The compelling yet tragic tale of the bride of Lammermoor comes to the Philippine stage as the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Rustan Group of Companies, the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc., and the Embassy of Italy Manila, present “Lucia di Lammermoor” on January 31, 2020 (Friday), 8PM, with matinee show on February 2, 2020 (Sunday), at 3PM, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater).
From the genius of Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti, with libretto by Salvadore Cammarano, the three-act opera follows the story of Lucia Ashton, a Scottish maiden who falls in love with Edgardo, the leader of the Ashtons’ political enemies, but is forced by her brother Enrico to marry another nobleman named Arturo. Believing her brother’s lie that Edgardo has betrayed her, Lucia is so gripped with devastation and grief that she begins to lose her sanity.
First performed in Naples in 1835, the Donizetti opera has since become a favorite among opera-lovers, “with its vivid heroine, beautiful orchestration, gothic story and psychologically realistic portrayal of a woman on the brink of collapse.”
It is best known for its arias including “Il dolce suono” and “Regnavanelsilenzio,” among others.
Its heart-stopping Lucia’s mad scene has become one of the most famous moments in all opera.
For its Philippine premiere, soprano Melody Louledjian brings to life Lucia’s plight and descent into madness. Tenor Arthur Espiritu portrays Sir Edgardo di Ravenswood, the man she loves but couldn’t marry. Baritone Byeong In Park takes the role of Lord Enrico Ashton, Lord of Lammermoor and Lucia’s brother, while tenor Ivan Nery plays Lord Arturo Bucklaw, Lucia’s bridegroom.
Completing the opera cast are: bass Shi Zong as Raimondo Bidebent, a Calvinist chaplain; mezzo-soprano Camille Lopez-Molina as Alisa, Lucia’s handmaid; tenor Nomher Nival as Normanno, a huntsman and retainer of Enrico.
The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra provides live orchestral accompaniment, under the baton of Maestro Alessandro Palumbo. Choral group Viva Voce Voice Lab, with guest singers from the various music schools in Manila and Iloilo, joins the ensemble.
Vincenzo Grisostomi Travaglini directs the opera and designs the set and costumes, with Ravivaddhana Monipong Sisowath as assistant director, Giovanni Pirandello as lighting director and Giampaolo Lomi Ormanni as creative project coordinator.
“We are very excited to bring ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ to the Philippines. One of the greatest bel canto roles in all the operas, Lucia is quite challenging to perform. It has been challenging for us to find the best opera singer who would fit the role, and I’m so glad we found the right person to take the role,” shared Rustan Group of Companies chairman and CEO Zenaida R. Tantoco.
The opera performances will benefit the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. (PPOSI) and the Philippine Italian Association (PIA) Endowment Fund.
Lucia di Lammermoor is presented in cooperation with Hilton Manila, SSI Group, Inc., East West Bank, San Miguel Corporation, LCS Group of Companies. The opera is made possible also through the help of the following Supporters of Arts and Culture: Hermes, Danny Dolor, Ambassador and Mrs. Antonio M. Lagdameo, Rustan Coffee Corporation, and Advanced Foundation Construction Systems Corporation. MAC Cosmetics Philippines is the official make-up sponsor.
Tickets are priced at: P5,000 (Gala)/ P2,500 (Matinee) for Orchestra Center; P3,000/P1,500 for Orchestra Sides, P1,500/P800 for Balcony I Center; and P1,000/P500 for Balcony I Sides.
For tickets, call the CCP Box Office at 8832-3704, or TicketWorld at 8891-9999. For more information, visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.
