Don Carlo

Music by Giuseppe Verdi
Performed in Italian with English supertitles
Opera at the Academy

Family ties don't always bind

Sometimes it’s peace, not war, that tests a man’s loyalty. Elisabeth, the centerpiece of an uneasy treaty between France and Spain, ignites a love triangle of epic proportions. While brokered to King Philip II of Spain, it is his son Don Carlo who possesses her heart. Now they must choose: loyalty or their lives?

Bass-baritone Eric Owens makes his much-anticipated role debut as King Philip II alongside Dimitri Pittas, Leah Crocetto, and Michelle DeYoung in their company debuts. Troy Cook and Morris Robinson round out a powerhouse cast in this new production directed by Tim Albery and conducted by Music Director Corrado Rovaris.

Full Synopsis

MapAcademy of Music

Dates are Apr - May 2015.

Fri, Apr 24	8:00 p.m.
Sun, Apr 26	2:30 p.m.
Wed, Apr 29	7:30 p.m.
Fri, May 1	8:00 p.m.
Sun, May 3	2:30 p.m.

Approx. 3 hrs and 7 mins.
Includes a 20 min intermission.

Production underwritten in part by Ms. Barbara Augusta Teichert

New Production
Co-produced with Washington National Opera and Minnesota Opera

Gallery

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Don Carlo (Dimitri Pittas) and Rodrigo (Troy Cook) declare their bond of friendship in the duet “Dio, che nell’alma infodere.” Eboli (Michelle DeYoung) and Tebaldo (Ashley Emerson) in the Act I garden scene. Elisabeth (Leah Crocetto), who is now married to his father, the king, rejects Don Carlo’s (Dimitri Pittas) declaration of love. King Philip II (Eric Owens) enters the cloister surrounded by the Queen and her ladies-in-waiting. King Philip II (Eric Owens) confides in Rodrigo (Troy Cook) of his worries about Elisabeth and Carlo. Eboli (Michelle DeYoung) learns of Don Carlo’s (Dimitri Pittas) love for Elisabeth as Rodrigo (Troy Cook) looks on. King Philip II (Eric Owens) laments after finding a portrait of Carlo in Elisabeth’s jewel box. King Philip II (Eric Owens) obtains help from the Grand Inquisitor (Morris Robinson) in setting up a trial for his son. King Philip II (Eric Owens) confronts Elizabeth (Leah Crocetto) with evidence of her love for Carlo. Eboli (Michelle DeYoung) confesses to Elisabeth (Leah Crocetto). Rodrigo (Troy Cook) dies in the arms of Don Carlo (Dimitri Pittas). Elisabeth (Leah Crocetto) bids farewell to Don Carlo (Dimitri Pittas) in the gardens of the monastery. Eric Owens discusses his role in Don Carlo

Cast & Creative Team

The forces behind the drama

Mingjie Lei *As Royal Herald & Conte Di Lerma

Andrew Lieberman * Set Design
Thomas Hase * Lighting Design
Constance Hoffman * Costume Design
David Zimmerman Wig & Make-Up Design
Elizabeth Braden Chorus Master
Amanda Consol Assistant Director
Jenny Harber Stage Manager
Becki Smith Assistant Stage Manager
Jen Shaw Assistant Stage Manager
*Opera Philadelphia debut

The Composer

Giuseppe Verdi

Giuseppe Verdi was born in Italy in 1813, prior to Italian unification. Verdi produced many successful operas, including La Traviata, Falstaff and Aida, and became known for his skill in creating melody and his profound use of theatrical effect. His rejection of the traditional Italian opera for integrated scenes and unified acts earned him great fame.

Giuseppe Verdi died on January 27, 1901, in Milan. Composing over 25 operas throughout his career, he continues to be regarded today as one of the greatest Italian composers. His works have reportedly been performed more than any other performer's worldwide. Read more of Verdi's story.