“We are very excited to bring ‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ to the Philippines. One of the most significant 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 “Nedy” Tantoco.
The compelling yet tragic tale of the bride of Lammermoor comes to life on the Philippine stage on Feb. 2, 2020 at three in the afternoon, at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater). Bringing the celebrated opera to the Philippines are The Cultural Center of the Philippines, Rustan Group of Companies, the Filipinas Opera Society Foundation, Inc. and the Embassy of Italy Manila.
The three-act opera (by the Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti, with a libretto by Salvadore Cammarano) follows the story of Lucia Ashton, a Scottish maiden who falls in love with Edgardo, the leader of the Ashtons’ political enemies. She is forced by her brother Enrico to marry another nobleman named Arturo. Believing her brother’s lie that Edgardo has betrayed her, Lucia begins to lose her sanity.
It is best known for its arias, including “Il dolce suono” and “Regnavanelsilenzio,” among others.
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 most significant 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 “Nedy” Tantoco.
The opera performances will benefit the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc. (PPOSI) and the Philippine Italian Association (PIA) Endowment Fund.
For tickets, call the CCP Box Office at 8832-3704, or TicketWorld at 8891-9999. For more information, visit www.culturalcenter.gov.ph.
