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Indonesia Opera Society to stage 'La Serva Padrona'
The Indonesia Opera Society, led by Erza S
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The Indonesia Opera Society, led by Erza S.T., will put on a performance of Giovanni Pergolesi's La Serva Padrona at Usmar Ismail Hall in Central Jakarta tonight.
Last year, the opera society presented The Telephone, a modern opera that starred Binu D. Sukaman and Harland P. Hutabarat.
Tonight's performance is being staged with the support of the Italian Cultural Institute as part of its commemoration of Italy's National Day.
The cultural institute was involved in organizing one of last year's most memorable performances, with four of Italy's top opera singers performing excerpts from famous operas such as The Magic Flute and Carmen.
It was an outstanding performance, giving the Indonesian audience a glimpse of the world of opera. The song "O Sole Mio", performed by all four vocalists, had a lasting impression on those lucky enough to be present for the performance.
La Serva Padrona (The Servant Mistress) is the work of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. The opera had its premiere on Sept. 5, 1733, to celebrate the birthday of the empress of Hapsburg.
Padrona started as an intermezzo for a larger opera, but the intermezzo became so famous that it was often performed as a stand-alone opera. It is an entertaining love story about Uberto, a handsome bachelor, and Serpina, his maid.
The employer-employee relationship begins to shift Uberto realizes that he is in love with Serpina. In the end, it's a happy ending for all. You can call this a 17th century version of the TV sitcom, The Nanny.
The Indonesian soprano, Linda Sitinjak, will play the role of Serpina, while Italian-born Massimo di Stefano will star as Uberto, and Gatot will play the role of Vespone.
It will be interesting to see the pairing of the Italian baritone and Indonesian (more accurately, North Sumatran) soprano, making the performance a delicious mix of East and West.
As Italy is one of the world leaders in opera, and the Indonesia Opera Society's credibility is unquestionable, this performance has been much anticipated by Jakarta music lovers.
La Serva Padrona
* Usmar Ismail Hall, Jakarta, May 29
* Bali Arts Center, Bali, May 31
Ticket price is Rp 350,000
Further information: Indonesia Opera Society, phone: 021 526 5493
