Chelsea Opera Group return to the Cadogan Hall with a concert performance in Italian of Verdi’s early opera Un giorno di regno, with a cast of international soloists, and the Chelsea Opera Group Orchestra and Chorus.
A story of frustrated lovers, the pursuit of money, inter-generational rivalry, and a false identity: Un giorno di regno has all the ingredients for a classic Italian comedy. But Un giorno di regno was a notorious failure at its world premiere and soon disappeared from the stage.
A new critical edition has revealed just how much care Verdi put into the work – re-directing attention to its succession of brilliant arias, comic mishaps and poignant emotion. The time is ripe for Verdi’s comedy to be heard again, reminding us all of the truths to be uncovered in mischievous fantasy.
The performance will be conducted by Tom Seligman. Baritone Phillip Rhodes sings the Cavaliere di Belfiore, and regularly sings for Opera North, and has recently made his debut as Scarpia. Baritone John Savournin recently nearly stole the show at Opera Holland Park and sings Il Barone di Kelbar; Royal Opera House Jette Parker Link Artist soprano Sarah-Jane Lewis sings La Marchesa del Poggio; soprano Paula Sides returns to Chelsea Opera Group to sing Giulietta di Kelbar; Cardiff Singer of the World 2019 finalist tenor Luis Gomes sings Edoardo di Sanval; baritone Adrian Clarke, a regular at the Royal Opera House and Bregenz sings Signor la Rocca.
Ditlev Rindom will give a pre-performance talk for ticket holders at 5.45 pm in the hall.