Rossini’s Cinderella: Exploring a Comic Masterpiece of Italian Opera

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On the occasion of the new production of Cinderella (La Cenerentola) by Gioachino Rossini, on stage at the Lyric Opera of Chicago from January 21st through February 10th, the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago presents a discussion to introduce Rossini’s, led by prof. Jesse Rosenberg and some cast members.

Rossini’s enchanting fairytale heroine returns to the Lyric Opera of Chicago stage in classic style. Cinderella (La Cenerentola) tells the story of the downtrodden daughter of a selfish father, Don Magnifico. When Prince Ramiro (disguised as his own valet, Dandini) meets her, they fall instantly in love, leading — after a few complications — to a heartwarming happy ending. Rossini’s score provides endless sparkle, with Cenerentola’s and Ramiro’s arias abounding in fabulous vocal virtuosity. There’s also hilarity, thanks to the antics of Magnifico and Dandini. Two rising stars, Vasilisa Berzhanskaya and Jack Swanson, will be joined by the incomparable Alessandro Corbelli to lead Lyric’s cast in Jean-Pierre Ponnelle’s world-famous production led by the exciting Taiwanese conductor Yi-Chen Lin.

During the discussion, prof. Jesse Rosenberg, expert of 19th and 20th century Italian opera, will present on the historical origins and characteristics of Rossini’s work, with an in-depth look at the artistic and cultural value of this opera. Together with Vasilisa Berzhanskaya, performing as Cinderella, and Alessandro Corbelli, baritone singer who will perform as Don Magnifico, they will uncover some of the specificities and behind the scenes of the new production by Lyric Opera.

Photo © Lyric Opera of Chicago