‘Waiting for Simon’ – IIC Los Angeles to host a preview of Verdi’s Opera

The Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles, in collaboration with the L.A. Opera, presents ‘Waiting for Simon’, a unique event aimed to introduce one of the most peculiar works by Giuseppe Verdi.
The author himself once defined it ‘too sad and desolate’, and yet ‘Simon Boccanegra’ features one of the best music composed by Verdi.

The story starts at night, when Simon accepts to be the new candidate as Doge of Genoa, against the opponent who represents the noble society. That same night, Simon discovers the woman he loves, Maria, is dead, and their daughter has mysteriously disappeared. Meanwhile, outside, the city is celebrating Simon’s victory as new Doge.

The story reopens again 25 years later, in a different political environment, in which Simon is in power and seems to have renounced to find Amelia. For a series of coincidences, the protagonist finds his daughter again, in a reunion scene among the most passionate in the history of opera.

Between conspiracies, secrets and misunderstandings, Simon succeeds in saving the love between Amelia and her beloved Adorno, before naming Adorno himself his successor.

When presented for the first time, in 1857, the show was almost a flop; only after a few years, thanks to some changes and maybe to a better disposition of the audience, the opera was understood and appreciated. With its universal message, ‘Simon Boccanegra’ is a magnificent representation of power and a deep investigation of the emotional universe and of the deep bond between father and daughter.

Tenor Placido Domingo, now Director of L.A. Opera, will be Simon Boccanegra for the performance scheduled in Los Angeles from February 11 until March 4, 2012. On stage with him an incredible cast: Ana Maria Martinez (Amelia), Vitalij Kowaljow (Jacopo Fiesco), Stefano Secco (Gabriele Adorno), Paolo Gavanelli (Paolo Albiani), e Robert Pomakov (Pietro).

Domingo will be accompanied by conductor James Conlon, known as one of the best performers of Verdi.
While waiting for the opening night, the IIC will host a lecture by ‘Maestro’ Ignazio Terrasi, Music Assistant Conductor at L.A. Opera, accompanied by pianist Douglas Sumi. The lecture will be followed by the screening of ‘Simon Boccanegra’ at the Royal Opera House in London.

‘Waiting for Simon’ is scheduled for Thursday, February 2nd, at the venue of Hilgard Avenue. For more information please visit www.iiclosangeles.esteri.it and www.laopera.it

Alessandra Mastroianni
contributor