Verdi's Thrilling Dramatic Opera
A roof-raising opera packed to the rafters with memorable melodies, enrapturing romance and hot-blooded jealousy, Verdi's Il Trovatore comes to the Lyric Opera of Chicago as part of its brand new 2018/19 season. Arguably the most exciting of all romantic Italian operas, its sumptuous libretto weaves around vibrant characters as love and lust combust, creating a drama unparalleled in the grand opera tradition.
First performed in 1853, the barnstorming Il Trovatore is forged in fiery flames as a gypsy woman is burnt at the stake, setting off a spiral of secrecy, revenge and tragedy. Around about the same time, the son of local aristocracy also goes missing. As time wears on, the fate of young lovers Manrico and Leonora becomes entwined with the vengeful Count Di Luna and the gypsy woman's daughter Azucena. Tensions escalate when it comes to light that local ruler Count di Luna's missing brother may have also been lost to the fire...