The Dallas Opera - The Italian Girl in Algiers

The Italian Girl in Algiers

Home > The Season > The Italian Girl in Algiers

Synopsis |

Cast Bios |

Composer |

Blog |

PERFORMANCE DATES

March 6, 2009	7:30 PM	Buy
March 8(M), 2009	2:00 PM	Buy
March 11, 2009	7:30 PM	Buy
March 14, 2009	7:30 PM	Buy

The Italian Girl in Algiers
by Gioachino Rossini

A masterful Italian comic gem by the man who gave us The Barber of Seville. The Turkish Bey of Algiers, bored with his harem, sends the captain of his guard to find a new bride. He seizes upon the lovely victim of a shipwreck, an "Italian girl" searching for her lost lover. But don't think she'll go quietly.

It's one of the greatest comedies in opera, sparkling with Rossini's effervescent music and a keen understanding of just how far we'll go to get the man or woman of our dreams! Featuring one of the most memorable comic villains who ever walked the stage and the mother of all culture clashes! Save 10 to 40% off when you make a single ticket purchase for groups of ten or more. Call 214-443-1000 for details.

International Cast Highlights

	Manuela Custer* - Isabella Manuela Custer was born in Novara, Italy and made her debut in 1985 in Turin. This immediately led to an international career which has seen her appearing in the most prestigious Opera houses and Concert halls all over the world. Isabella in The Italian Girl in Algiers will be her Dallas debut.
	William Burden* - Lindoro American tenor William Burden has won an outstanding reputation throughout Europe and North America. Known for his acclaimed portrayal of the Italian and French protagonist roles, he has also begun to gain a reputation for his fine interpretations of the major Britten, Janacek, and Stravinsky roles at theaters that include The Metropolitan Opera, Op�ra National de Paris, and the Glyndebourne Opera Festival. This production of The Italian Girl in Algiers will be his Dallas Opera debut.
	Paolo Pecchioli - Mustafa Paolo Pecchioli is well known throughout Italy and has performed over 45 leading roles in European opera houses. He made his American debut at the Washington National Opera as Alidoro in La Cenerentola and was immediately re-engaged to sing Colline in La bohème there. Immediately after performing the role of Mustafa for The Dallas Opera, he reprises the role for Pittsburgh Opera. Talk about a busy spring!
	Patrick Carfizzi* - Taddeo Patrick Carfizzi has performed regularly with The Metropolitan Opera since his debut with the company in the 1999-2000 Season. Earlier this season, he sang the role of �Paolo� in Verdi�s Simon Boccanegra with the San Francisco Opera. Notable awards include the Richard Tucker Career grant Award in 2002 and the George London Award in 2001. His performances as �Taddeo� mark his Dallas Opera debut.
Meet the whole cast.

*Dallas Opera Debut

Where have I heard THAT before?
Rossini and film go together like bread and jam and you've heard his music at the local Cineplex more often than you know in films such as "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" (2005), "Under the Tuscan Sun" (2003), "Clear and Present Danger" (1994), "My Life" (1993) and "A Clockwork Orange" (1971).

Conversation Starters:
Rossini's friends wanted a statue erected in his honor. "How much would that cost," Rossini inquired. When told "20 thousand lira," the composer offered to stand on a pedestal for half the price. You think he was kidding? Rossini's first nine operas earned the equivalent of $1700. He collected no royalties and had no rights over subsequent productions of his works.

Did you know?
Rossini was a leap year baby, born on February 29, 1792. So, when he retired from the world of opera in 1829 he was only nine years old (No leap year in 1800). Leaping forward a few years, L'Italiana in Algeri was the very first opera produced by The Dallas (Civic) Opera in 1957.

Recommended Listening


	L'Italiana in Algeri / Horne � Ramey � Battle � Palacio � Zaccaria � I Solisti Veneti � Scimone
	Click here for Amazon.com

The Season

Tickets

Support TDO

Watch & Listen

Opera Education

News & Features

About TDO