osì fan tutte displays Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at his sparkling best. Set in the crisp sea air of Naples, this wry comedy concerns two bridegrooms-to-be who have accepted a bet to test their sweethearts' faithfulness. On the surface, it's a satire, with plot elements from Cervantes to Shakespeare. But Così also reveals the heartbreak that can happen when a joke goes too far.
Kelly Robinson, whose versatile career spans opera, theater, film and television, directs this wry comedy set to captivating music. Portland Opera's own distinguished Chorusmaster Carol Lucas conducts a rich, inventive score that some have described as "miraculous."
Soprano Amy Johnson, known for her stage presence, sings Fiordiligi, and Deanne Meek, who made a deep impression as Sextus in our recent production of Handel's Julius Caesar, plays her sister Dorabella. Fast-rising tenor Charles Castronovo takes on the role of Ferrando, while James Bobick plays Guglielmo. Argentine bass-baritone Eduardo Chama, known by Portland audiences for his role as Leander in The Love for Three Oranges, plays the lovers' cynical friend Don Alfonso. Local favorite Amy Hansen sings the role of Despina, the women's sly maid servant.
Portland Opera's 1993 lavish costumes and a set that could find a home in a modern art museum top off the captivating plot and masterful score.
