Description

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CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA by: Pietro Mascagni Premiering in Rome in 1890, Cavalleria Rusticana ("Rustic Chivalry"), this "verismo" ("realistic") opera conveys a dramatic and tragic love triangle in 19th century rural Sicily. The version to be shown is a film, using actual countryside, small village scenery, churches, etc. on location in Sicily. Placido Domingo stars as Turiddu, a former soldier who has an affair with Lola (who is married to a proud but violent cart driver, Alfio).Turiddu's gilted former lover, Santuzza, is utterly heartbroken and has her revenge by revealing Turiddu's and Lola's adultery to her husband, Alfio. Then sparks fly! This is an opera aflame with jealousy, infidelity, heartbreak, and alcohol-fueled revenge. The acting is fabulous, and the music is known worldwide as being powerful, emotion-laden, and exquisitely beautiful. This opera runs only about an hour and ten minutes. It won a contest, beating out numerous other short (one act) operas to be staged in Rome. Come and see why it beat all the competition!
SUOR ANGELICA ("SISTER ANGELICA") by: Giacomo Puccini Suor Angelica premiered in 1918. It is one of three short, one-act operas combined into Il Trittico (The Triptych) - three brief operas presented at the same time. Suor is the middle of the three. Suor Angelica is very much a deep tragedy. Running only about 1 hour, this opera follows a wealthy noblewoman who had a son out of wedlock. The family is humiliated, and she is consigned by her family, in particular her cold, cruel aunt, to a convent as punishment. When the opera opens, she is there seven years, tending their flower garden, formulating potions, salves, etc. to help the nuns. In the video you'll see, the nun's function within a children's hospital. Suor Angelica is visited by her aunt and learns that her (Angelica's) son died two years previously, at age five, from an incurable disease. Totally heartbroken and devastated by this loss, Suor Angelica formulates a deadly potion to take herself out of this world so she could, in her thinking, 'join her son in heaven'. The music is sublimely beautiful, the acting is mesmerizing, and the emotional tautness of this opera will likely have you in tears. Bring tissues!
For information/register call the Ellicott City 50+ Center at 410-313-1400.

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Opera Viewing and discussion: Double Feature! Please Note: CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA and SUOR ANGELICA constitute a double-feature and will be co- presented at the same time, separated by a brief intermission. Total time for both operas is only about 2 hours

Age Group/Camp

Adults 50+

Location

ECity Classroom--Fitness Center Bldg at Ellicott City 50+ Center

Instructor

Sam Stern