Composer: Vincenzo Bellini

Librettist: Felice Romani

Premiere: March 6, 1831, at the Teatro Carcano, Milan

Synopsis

Set in a Swiss village, La Sonnambula tells the story of Amina, a young woman who is prone to sleepwalking. On the eve of her wedding to Elvino, she is discovered in the bedroom of a visiting nobleman, Count Rodolfo. Despite her innocence, Elvino breaks off their engagement. The truth is only revealed when Amina sleepwalks again, demonstrating her purity and fidelity, leading to a joyful reconciliation.

Roles and Voice Types

• Amina (Soprano): A young orphan raised by Teresa
• Elvino (Tenor): A wealthy landowner, engaged to Amina
• Rodolfo (Bass): The son of the former count
• Lisa (Soprano): The innkeeper, in love with Elvino
• Teresa (Mezzo-soprano): The mill owner who raised Amina
• Alessio (Bass): A villager, in love with Lisa
• Notary (Tenor): A village official

About the Director: Nelly Miricioiu

We are thrilled to have the renowned opera star Nelly Miricioiu as our stage director for La Bohème.

Highlights:

• Acclaimed international opera singer with a versatile repertoire
• Known for her exceptional acting abilities and vocal prowess
• Extensive experience in bel canto roles and rediscovered operas
• Debuted at Covent Garden (1982) and La Scala (1983)

Nelly’s rich experience as a performer brings a unique perspective to her direction, ensuring our production will be both musically exquisite and dramatically compelling.

Why Perform La Sonnambula?

1. Bel Canto Mastery: La Sonnambula is a quintessential bel canto opera, offering invaluable experience in this crucial style.
2. Vocal Showcase: The role of Amina, in particular, is known for its technical demands and expressive range, making it a significant achievement for sopranos.
3. Historical Significance: This opera has been a favorite of legendary singers throughout history, including Maria Callas and Joan Sutherland.
4. Artistic Challenge: The blend of comedy and pathos in the plot provides an excellent opportunity for singers to develop their acting skills alongside their vocal technique.
5. Repertoire Diversity: While not as frequently performed as some other operas, having La Sonnambula in your repertoire demonstrates versatility and mastery of the bel canto style.