Rossini: Adina (Teatro Rossini, Pesaro, 2018, Directed by: Cucchi)

Only a few of Gioachino Rossini's operas are less well known than "Adina", a work that faced difficulties from the outset. When Rossini completed it in 1818, the planned production never took place – the reason is unknown. It took eight years before it finally received its premiere. No further performances are known from the 19th century. This production by the Rossini Opera Festival and the Wexford Opera Festival brings to life a masterpiece of brilliant arias and rich orchestral textures. The story, set in the Orient and featuring Adina as a slave in a Baghdad harem, is staged by Rosetta Cucchi on a huge, colourful wedding cake – not the only humorous element. The press was delighted by singing star Lisette Oropesa, who shone in the colouratura passages, as well as by Vito Priante with his deep bass and remarkable agility in the runs. Diego Matheuz, a versatile opera conductor, leads the Orchestra Sinfonica G. Rossini. Matheuz has previously worked at the Deutsche Oper and the Staatsoper Berlin, the Liceu in Barcelona, the Palau des Arts in Valencia, the Teatro São Carlos in Lisbon, the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, the Rossini Festival Pesaro, and the Teatro Regio di Torino. This is a world premiere video recording.