The lyrical drama in four acts directed by Albania’s Nikolin Gurakuqi will also be staged on May 28 and 30 at the Opera House
TIRANA, May 25 – Albanian, Italian, Macedonian and even Venezuelan soloists came together this week in Tirana to perform in Giuseppe Verdi’s Don Carlos, one of the biggest premieres staged by the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Critics described the opera premiere, which attracted a record number of viewers during its first two performances on April 24 and 26, a success– bringing an international atmosphere.
“I am happy I saw this masterpiece performed as a family. I felt very good on the Albanian stage and now I have more Albanian friends,” said Venezuelan artist Victor Garcia Sierra.
The lyrical drama in four acts directed by Albania’s Nikolin Gurakuqi will also be staged on May 28 and 30 at the Opera House.
Both the symphonic orchestra of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet and the Wind Band of the Armed Forces performed in the opera.
The opera’s story is based on conflicts in the life of Carlos, Prince of Asturias (1545-1568) after his betrothed, Elisabeth of Valois, was married to his father Philip II of Spain as part of the peace treaty between the Houses of Habsburg and Valois– ending the Italian War of 1551-1559. It was first performed at the Thꣴre Imp곩al de l’Op곡 on 11 March 1867.
The Don Carlos premiere comes one month after the premiere of Jules Massenet’s Werther, one of the most popular operas in France.
The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet is scheduled to stage other premieres, such as Puccini’s Turandot and parts by Stravinsky during this year.
These premieres will also be followed by Albanian and foreign instrumentalists, including a concert with parts by Hungarian composer Franz Liszt and another concert by Albanian born, US based baritone Kreshnik Zhabjaku.
This year’s programme will also bring concerts dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late Albanian soprano, Marie Kraja and commemorate the 25th anniversary of the debut of internationally renowned Albanian soprano, Inva Mula.
The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet will be financially supported by Eagle Mobile which has become its general sponsor for the 2011-2012 period.
