Victor Hugo’s Le roi s’amuse was still too controversial for the censors when Verdi took it up in 1850; the King of France had to become the Duke of Mantua – but this does nothing to weaken the heartrending tale of “physical deformity redeemed by paternal love” (Hugo). Verdi drew on everything he had learned from Donizetti, including the radical finale that dwindles down to the doomed parent and child alone on stage, and created bel canto melodies that became immortal.
Georgia Jarman, soprano; Nicole Piccolomini, mezzo-soprano; John Osborn, tenor; Stephen Powell, baritone; Jeffrey Beruan, bass; Bel Canto Young Artists; Orchestra of St. Luke’s; Will Crutchfield, conductor and Director of Opera
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Saturday Evening July 19th @ 8 pm
