Friends' New Chamber Opera
Wednesday 5th July, 2023
La Frascatana (The Girl from Frascati) by Giovanni Paisiello to a libretto by Filippo Livigni
A dramma giocoso (which translates as a drama with jokes)
This genre of opera was extremely popular in the mid-18th Century. La Frascatana was premiered in Venice in 1774. Set in three acts, the story tells of Violante, who is upset by the amorous advances of her tutor, Fabrizio. When she meets a handsome young Roman, Nardone, they fall in love. Unfortunately, Giocondo also falls in love with her, making Donna Stella, to whom he is betrothed furious, and she seeks revenge. The plot thickens when Nardone and Giocondo confess their love for Violante to her tutor. And he in turn decides to thwart them both. But happily all ends well! The opera will be performed in the lovely surroundings of the Warden’s Garden at New College, or in the chapel if wet. There will be a 75-minute interval for picnicking in the cloisters. The dress code is smart casual, although as it is such a magical occasion some people prefer black tie.
SCHEDULE
- 5.00pm Pre-Performance talk by Professor Michael Burden, Director of New Chamber Opera
- 6.30pm Opera performance in the Warden’s Garden (open from 6.00pm)
TICKETS
- Tickets £44 to include a welcoming glass of sparkling wine in the Cloisters’ Garden
- £3 for the pre-performance talk
