Politics become personal in Verdi’s I Vespri Siciliani (“The Sicilian Vespers”). Based on the true story of a 13th century Sicilian rebellion against occupying French forces, this grand opera weaves military intrigue with a tale of doomed love between a French Dutchess and a Sicilian rebel. Verdi’s meaty score is sung with full-throated intensity by Maria Agresti, Gregory Kunde and Franco Vassallo, with Gianandrea Noseda at the podium. From the Teatro Regio di Torino.

Cast:

The Duchess Elena, sister of Duke Frederick of Austria: Maria Agresti
Arrigo, a young Sicilian: Gregory Kunde
Guido di Monforte, Governor of Sicily under Charles d’Anjou, King of Naples: Franco Vassallo
Giovanni da Procida, a Sicilian doctor: Ildar Abdrazakov
Lord of Bethune, a French officer: Dario Russo
Count of Vaudemont, a French officer: Riccardo Ferrari
Ninetta, Elena’s maid: Giovanna Lanza
Danieli, a Sicilian: Matthias Stier
Tebaldo, a French soldier: Cristiano Olivieri
Roberto, a French soldier: Seth Mease Carico
Manfredo, a Sicilian: Roberto Guenno

Conducted by Gianandrea Noseda
Directed by Davide Livermore
Starring Maria Agresti, Gregory Kunde and Franco Vassallo