In a memorable episode of Dante’s Inferno, the narrator’s tour through the afterlife includes an encounter with those who have died unabsolved from sins of lust. Among them are Tristan, Dido, Semiramis—and Francesca da Rimini, who recounts the tragic story of her doomed passion: In 13th-century Italy, the proud Francesca is married off to the cruel and deformed Gianciotto Malatesta but falls desperately in love with his younger brother, Paolo, called “il bello,” or “the handsome.” He loves her with equal intensity, but they control their emotions until one day, while reading of Lancelot and Guinevere’s illicit love in the story of King Arthur, they’re unable to resist any longer. The lovers are subsequently murdered by Gianciotto.
Francesca’s tale—inspired by historical people and events—proved irresistible and enduring, and six centuries after Dante immortalized it, the story was adapted into a drama by the Italian poet Gabriele d’Annunzio. A few years after that, it served as the basis for Zandonai’s opera “Francesca da Rimini”, which returns to the Met stage for the first time in 25 years, starring Dutch soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek in the title role, tenor Marcello Giordani as Paolo and baritone Mark Delavan as Gianciotto, with Marco Armiliato on the podium. For audiences who remember the last run of performances, it’s a welcome return of one of the Met’s most ravishingly beautiful productions.
The Grand is pleased to partner with H&R Block with financial services in Bucksport and Ellsworth; and with Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, your home town bank for over 125 years.
It is LIVE high-definition opera on the big screen at The Grand, with “Francesca da Rimini” on Saturday, March 16th at 12 noon. Bring a friend, share the experience at downtown Ellsworth’s historic theatre.
Tickets are $26 Reserved Seating for Adults, $24 Reserved Seating for Seniors and $17 Reserved Seating for Children 12 and under. Call The Grand box office for tickets, or purchase online at www.grandonline.org.
The Grand is pleased to present high-definition simulcast productions of The New York Metropolitan Opera, a series which continues with David McVicar’s lively production of Handel’s “Giulio Cesare” on Saturday, April 27th at 1pm.
A full schedule can be found online at www.grandonline.org. Or find The Grand on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Grand-Auditorium/112755987339.
Image attached: Eva-Maria Westbroek in the title role
