Details
The story is a profoundly moving eulogy to forgiveness - but in true Verdian operatic tradition we must first travel the road of honour, vengeance, deception and hatred.
Stiffelio, a minister of the church, is confronted with his wife's infidelity and has to find a way to reconcile his desire for revenge with his faith and beliefs. The third act sermon we learn whether he succeeds is terribly poignant, yet somehow there remains an edge of cynicism it is hard to escape. The controversy, the subject matter and Verdi's brilliance make the character of
Stiffelio one of the composer's most powerful and affecting. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.
Cast/Performers
Geraint Dodd,
Katarina Jovanovic,
John Rawnsley,
Keel Watson,
Nicholas Ransley,
Carole Wilson,
Thomas WalkerCreatives/Company
Music:
Giuseppe VerdiLyrics:
Francesco Maria Piave (after the play Le Pasteur ou L'Evangile et le foyer by Emile Souvestre and Eugene Bourgeois)
Company(s):
Cadogan Opera,
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra,
Opera Holland Park ChorusDirector:
Martin Lloyd EvansConductor:
John GibbonsDesign:
Jessica CurtisLighting:
Simon Corder