Cavalleria Rusticana & I Pagliacci

Two one-act operas by P Mascagni and R Leoncavallo

Opera’s most famous and spectacular pairing, ‘Cavalleria Rusticana & I Pagliacci’ has captivated audiences over generations, and Festival Opera’s season will carry on the tradition.

John Wilkie returns to direct a double cast, led by conductor Jose Aparicio, featuring the stunning Toni Marie Palmertree and Anna Pierard as the female heroines in the respective operas.

Rosario la Spina returns after a super-human season in last year’s ‘La Traviata’. He brings his artistry to the classic aria that made Pavarotti famous.

Baritone ZhengZhong Zhou, Kiwi Mezzo Wendy Doyle and Baritone Kieran Rayner are also featured, and in her first foray into opera, the exceptional singer song-writer Julia Deans takes on her newest challenge, performing the role of Lola.

Festival Opera is thrilled to support Project Prima Volta members who will also take part for the most exciting production yet!