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GAETANO DONIZETTI
Don Pasquale
Simone Alaimo Mario Cassi Irina Lungu Francesco Demuro Antonio Feltracco
Orchestra dell’Arena di Verona Staged by Antonio Albanese Conducted by Omer Meir Wellber
Teatro Filarmonico Verona
Don Pasquale
Conductor
Orchestra
Chorus
Chorus Master
Stage Director
Omer Meir Wellber
Orchestra dell’Arena di Verona
Coro dell’Arena di Verona
Armando Tasso
Antonio Albanese
Don Pasquale Simone Alaimo
Malatesta
Mario Cassi
Norina
Irina Lungu
Ernesto
Francesco Demuro
Un notaro Antonio Feltracco
Produced by Metisfilm Classica
Video Director Tiziano Mancini
Length: approx. 133'
Shot in HDTV 1080/50i
Cat. no. A00050015
A production of UNITEL
in co-production with Fondazione Arena di Verona
in cooperation with CLASSICA
“Don Pasquale” is, along with “L’elisir d’amore” and “La fille
du régiment,” one of the three musical comedies by Gaetano
Donizetti (1797–1848) that still rank highly in today’s operatic
repertoire. In this production “full of energy and with a stellar
cast” (La Repubblica), the celebrated Italian comedian, actor,
writer and cabaretist Antonio Albanese brings all of his wit
and spirit into play. He judiciously combines a bittersweet
depiction of amorous relations and the liberating laughter
that brings us back down to earth!
Its universal timelessness is reflected in Albanese’s words:
“[it is] an opera that relates with shrewdness and humanity
emotional situations that are still perfectly common today.”
Emotions simmer in the ageing Don Pasquale’s household,
since he disapproves of his nephew Ernesto wanting to
marry the spirited and clever young widow Norina. Mostly
to punish Ernesto and frustrate his expectations of being
Pasquale’s sole heir, Pasquale also wants to get married – to
Norina! Pasquale’s friend Dr. Malatesta adds oil to the fire by
presenting him with another pretty young woman – who just
happens to be Norina in disguise...
In his production, full-blooded theatrical pro Albanese finds
a perfect balance between laugh-out-loud comedy and
compassion for Pasquale. Rather than setting it in 18thcentury Rome, as called for by the libretto, he stages it in
contemporary Verona, with Pasquale as a wealthy wine
grower. The press hailed the production’s sparkling spirit and
many moments of reflection. As to the musical performance,
“the harmony between the emotions and the musical narrative
was absolute” (La Repubblica). The superb cast visibly enjoys
its task under the “inspired” (Corriere della sera) conducting
of young maestro Omer Meir Wellber.
World Sales:
Tel. +49.30.30306464
[email protected]
Unitel GmbH & Co. KG, Germany · Tel. +49.89.673469-630 · [email protected] www.unitelclassica.com
All rights reserved · credits not contractual · Different territories · Photos: © Ennevi · Flyer: luebbeke.com
GAETANO DONIZETTI