Vincenzo Bellini’s charming opera La Sonnambula will be performed by the prestigious Italian opera company, Fondazione Arena di Verona on two nights this week. Completed in 1831 near the end of Bellini’s short life, La Sonnambula is one of his best-known operas and a landmark work in the bel canto (beautiful singing) operatic repertoire. The story concerns Amina a sleepwalker (sonnambula), who is an orphan about to be married to Elvino, a rich landowner. Elvino becomes jealous when Amina sleepwalks into the room of Count Rodolfo, son of the late Lord of the village. Amina is cruelly cast off until, during her next bout of sleepwalking, Elvino is greatly moved when he hears Amina singing of her love for him. When Amina awakens, the wedding preparations resume.
The lead singers are renowned for exquisite bel canto performances. The elegant young lyric soprano, Rosa Feola, who won three prizes at the Plácido Domingo World Opera Competition 2010 and graces the world’s best stages, honours the Royal Opera House Muscat with her debut as Amina. Elvino is sung by award-winning tenor Antonino Siracusa who enjoys an illustrious career in Europe and abroad. Nicola Ulivieri who sings Conte Rodolfo is gifted with a beautiful bass voice and a fine technique.
One of the great attractions of this compelling and magical production by Arena di Verona is the naturalistic staging with sets and costumes masterfully designed by the famous Argentine director Hugo de Ana whose work is characterised by pictorial insight, sensitivity and elegance.
The Royal Opera House presents Bellini’s wonderful opera, La Sonnambula on Thursday January 18 and Saturday January 20, 2018 at 7:00 pm. For further information and booking consult the ROHM website: www.rohmuscat.org.om
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