The Royal Opera at Royal Opera House Covent Garden
Un Ballo in Maschera plays at Canadian cinemas on March 14 & 15, as part of the 2009 Canada Winter/Spring series
- Empire Theatres March 14 & 15 - 13:00
- The Ridge (Vancouver) March 14 - 10:00
- Princess Twin Cinema (Waterloo) March 14 & 15 - 13:00
Based on a real occurrence, Un ballo in maschera is an intrigue that features three explosive ingredients: fidelity, treachery and passion. Verdi’s inspiration for this opera arose from the assassination of King Gustave III of Sweden by one of his most loyal ministers during a masked ball. However, Verdi’s opera was thought to be too controversial and, to escape censorship, he transferred the action from Stockholm to colonial Boston in the late 17th century. A complex story of love and politics unfolds in which, Riccardo, Count of Warwick and Governor of Boston, his faithful secretary Renato and Amelia, Renato’s wife, become trapped in a fatal romantic triangle. Violeta Urmana shines in the role of tormented Amelia, sharing the stage with two other important Hispanic singers, the Argentinean tenor, Marcelo Álvarez, and the baritone from Málaga, Carlos Álvarez.
Mario Martone stages a truly spectacular ending with major visual impact in this Teatro Real co-production with London’s Royal Opera house. Musical direction is by Jesús López Cobos.
Shot live at Teatro Real Madrid in High Definition and Full Surround Sound – Sept. 2008
Duration: 130 minutes (+ 20 minute intermission)
