It’s a celebrated opera from one of our most beloved fairy tales. But Rossini’s La Cenerentola doesn’t get performed very often. In fact, our own local powerhouse, LA Opera, hasn’t done it in their history of more than forty years. So when homegrown artists get to show off how much they’ve grown and join forces to tell this luscious tale, it’s time to get out the calendar.
There’s no shoe, and no Fairy Godmother — the lady in question is ID’d by a special bracelet. But some of the most recognizable pieces of the iconic story aren’t part of this particular telling, the result is utterly charming, the title role is played by a mezzo-soprano (gasp!), and the score features some of the most glorious fioritura in the rep, both in this role and in others. So, Opera Buffs has gathered a passel of some of their most talented former grantees, coming together for a concert performance of this marvelous operatic gem and a celebration of the thriving opera culture in Southern California.
They’ll present just a single performance this Sunday, December 8 at 2pm, with orchestra and chorus at DTLA’s Zipper Hall. Katherine Beck plays the title role of Angelina, with the wonderful Randall Bills as Prince Ramiro, Efrain Solis as Dandini and an equally wonderful cast including José Luis Maldonado, Joel Balzun and Gracen Gardner and Sarah Wang as Clorinda and Tisbe, the (not quite evil) stepsisters. Brent McMunn conducts. This is a warm, big-hearted opera that fits the holiday mood perfectly. Don’t miss it!
La Cenerentola
by Giacchino Rossini
Sunday, December 2 — 2pm
Zipper Hall at the Colburn School
200 South Grand Ave., Los Angeles
Tickets $15 – 65, plus service fee
