La rondine
Glamorous 1920s Paris provides the backdrop for exquisite melodies in Nicolas Joël’s production of Puccini's tender opera.
Photos
When to see it
Booking for 5 July 2013 - 21 July 2013 opens
- Booking opened 9 April 2013 for General Public.
- Booking opened 13 March 2013 for Friends of Covent Garden.
- Booking opened 1 March 2013 for Supporting Friends.
- Booking opened 27 February 2013 for Premium 1 Friends.
- Booking opened 26 February 2013 for Premium 2 Friends.
- Armiliato
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Gheorghiu
- Puértolas
- Castronovo
- Montvidas
- Spagnoli
- Royal Opera Chorus
- Armiliato
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Gheorghiu
- Puértolas
- Castronovo
- Montvidas
- Spagnoli
- Royal Opera Chorus
- Armiliato
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Gheorghiu
- Puértolas
- Castronovo
- Montvidas
- Spagnoli
- Royal Opera Chorus
- Armiliato
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Jaho
- Puértolas
- Ayan
- Montvidas
- Spagnoli
- Royal Opera Chorus
- Armiliato
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Gheorghiu
- Puértolas
- Castronovo
- Montvidas
- Spagnoli
- Royal Opera Chorus
- Armiliato
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Jaho
- Puértolas
- Castronovo
- Montvidas
- Spagnoli
- Royal Opera Chorus
- Armiliato
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Jaho
- Puértolas
- Ayan
- Montvidas
- Spagnoli
- Royal Opera Chorus
- Armiliato
- Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
- Gheorghiu
- Puértolas
- Castronovo
- Montvidas
- Spagnoli
- Royal Opera Chorus
Introduction
When Magda, the elegant mistress of the elderly Rambaldo, meets the young, naive Ruggero, she is smitten and dreams of building a life with him. But can she escape her chequered past?
News and features
Watch: Angela Gheorghiu on La rondine
The Romanian soprano speaks about one of her most difficult roles.
Background
La rondine was commissioned by the Karltheater, Vienna in 1913, but its 1917 premiere was moved to neutral Monte Carlo after the outbreak of World War I. Although an initial success, La rondine was denounced as an ‘enemy opera’ by the French press and declined in popularity. Only recently has the opera been performed regularly in opera houses worldwide.
Nicolas Joël’s production draws on the glamour and glitter of 1920s France. In the chic surroundings of her Parisian salon, Magda celebrates passionate love in the memorable song ‘Doretta’s Dream’ and in an Art Nouveau-inspired café, the lovers chat to a leisurely foxtrot. Giacomo Puccini’s score is influenced by Viennese operetta and infused with popular dance rhythms, from two interwoven waltz themes in Act II to lively polkas and tangos. The final act moves to a hotel on the French Riviera where the lovers bid a heart-breaking farewell in soaring melodies, before Magda – the ‘swallow’ of the title – flies away.
BP Big Screens 2013
See La rondine - Thursday 11 July, 7.30pm
Thanks to
Production sponsored by
Generous Philanthropic Support from
Mr and Mrs Christopher W.T. Johnston and The American Friends of Covent Garden
How to support the Royal Opera House
Language
Sung in Italian with English surtitles
Running time
About 2 hours 30 minutes | Including one interval
Credits
| Director | Nicolas Joël |
| Set designs | Ezio Frigerio |
| Costume designs | Franca Squarciapino |
| Lighting design | Vinicio Cheli |
Related links
- en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia: La rondine
