Double Bill: Il Segreto di Susanna (Susanna’s Secret) & Cavalleria Rusticana (Rustic Chivalry)

   Join us for this Double Bill

Il Segreto di Susanna (Susanna’s Secret) by E. Wolf-Ferrari
&
Cavalleria Rusticana (Rustic Chivalry) by P. Mascagni

Mascagni’s epic dramatic opera is usually paired up with another short opera, usually Pagliacci, which is equally dramatic.  This time we’re pairing it with Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari’s Il Segreto di Susanna.  In fact, this just may be the first time these two operas have been paired up in one operatic evening.  We think the lighter story and delightful, accessible music of Wolf-Ferrari (1876-1948) will beautifully complement the passionate story and powerful music of Cavalleria Rusticana.  It will make for a well-rounded evening out at the opera.

Cavalleria Rusticana (English: Rustic Chivalry).  The scene is a Sicilian village in the 19th century leading up to Easter Day.  Turiddù, a young peasant and son of a widowed mother, is in love with the coquette Lola, the daughter of Farmer Angelo.  On his return from military service, he finds her soon to be married to Alfio.  Lola, annoyed that Turiddù loves anyone else, ensnares him again, and her husband’s frequent absences allow them to meet at her house.  Santa takes revenge for this abandonment by revealing the affair to Alfio, to Lola’s relatives, and to Turiddù.  The evening before Easter, Alfio finds Turiddù, ashamed to be seen in public and challenges him to a duel.  After Turiddù gets a kiss from his mother, he and Alfio go out the next morning to battle.  After Turiddù deals the first blow, Alfio takes retribution, and Turiddù is slain.

Santuzza – TBD

Turiddu   – TBD

Lucia       – TBD

Alfio        – TBD

Lola        – TBD

Il Segreto di Susanna (English: Susanna’s Secret) is a one-act opera by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari to an Italian libretto by Enrico Golisciani. The opera premiered in 1909 and is the most frequently performed of all of Wolf-Ferrari’s works.  The opera tells the story of a husband who suspects his wife is having an affair after discovering she smells like cigarettes; only later to discover that her secret is that she is a smoker.

Countess Susanna – TBD
Count Gil                – TBD
Saints                     – TBD

Tickets ARE NOW available for sale!