By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Local opera fans won’t have to travel to Italy for a taste of bona fide Italian opera. Maestro Pier Luigi Pizzi returns for the third season of Korea Opera Group’s Pizzi Opera Festival, and offers Puccini’s ``Tosca’’ Thursday through Sunday at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Seoul.
The artistic general director will restage in Seoul what was featured in the 2008 Sferisterio Opera Festival, complete with the original cast, crew and stage set.
The 78-year-old maestro is regarded as one of the most talented artistic directors of modern times. A veteran of over 500 productions, he is known for his unparalleled sense of style and attention to detail for a mise en scene that can be not only thoroughly traditional, but also innovatively modern.
``Opera is an art form that beautifies and enriches life. The stage must expand the realm of people’s lives and enable the audience to dream. The audience at times come to the theater seeking heart wrenching tragedy but they also want be delighted by striking, special stage sets and music. I invite you to come to the theater with a pure heart, and the theater will fulfill your dreams,’’ said Pizzi in a statement.
Last year, the maestro and his disciple Massimo Gasparon wowed fans with memorable productions of ``Turandot’’ and ``Aida,’’ respectively. The former architect presented a peculiar step-formed stage set, which had appeared in Italy’s 2006 Macerata Festival.
This time, Gasparon assumes directorship of Pizzi’s ``Tosca,’’ which features, among others, the authentic ceremonial costumes of the Vatican. Gasparon has been working with the elder director for over 18 years, is seen as continuing his elder’s inspiration while building his own unique style.
The opera in three acts is a staple of the standard operatic repertoire. In the 1890s, Puccini is said to have been inspired to write the opera after watching a rendition of Victorian Sardou’s play of the same name starring famed Milanese actress Sara Bernard. This was while he was composing ``La Boheme’’ so ``Tosca’’ was created before ``Madama Butterfly.’’
Set in 19th-century Rome, it tells the tragic tale of the beautiful Tosca and her fated lover Cavaradossi. A classic tale of politics, friendship, jealousy and intrigue, the opera’s narrative is propelled by small details such as a misplaced fan or knife sitting on a table.
The sad and dark musical themes reflect an influence of realism but still highlight the imaginative and colorful world of the prolific composer. The emotionally moving aria ``Vissi d’arte’’ in the second act is one of the most famous pieces for soprano.
Sopranos Tiziana Caruso and Olga Perrier will share the title role of Tosca while tenors Giancarlo Monslave at Javier Palacios will alternate the role of Cavaradossi. Baritones Claudio Sgura and Woo Ju-ho will appear as Scarpia.
Tickets cost from 30,000 to 310,000 won. Call (02) 587-1950~2.