The first panel, Il tabarro (The Cloak), takes us to a barge on the banks of the Seine, where an unusually dark version of the eternal operatic triangle is played out with a gruesome and violent ending. World-famous soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek, recently on the main stage as Anna Nicole Smith in Mark-Anthony Turnage's Anna Nicole, directed by Richard Jones, takes the role of the wayward Giorgetta, bored with her elderly husband, who embarks on an affair with the handsome Luigi.
Next comes the pastel-shaded Suor Angelica (Sister Angelica), set in a convent where a woman has been sent to expiate the 'sin' of having an illegitimate baby; suddenly a relative arrives to bring her some devastating news. The devoted and tormented mother, Suor Angelica, is sung by German soprano Anja Harteros, who made her triumphant Royal Opera debut in 2008 as Amelia Grimaldi in Verdi's Simon Boccanegra. Acclaimed Jette Parker Young Artist Anna Devin sings the charming cameo role of young Suor Genoveva.
Finally, in the mordant comedy Gianni Schicchi we meet the Florentine relatives of the late Buoso Donati, intent upon altering the will of their deceased family member with the aid of a wily newcomer to the city. Renowned baritone Lucio Gallo returns to The Royal Opera after his triumphant performances as Iago in Simon Boccanegra, Elena Zilio returns in the grandly comic role of Zita and rising star Francesco Demuro sings the role of her nephew Rinuccio. |
