Tag Archives: William Tell
Rebellion in the World of Opera
The rebellion of William Tell over the tyrant Gessler, wasn’t the only coup happening on the stage of Chicago’s Harris Theater Wednesday evening. The fact that the North American tour of the Teatro Regio Torino performance of Rossini’s renowned opera premiered in Chicago alone is a triumph elevating the cultural scene of the “Second City”.
The Italian company chose Chicago for its first stop to bring their orchestra, choir and some of the opera’s best voices who bring the libretto to life. The abridged opera was still 4 hours in length and kept the audience on the edge of our seats ever moment.
Stripped of the staging, the music is the focus and what a delight to amongst the first hear this lush and seldom heard opera. Each performer’s voice seemed to be more powerful than the last with soprano Angela Meade’s Matilde stopping the show while professing her love for Arnold, who is conflicted between his love of the princess and his love of country.
The broad shoulders of conductor Gianandrea Noseda were fitting in our “City of Broad Shoulders” and needed to lead this sumptuous and demanding opera. And he did not disappoint. From the beginning, to the last note, he guided the orchestra passionately.
Teatro Regio Torino will perform in Toronto Friday December 5th, Sunday December 7th at Carnegie Hall in New York City and finish in Ann Arbor, Michigan Tuesday December 9th.
Kudos to Harris Theater for being the first to welcome William Tell and Teatro Regio Torino for sharing an experience of a lifetime. Let’s hope this coup is long lasting for Harris Theater and Chicago at being a first stop for many great performances.