This video features four Italian Opera performances from the February 17, 2012 NEMPAC Italian Opera Concert, held at the Old North Church. Over 130 music lovers attended to cheer on the performers, many who teach at NEMPAC, the North End Music & Performing Arts Center. The concert was free and open to the public. A $15 donation was solicited to help fund student music scholarships.
Opera was once a part of everyday life in Italian culture. NEMPAC brings back this spirit of opera in Boston’s North End, one of the most historic Italian-American communities. –Sherri Snow, Director of NEMPAC 2012 Winter Concert Series
Video Index:
00:00 Duetto “Esulti pur la Barbera” from L’Elisir d’Amore (G. Donizetti)
Andina: Abigail Krawson, Nemorino: Marquis Fuse
Nemorino buys a bottle of Bordeaux of which he believes is love potion to seduce Adina. When Adina appears, Nemorino begins to feel the effect of the “potion.” Certain he will be irresistible to her the next day, he feigns indifference.
05:10 “Ah tu fosti prima oggetto” from La Clemenza di Tito (W.A. Mozart)
Servilia: Sherri Snow, Annino: Rebecca Rapoport-Cole
The Roman Emperor, Tito, desires Servilia to be his mistress. Annio, who is Tito’s servant has to bear this news to Servilia, who unbeknownst to Tito, are in love. Both are distraught as Annio leads Servilia out to her new unfortunate destiny.
08:25 “E Lucevan le Stelle” from Tosca (G. Puccini)
Cavarodossi: Marquis Fuse
Cavaradossi trades his last possession, a ring, to get a guard to take a letter to the imprisoned Tosca. As he writes the letter, he sings of his love for Tosca and for life.
11:25 “Voi Che Sapete” from Le Nozze Di Figaro (W.A. Mozart)
Cherubino: Rebecca Rapoport-Cole
Heard in Act II of one of Mozart’s most famous Opera Buffa’s, Cherubino arrives in his new military uniform, singing a plea to women to see how much love he has to give.
If you have questions or would like to know more about the Winter Concert Series, please contact Sherri at Ssnow@nempacboston.org. The next concert is “Jazz and Beyond” at the Old North Church on April 28, 2012, 7pm.
Editor’s Note: Apologies for the poor audio quality in the video. I obviously have not mastered recording the wide range necessary for opera. I hope the video gives a sense of the performance flair and quality, but take my word for it when I say it was ten times better in person.
View more performances from the 2012 NEMPAC Italian Opera Concert.
