21, 23, 26 Oct. 2003. Conducted by Pier Giorgio Morandi, directed by Pier Luigi Pizzi, with Angeles Blancas Gulin, Fabio Armiliato, Franco Vassallo. Piacenzas Teatro Municipale has chosen Aroldo by Verdi for its opening season, a little known but artistically valid opera (21, 23, 26 Oct). It is a re-working of Verdis earlier opera Stiffelio, although its setting is radically different and the protagonist has been transformed from Protestant pastor to English crusader. Aroldo does not unfold in arias and duets but in dramatic blocks, which are dispersed throughout the four acts that make up the bare bones of this vigorous and touching drama. It is an opera that can easily stand beside such masterpieces as La Traviata and Rigoletto, which are similar in style and taste. Pier Luigi Pizzi will be the director and Pier Giorgio Morandi will conduct. The three principal roles will be interpreted by Angeles Blancas Gulin, Fabio Armiliato and Franco Vassallo, all singers enjoying considerable success at present.

Paolo Di Nicola