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Royal Opera House Live: Tosca (12A)

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An image from TOSCA from the Royal Opera House

Jonathan Kent’s production captures the dangerous political turbulence of Rome in 1800 with Puccini's operatic thriller from the Royal Opera House. 

Tosca is one of the great evenings of opera, and from its strident opening chords conjures up a world of political instability and menace.

The Chief of Police, Scarpia (Gerald Finley) – one of the most malevolent villains in opera – ruthlessly pursues and tortures enemies of the state. His dark, demonic music contrasts with the expansive melodies of the idealistic lovers, Tosca (Adrianne Pieczonka) and Cavaradossi (Joseph Calleja), who express their passion in sublime arias, including ‘Vissi d’arte’ and ‘E lucevan le stelle’.

Giacomo Puccini’s dramatic work was a hit with audiences on its 1900 premiere and it remains one of the most performed of all operas.

Running time 3 hours, including two intervals
Sung in Italian with English subtitles


 

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