Così fan tutte, Mozart

515 East Thacker Street,Des Plaines IL 60016

13 August, 2022

Description

CREATIVE TEAM Conductor: Codrut Birsan Director: Margaret Jumonville Musical Preparation: Curtiss Serafin Assistant Conductor: José Alejandro Peñalver Ortiz Mozart's comic masterpiece begins with a bold declaration that is bound to stir up trouble: two military officers, Ferrando and Guglielmo confidently state that their respective fiancées, two sisters named Dorabella and Fiordiligi, will always stay faithful. The skeptic Don Alfonso takes the wager: in one day, he will prove that their beloveds, like all women, are unfaithful. To test the ladies’ fidelity, the officers will pretend to have been suddenly summoned to war. In disguise, each will return and try to sweep the other's lover off her feet. The sisters in question, Dorabella and Fiordiligi, sing of their admiration for their fiancés. The three men arrive to set their test into motion and the lovers sing emotional farewells. Alfonso is confident that their words of love will be proven meaningless shortly. The ladies’ maid, Despina, also presents a cynical view of love and fidelity, suggesting that the women should take this opportunity to enjoy themselves with other men. Alfonso decides Despina is the perfect accomplice and, with a bribe, engages her in helping him win his bet. The officers return, disguised as Albanians who were led to the women by the power of love. The sisters at first resist their overwhelming romantic overtures, which secretly gives the officers hope that their loves will stay faithful. However, jealousy proves a powerful force as the resolve of the men gives way to the desire to best one another romantically. Can the women remain a united front against such strategic temptation, or, as the opera's title concludes, are all women ultimately unfaithful? In the name of pride, how far will each officer take the bet? Finally, is the customary happy ending truly happy for all? Note: General social distancing guidelines will be encouraged. For the safety of our audience, the theatre will not be at full capacity. We encourage unvaccinated audience members to wear a mask.