A family curse, revenge, war, a love triangle, and passionate arias and choruses that's been a hit since its premiere in 1853 - Giuseppe Verdi's Il trovatore (The troubadour) has it all. And we enjoy its return with the Washington National Opera since 2004 this fall.
A part of Verdi's trilogy of his most beloved works composed within two years, which also includes La traviata and Rigoletto, Il trovatore with its libretto by Salvadore Cammarano, holds all the secret ingredients for an operatic masterpiece that withstands the test of time.
Set in 15th-century Spain, it is the story of Manrico, a troubadour, and his rival, Count di Luna, as they battle in political strife, as well as for the heart of Leonora. As the love triangle intensifies, the fateful link between Marico and Count di Luna unfolds, along with the secret of Azucena, Manrico's mother.
It was once said by Enrico Caruso that the cast of Il trovatore is easy to find - all you need is "four best voices in the world." And the Washington National Opera did just that in this production.
We hear Latonia Moore as Leonora, Raehann Bryce-Davis as Azucena, Gwyn Hughes Jones, and Christopher Maltman as Count di Luna. Michele Gamba conducts.
Enjoy these sneak peeks of the production, and be immersed in this fiery production, running through November 7.
Hear more from Latonia Moore about her role as Leonora and making the world her stage
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