Sleepwalking into Italian opera

With its pastoral setting, its Utopian vision of a harmoniously ordered society and a happy ending reached by way of situations of great poignancy, La sonnambula is Bellini’s first mature masterpiece, streamed by Slippedisc courtesy of OperaVision. Here he extends the expressive range of his lyricism with the most beautiful coloratura and lilting melodies; from Anima’s opening aria – which embraces ecstatic introspection, tender recitative-like musings and exuberant virtuosity – to her heart-breaking closing scene. Bellini creates a sense of the lead characters being part of a close-knit community by a constant musical interaction between the soloists and chorus. Teatro del Opera di Roma’s new production is conducted by Francesco Lanzillotta and is directed by Jean-Philippe Clarac & Olivier Deloeuil ‘LE LAB’, starring Lisette Oropesa as  Amina and John Osborn as Elvino.

The Plot:   in an apparent idyll high in the Swiss Alps, a secluded village society prepares for the next wedding. Amina is to be the lucky one this time. The groom Elvino, however, soon turns his attention back to his former wife because Amina sleepwalks into the bed of a stranger who has just arrived. Count Rodolfo, son of the former lord of the manor and travelling incognito, cannot convince the villagers of his innocence nor that of Amina, until she sleepwalks again and the collective belief in the supernatural is put to the test.

Subtitles in English and Italian

Streamed on Friday 10th May 2024 at 1900 CET  / 1800 London  /  1300 NY