I Pagiacci and The Strangers Tale

The Strangers Tale premiered in 2005 at Sorg Opera in Ohio, this will be the third production and the Florida premiere. While it is a Chamber Opera in One Act, for this production we are treating it as a sort of preamble to I Pagliacci, blending the two stories into one. “The Stranger’s Tale” was originally written as a companion piece to Stravinksy’s “L’histoire du soldat” (A Soldier’s Tale), which follows the Faust legend whereby a pact with the devil brings immediate returns but ultimate doom. “The Stranger’s Tale,” inversely, presents a homeless man in New York City’s Central Park whose interactions lead to improved lives. It reflects Hebrews 13:2, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

I Pagliacci received mixed critical reviews upon its world premiere, but was instantly successful with the public and has remained so ever since. The UK premiere of I Pagliacci took place at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in London On May 19 1893. The US premiere followed a month later at Grand Opera House in New York on June 15, with American born Tenor Agostino Montegriffo as Canio.

Please join us for an exquisite night of wonderful Opera.