made his Company debut as Mercutio in 2010’s “Romeo and Juliet” to rave reviews, returns to sing the role of Nedda’s lover, Silvio. Rounding out the cast is tenor Joel Sorensen as Beppe. Conductor Yves Abel, who made his Company debut last season leading performances of “The Daughter of the Regiment,” leads the orchestra for these performances. Director Andrew Sinclair, who directed last season’s “Aida,” returns to stage the action. The set design is by John Coyne and the costumes were designed by Ed Kotanen. The lighting designer is Michael Whitfield. This production of “Pagliacci” is owned by San Diego Opera. These performances will be the fourth time this opera has been performed by San Diego Opera with other performances happening in 2008, 1979 and 1969.
One of the most powerful operas in the repertoire, “Pagliacci” is gut-wrenching as the hunchback Tonio, a member of a traveling troupe of players, is rejected by Canio’s wife, Nedda. After Tonio sees Nedda with another man, in an act of revenge he tells Canio. In the famous aria “Vesti la giubba,” Canio applies his clown make-up saying that the show must go on, but creates his own murderous ending before horrified onlookers.
Tickets can be purchased by calling (619) 533-7000 or online at www.sdopera.com.
Category: Entertainment, Events
