Details

Paris and the Riviera, 1850s. Magda de Civry, mistress of the banker Rambaldo is giving a party in her Paris home. The poet-philosopher Prunier reads Magda's palm and predicts that, like the swallow, she will fly away from Paris, perhaps to find true love. A young man, Ruggero, son of an old friend of Rambaldo's arrives and Lisette, Magda's maid, advises him to spend his first evening in Paris at Bullier's cafe. Magda decides to follow him, in disguise. At Bullier's Ruggero sits alone. When Magda arrives, however, he dances with her (though without recognising her) and the couple are soon drinking a toast to their love. Suddenly Ramboldo storms in and demands that Magda return home. She refuses, saying she has found love. Ruggero and Magda have been living together on the Riviera. He hopes that they may marry and has written to ask for his parents consent. Magda admits her past and feels unfit to marry him. She departs for Paris, since Rambaldo has begged her to return, leaving behind the one love of her life. First performed at the Grand Theatre de Monte Carlo in Monte Carlo on 27 March 1917 New Production. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Cast/Performers

Kate Ladner (Magda), Sean Ruane (Ruggero), Hye Youn Lee), Hal Cazalet (Prunier), Nicholas Todorovic (Rambaldo), Henry Grant Kerswell (Perichaud), Maciek O'Shea (Crebillion / Rabonier), Patrick Mundy (Gobin), Sarah Minns (Bianca / Gabriela), Olivia Ray (Suzy / Lolette), Stephanie Bodsworth (Yvette / Georgette), Anna Patalong (Una voce interno), Geoffrey Thompson (Il Maggiordomo)

Creatives/Company

Music: Puccini
Producer: Opera Holland Park
Conductor: Peter Selwyn
Director: Tom Hawkes
Design: Peter Rice
Lighting: Colin Grenfell
Choreographer: Jenny Weston