When he composed La Cenerentola - or Cinderella - Rossini was twenty-five years old and already bidding farewell to opera buffa, the genre that had proved so popular with L'Italiana in Algeri and The Barber of Seville. He would now turn to other horizons, in particular serious opera seria. But the composer saved the best for last: this final jaunt into fairytale land is as enjoyable as it is exhilarating.
Inspired by Perrault's fairy tale, Rossini's version of Cinderella is a far cry from Walt Disney's image. While we find poor Angelina persecuted by her sisters and loved by a prince, there are no pumpkins transformed into carriages or mice disguised as coachmen. Not even a glass slipper, replaced here by crystal bracelets. All the magic is in the music - and what music! The composer had written one of his most brilliant scores: At last a princess, Angelina's final aria is a vocal fireworks display in itself. Under the baton of Giulio Cilona, the title role is sung by Beth Taylor, Bradamante in our Alcina abridged for Covid reasons.
Fabrice Murgia directed a dazzling production of the rare Enchanted Palace. He returns this season determined to transform this Cenerentola into a great popular celebration.. The film buff and gifted live video director has drawn his inspiration from American cinema, from the fantastic and gothic films of Tim Burton: staged at the height of the festive season, this Cenerentola promises a Nightmare before Christmas.
Duration
3 h with intervals
Prices
5 — 85 €
Performance in Italian, surtitled
All audiences aged 7 and over
Introduction to the performance
45 minutes before the start of the performance (free of charge, upon presentation of ticket).
The performance on Sunday 15 December includes a workshop for young audiences. For more information, click here.
The performance on Thursday 19 December has a special price for students and/or under-30s: €10 for the best seats!
The performance on Thursday 19 December is available with audio description. Bookings can be made by calling 03 83 85 30 60
La Cenerentola, opera buffa in two acts
First performed at the Teatro Valle in Rome on 25 January 1817
Jacopo Ferretti
Gioacchino Rossini
Opéra national de Lorraine
Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg,
Opéra de Reims, Théâtre de Caen
Giulio Cilona
Guillaume Fauchère
Fabrice Murgia
Clara Peluffo Valentini
Vincent Lemaire
Emily Brassier, Giacinto Caponio
Gaëlle Swann
Beth Taylor
Dave Monaco
Gyula Nagy
Alessio Arduini
Sam Carl
Héloïse Poulet
Alix Le Saux
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