Centennial tribute to Puccini with Hong Kong’s historic staging of Il Trittico
- Musica Viva presents the city’s premiere of Puccini’s masterful operatic triptych, inviting audiences to an evening of love, loss and wit brought to life with a live orchestra
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Presented by Musica Viva, this production invites audiences to an evening rich in themes of love, loss and wit, all brought to life through Puccini’s transcendent compositions and the artistry of a live orchestral performance.
Scheduled for December 13-15 at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, these performances offer local audiences a rare chance to experience Il Trittico in its original form.
Comprising three distinct operas – Il Tabarro (The Cloak), Suor Angelica (Sister Angelica) and Gianni Schicchi – the production traverses an extraordinary spectrum of emotions, from the depths of heartbreak and redemption to the sharp wit of satire and dark humour.
This ambitious staging is accompanied by a live orchestra, bringing to life Puccini’s lush musical textures and dramatic depth.
The centenary of Puccini’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of his unparalleled contributions to music. Known for his ability to capture the intricacies of human emotion, Puccini remains a towering figure in the operatic canon.
His works, steeped in universal themes, resonate as profoundly today as they did a century ago. For Musica Viva, this production is not just a performance but also a celebration of Puccini’s enduring genius.
"Il Trittico is a masterful triptych of one-act operas that collectively explore the full spectrum of human experience. This trilogy consists of a powerful melodrama of illicit love and murder, a moving depiction of life in a convent with an uplifting vision of a miracle, and a hilarious comedy about a clever rogue impersonating a deceased millionaire to dictate a new will, cheating all the greedy relatives and benefiting mainly himself," says Lo Kingman, producer and director of this Musica Viva presentation.
Set against the backdrop of a barge on the Seine, Il Tabarro, a dark and suspenseful tale, explores jealousy, betrayal and the destructive power of unfulfilled desires. Its gripping narrative unfolds through a hauntingly atmospheric score.
A deeply moving story of love and redemption, Suor Angelica tells of a cloistered nun’s painful confrontation with her past and the devastating loss of her child. The emotional climax, heightened by Puccini’s stirring melodies, leaves audiences profoundly moved.
Closing the triptych is Gianni Schicchi, a satirical gem. Inspired by a real-life incident and immortalised by Dante in The Divine Comedy, this opera blends dark comedy and clever twists.
With its celebrated aria O mio babbino caro, it offers a lighter yet equally captivating end to the evening.
Soprano Greta Lirussi takes on the titular role in Suor Angelica, with Mariangela Marini brings gravitas to the role of the Princess in Suor Angelica.
Baritone Enrico Marabelli lends his brilliance to the cunning Gianni Schicchi, and Alejandro Luévanos shines as Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi, embodying youthful charm and ardour.
The three one-act operas are performed in Italian with Chinese and English surtitles, ensuring accessibility for all.
At its core, Il Trittico invites reflection on the human condition. Through its diverse narratives, the triptych delves into universal themes of love, sacrifice, betrayal and humour, resonating with audiences across cultures and generations.
The seamless interplay of drama, spirituality and satire reflects Puccini’s unrivalled ability to capture the complexities of life.
For music lovers and newcomers alike, this production offers an evening of unparalleled artistry and emotional resonance.
Tickets are now available through URBTIX, with prices starting at HK$250. Performances run December 13-15, 2024, at the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall.