Mistaken identities, ridiculous coincidences, lovers going mad and the brilliant music of Mozart, La finta giardiniera is both funny and heartbreaking. Written when he was 18, this rarely performed gem is a window into the genius Mozart’s comic masterpieces to come.
The story revolves around Count Belfiore and his ex-lover, La Marchese Violante, whom he fears he has stabbed to death in a jealous rage. But she has survived and now she and her servant Nardo work, disguised as gardeners, for the Mayor, Don Anchise, who has fallen in love with her.
Count Belfiore comes to the house for his arranged marriage to the Mayor’s niece, Arminda. Add in Ramiro, Arminda’s ex-fiancée, the servant girl, Serpetta, who is the object of Nardo’s affections, but who is more interested in the Mayor, and you find the love triangles of this fabulous opera buffa.
This production features the talented and growing young artists of the PSU Opera Program and Orchestra. La finta giardiniera will be the first opera experience for a few of the performers, such as freshman Avesta Mirashrafi, singing the role of Count Belfiore. And it will be the 5th or 6th opera production for some of the accomplished seniors in our program!
Sung in Italian with English surtitles.