The most famous double act in the history of opera
When first presented, Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana and Ruggiero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci laid the foundations for the rise of verismo, realism in opera.
Damiano Michieletto’s keen direction combines these two opera classics in an ingenious way. The award-winning production, which teems with hidden love, jealousy and revenge, was an instant success after its premiere at the Royal Opera House in London in 2015.
Recommended for children over the age of 12.
Cavalleria Rusticana
Turiddu is sorely disappointed as he returns from the army to his home village in Italy. Lola, his fiancé, has married Alfio. As revenge against her, Turiddu seduces Santuzza, but the jealous Lola soon tempts Turiddu to begin an affair with her.
Alfio hears about his wife’s unfaithfulness with Turiddu. Alfio swears vengeance and challenges Turiddu to a duel.
A group of villagers awaits in suspense for the outcome of the duel. Suddenly there’s a scream: Turiddu has been killed.
Pagliacci
A company of touring actors arrives at an Italian village, where they have come to perform a comedy about a man and his unfaithful wife.
The head of the troupe, Canio, is jealous of his wife, Nedda. She is lusted after by Tonio, and her lover, Silvio.
The villagers arrive to watch the play. As Canio plays the role of Pagliaccio, he gets reality and theatre mixed up. It’s as if the performance were repeating his life. In his rage, he murders his wife and Silvio.
You can read the full synopsis and other background information in the programme booklet.
Production of Royal Opera House, London
Photos: Catherine Ashmore/Royal Opera House
Hannu Lintu’s spectacular start
Hannu Lintu takes on the role of the Principal Conductor of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet in August 2021. Cavalleria rusticana & Pagliacci provides an aptly amazing start to his first season at the Opera House. “Taking on the position of the Chief Conductor is one of the most important responsibilities in my career. I only consider myself ready for it now.”
DIRECTOR
Damiano Michieletto
SETS
Paolo Fantin
COSTUMES
Carla Teti
LIGHTING DESIGN
Alessandro Carletti
What can we get you?
Choose your favourite refreshments from this season’s tasty menu. You can easily add refreshments to your shopping basket while selecting tickets in our online store.
The services of the Opera Restaurant are available before performances and during the interval. Order beforehand and avoid the queues. Refreshment sales for performances in autumn 2021 will start in August.
Please note that we cannot guarantee a specific table for orders made via the online store. We may also seat several parties at the same table. You may be assigned a bar height table for enjoying refreshments standing up.
Your 20% discount for Radisson Blu Hotels
Complete your experience by staying the night at a hotel. As a customer of the Finnish National Opera and Ballet, you can enjoy the hospitality of Helsinki’s Radisson Blu Hotels at a special rate.
This treat-yourself-offer includes accommodation for two in the hotel of your choice in Helsinki, two glasses of sparkling wine upon arrival, and the hotel’s delicious Super Breakfast.
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