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Love or Power?
Opera Boston Opens Maria Padilla
The Opera Boston has once again put together a spectacular show which proves to be great primarily because of its experienced cast.
Maria Padilla will be introduced at the Opera Boston for its third appearance in American opera since 1990. The play is a classic love story that involves the calamitous decision of choosing love over power. Maria has fallen in love with Don Pedro, King of Castille (played by DongWon Kim) but because of his political position, he already has a pending marriage in order to expand his political power. The play encompases their struggle and secrets behind their love, and ending with Don Pedro’s final decision: love or power?
Playing the title role of Maria is soprano Barbra Quintiliani, who has been the star of numerous operas such as Lucrezia Borgia and Luisa Miller. In addition, Quintiliani has already received stupendous reviews for her Maria Padilla performance under the Wexford Festival Opera. Opera News reported on Quintilani’s performance as Maria: “Quintiliani’s voice has a rock-solid core and a warm, slightly dark tone – a refreshing change from so many of the piping sopranos who specialize in this repertory.”
Alongside Quintilani is her co-star from Wexford, Adriano Graziani, a native of Wales who is making his American debut on the Boston stage. Graziani will be playing Maria’s father, while showcasing his Italian speaking skills in tenor.
This three act melodrama was originally composed by Gaetano Donizetti in 1841 to be performed at the Teatro La Scala in Milan; it’s a great honor for the Opera Boston to present Maria Padilla on its own stage.
The 3 performances overlap the same dates as the 2011 OPERA America conference which is co-hosted by Opera Boston and Boston Lyric Opera. Throughout May 7-11, hundreds of professionals of the opera industry will be flocking from all over the country.
More ticket info here.