Gioachino Rossini
THE LADY OF THE LAKE
Opera in three acts
A co-production with the Opéra de Lausanne
Conducted by George Petrou
Directed by Max Emanuel Cenčić
Two hundred years after its world premiere on 24th of September 1819 in Naples, the opera ensemble of the Croatian National Theatre in Zagreb is producing, for the first time, Gioachino Rossini’s The Lady of the Lake, composed for the libretto of Andrea Leone Tottola, and based on the poem by Walter Scott. This three-act opera achieved enviable success at its premiere, but over the next hundred years was completely forgotten. The famous Croatian countertenor Max Emanuel Cenčić has staged Rossini’s opera in Zagreb in a co-production with the Opéra de Lausanne and taken one of the leading roles – that of Malcolm. The part was originally written for a mezzosoprano and this is the first time that a man is performing in this role.
In the shadow of the fight of the rebels against the Scottish crown, three men are in love with Elena, the daughter of the king’s main rival: the warrior Rodrigo; Malcolm, a brave supporter of the rebellion; and King Giacomo V, disguised as Uberto. After his military and political triumph, the king pardons his former enemies and blesses the marriage of the woman he loves and Malcolm, the man she has chosen.
Psychoanalysis, humor, romance and eroticism… This is an intelligent and minutely composed work with a wonderful finale. A brilliant show not to be missed!
— Večernji list
Max Emanuel Cenčić is, first and foremost, a perfect vocal artist who has the power to touch everybody's soul. The rest of the cast, these great young singers, delighted the audiences with their bravura and dazzling performances. The CNT Orchestra also demonstrated enviable skills, with a clear and technically perfect performance under the baton of George Petrou. – Jutarnji list
Psihoanaliza, humor, romantika i erotika…Inteligentna, do minucioznih detalja višeslojno razrađena cjelina s predivnim finalom. Sjajna predstava koju ne smijete propustiti!— Večernji list
Max Emanuel Cenčić jest, prije svega, savršeni vokalni umjetnik koji baš nikoga ne ostavlja ravnodušnim. I svi drugi izvrsni mladi pjevači oduševljavali su bravurama i blistavim visinama. I orkestar HNK pokazao je zavidne mogućnosti, trasparentno i tehnički izbrušeno pod ravnanjem George Petroua.— Jutarnji list
