Opera Orlando presents a unique double bill of Beatrice + Benedict and Cavalleria Rusticana

This first-time pairing of these two masterworks has been conceived by company artistic director Grant Preisser who directs and designs, and is joined by conductor Alfred Savia making his company debut.

Opera Orlando concludes its 2024-25 Destiny + Desire Mainstage series on Friday, April 25 at 7:30 pm, and Sunday, April 27 at 2 pm at Sreinmetz Hall, with a unique double bill of Berlioz’s Beatrice + Benedict and Mascagni’s verismo masterpiece Cavalleria Rusticana

Watch this all-new opera mash-up, conceived by Company artistic director Grant Preisser, unfold simultaneously on an Easter day in the Sicilian town of Messina.

Picture it ... Sicily ... 1860 ... 

A battle of wits takes over the town square as the scornful and pragmatic Beatrice, sung by mezzo-soprano Raphaella Medina, goes toe-to-toe with the arrogant and cavalier Benedict, sung by tenor Pedro Valdez. Both have sworn off marriage, but are tricked into thinking the other has fallen for them. This lighthearted adaptation of Berlioz’s take on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing turns into a heartfelt ode to love as couples look forward to their wedding day. 

Then the opening notes of Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana sound in the same town square that is now a backdrop to the tragic, realistic portrayal of unrequited love. A heartbroken Turiddu, sung by Metropolitan Opera tenor Dominick Valdés Chenes, longs for the beautiful Lola, who is now married to the merchant Alfio, although Turiddu has a wife of his own, Santuzza, sung by the spectacular mezzo-soprano Audrey Babcock. Turiddu and Lola begin a scandalous affair, but it is short-lived once Alfio learns of it, and exacts his revenge.

Company artistic director Grant Preisser leads this production joined by conductor Alfred Savia. The production will also feature the Opera Orlando Chorus and Opera Orlando Youth Company, as well as dancers from Orlando Ballet with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra in the pit.

A pre-show talk, for all ticket holders, will be held on stage 50 minutes prior to each performance.

Tickets

Tickets start at $29, and are available now, get yours here.

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