News & Events
OPERA SOUTHWEST PRESENTS PUCCINI’S SUOR ANGELICA AND GIANNI SCHICCHI
Opera Southwest closes its 39th Season with a double-bill by Giacomo Puccini, the second and third operas from his musical triptych “Il Trittico”, Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi, opening 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 24 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. The trio was first performed at the Metropolitan Opera December 14, 1918. Artistic Director Maestro Anthony Barrese describes the music as “Puccini at his best. These works were the last operas that Puccini ever completed, and they show his indefatigable search for new colors and harmonies and his intense interest in the most contemporary music of his era.”
Suor Angelica is the story of a Florentine noble lady who, having committed a youthful indiscretion, is compelled by her family to take the veil. When she discovers that her illegitimate son has died, she poisons herself to join him, only to realize that she has committed an even greater sin. OSW Artistic Director Anthony Barrese will conduct; Guest Director Kristen Barrett will make her company directing debut with this production; cast members include Abla Hamza as Suor Angelica, Sharmay Musacchio as La zia Principessa and Amy Mahoney returning as Suor Genovieffa.
Gianni Schicchi is an absurd comedy involving the family members of Buoso Donati, recently deceased, all of whom aspire to inherit his property. Gianni Schicchi, in the best Italian comedic tradition, impersonates Buoso and dictates the will to his benefit (a crime condemned by no less than Dante in his “Inferno”) leaving the family high and dry. Maestro Barrese will conduct; Director of Artistic Operations David Bartholomew will direct; cast members include Matthew Burns in the title role, Amy Mahoney returns as Lauretta, Sharmay Musacchio as Zita and Donald L.C. Groves returning as Rinuccio.
Additional performances are Tuesday, March 27 and Friday, March 30 at 7:30 p.m. and a final matinee Sunday, April 1 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets from $10 to $75 are available at Opera Southwest, 505-243-0591, operasouthwest.org and the NHCC Box Office, 505-724-4771,
Discounts, through Opera Southwest only, are available for students, seniors and groups.
Saturday, March 17
Puccini double bill Seminar
Saturday, June 2 2:00-4:00pm
Puccini & Popcorn at the Albuquerque Museum