Fabio Sparvoli

The Pearl Fishers from 1863 concerns an opera in three acts. It's a work about friendship, love, faithfulness and betrayal. The story takes place in Sri Lanka. The pearl fishers Nadir and Zurga are both in love with the girl Leïla. In order to maintain their friendship, the swear not to court the girl. They promise never let go of their friendship end over the love for th a girl. Then they lose sight of the girl. Years later, Leïla returns as a priestess back to the fishermen's village. Nadir recognizes her and courts her. The two are caught and the sentence is the pillar. Zurga, now the fisherman's captain, avoids this and lets them escape. The angry villagers grabbed him and threw him on the pile of fire that was intended for the two lovers.

An American journalist working for a French newspaper is writing an article on the public reaction to those with AIDS, unaware that he too is infected. Once he finds out, he decides to go into reclusion, leaving his wife and daughter.

A passionate count enlists a local barber and jack-of-all-trades to help him woo and wed a quick-witted woman. But it will take all their cunning - as well as some disguises and bribes - to ensure love wins the day. Full of memorable melodies and larger-than-life characters, Rossini’s comic masterpiece is sheer entertainment. Starring Operalia winner Levy Sekgapane as Count Almaviva, this performance from the National Opera of Chile is part of OperaVision’s events celebrating the inaugural World Opera Day on 25 October 2019.