Details

A short opera first performed in 1892 based on a Harlequin comedy. 'Clowns' - fun, laughter, entertainment, mirth. But offstage? In Leoncavallo's 1892 drama of jealousy and revenge the boundaries between the imaginary world of theatre and the real passions of a troupe of travelling players are broken down with violent results. Canio exacts revenge on his unfaithful wife Nedda and her lover Silvio in the unexpected climax of a play, while their audience realize only gradually the horror unfolding before them. It is an opera of emotional indulgence, from the joyful birdsong that inspires Nedda's 'Stridono lass?' to 'Vesti la giubba', Canio's famous heartrending outburst of self-pity. Co-owned by Los Angeles Opera Company and The Washington Opera. Production new to the Royal Opera House. The production will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Due to its size and complexity, with over 200 people on stage, it is presented by itself, as it was at its premiere in Milan 1892, rather than sharing the evening with another one-act opera. Zeffirelli strongly believes that Pagliacci gains dramatic intensity and is more effective when performed by itself. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. Running time 1 hour 45 minutes. Sponsored by Coutts (2003). July 16th - BP Opera in the Piazza Live relay from the Royal Opera House.

Cast/Performers

Placido Domingo (Canio), Angela Gheorghiu (Nedda), Dmitri Hvorostovsky (Silvio), Lado Ataneli (Tonio), Daniil Shtoda (Beppe), Dennis O'Neill (some dates), Leo Nucci (some dates), Nuccia Focile (some dates), Shawn Mathey (some dates), George Petean (some dates)

Creatives/Company

Author: Ruggiero Leoncavallo (1892)
Lyrics: Ruggero Leoncavallo
Company: Royal Opera
Conductor: Antonio Pappano
Director: Franco Zeffirelli (original direction)
Design: Franco Zeffirelli (original design)
Costume: Raimonda Gaetani
Lighting: Joan Sullivan Genthe