Angela Gheorghiu will interpret the main character in Adriana Lecouvreur, Francesco Cilea’s composition, 165 years since its first performance. The conductor will be Evelino Pido.

Angela Gheorghiu, live on ‘An Evening at the Opera’. The soprano will perform as part of the cast for Adriana Lecouvreur by Francesco Cilea, together with tenor Massimo Giordano and mezzo-soprano Elena Zhidkova. At the conductor’s desk will be Evelino Pido, who stated in an interview for Irina Hasnaş:

„I’d like to tell the listeners that I am conducting Adriana Lecouvreur in Vienna for the first time. It may seem unbelievable, but it is true. We’ve had many wonderful performers through time for the lead character, such as: Magda Olivero, Renata Tebaldi, Mirella Freni, and today, Angela Gheorghiu. I am very proud to be able to conduct this opera. It is a most interesting opus for me because it was written when Leoncavallo, Mascagni and Zandonai were still alive, during the Italian verismo period. I think that regarding this composition, Francesco Cilea was influenced by the 18^th century creations, the musical classicism that he studied at the Milan Conservatory, and also the French opuses. I also think that this composition shows some influences of French impressionism.”

In the same interview, Evelino Pido talks about his collaboration with Angela Gheorghiu.

“I started to work together with Angela Gheorghiu in 1998. We have carried out many performances together, and many recordings, such as the disc Diva with the London Symphony Orchestra, the Elixir of Love, L’amico Fritz, La Boheme and Adriana Lecouvreur. For me, Angela is not only a friend, but also an important artist. As you may well know, Adriana Lecouvreur is a composition built on the ‘30s contour. Adriana is basically an actress. There are a few rhetorical lines that are meant to persuade the audience. In my opinion, this role fits Angela very well, and not only this one. There are other roles, as well, but we are focusing on Adriana Lecouvreur.

My message for the public is to enjoy this opera because it has beautiful music, with incredible moments and I promise that together with the entire team we will give our best for you.”

Therefore, Adriana Lecouvreur by Francesco Cilea, on Saturday, 22^nd February, at 20:00, 165 years since its initial performance, with the focus on Angela Gheorghiu captioned by ‘An Evening at the Opera’ with Luminiţa Arvunescu.