Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte
University Opera Theatre
University Symphony Orchestra
Mendelssohn Theatre
November 16 - 19, 2006
Overview
The Story:
Egged on by a cynical misogynist, Don Alfonso, who claims that women are by nature unfaithful, two young men bet that their girlfriends, who are sisters, will remain loyal. Drawn away by a trumped up call to arms and aided by Alfonso and a maid, the men return in disguise to woo the girls in an intriguing and often comic game of fiancée swapping. The sisters initially resist the advances, but eventually break down after a series of tricks, and declare their adoration for their new loves. But sometimes a joke can go too far and the young men begin to regret their actions as they find their own hearts are equally susceptible to change. When the young men reveal their deception to the sisters and their own disloyalty, all bets are off as the capriciousness of love muddles who really loves whom.
Artistic Significance:
Così fan tutte is the third and last of Mozart’s great operas written with librettist Lorenzo da Ponte, following closely on the heels of their success with Don Giovanni. The score is one of unsurpassed tenderness and perception - a complete union of words and music. Così features beautiful arias including “Come scoglio,” “Smanie implacabili,” and “Per pietà” and incomparable ensembles that highlight both the laughter and pathos in the story. The opera’s plot was considered scandalous during its time and only gained international popularity in the 20th century. Presented in honor of the 250th Anniversary of his birth, Così fan tutte is a exquisite and intimate opera written at the summit of Mozart’s creative genius.
The Cast
Nov. 16 & 18, 2006
Fiordiligi |
Anne Gross (Harrisonburg, VA) |
Dorabella |
Lorraine Yaros Sullivan (Greeley, CO) |
Despina |
Lindsey Cafferky (Portland, OR) |
Ferrando |
Dustin Scott (Sterling Heights, MI) |
Guglielmo |
Branden C. S. Hood (Philadelphia, PA) |
Alfonso |
Seth Mease Carico (Signal Mountain, TN) |
Nov. 17 & 19, 2006
Fiordiligi |
Lori Celeste Hicks (Detroit, MI) |
Dorabella |
Elizabeth Gray McGhee (Southfield, MI) |
Despina |
Amanda Kingston (Middleton, WI) |
Ferrando |
Brandon Snook (Richardson, TX) |
Guglielmo |
Paul Scholten (Muskegon, MI) |
Alfonso |
Stephen Lancaster (Troy, MI) |
Commedia Players
Robert Huebner (Ann Arbor, MI), Kelley Kimball (Seal Beach, CA),
Wes Mason (Norfolk, VA), Margaret Rood (St. Clair, MI),
Jonathan Bryan Smith (Richmond, VA)
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