La straniera
Vincenzo Bellini
Venue
Opera in two acts by Vincenzo Bellini
Libretto by Felice Romani
Sung in Italian
Cast
Alaide: Renata Daltin
Valdeburgo: Jake Gardner
Arturo: Ingus Peterson
Isoletta: Cynthia Clarey
Montolino: Mikhail Krutikov
The Prior: Giancarlo Tosi
Osburgo: Philip Doghan
Creative Team
| Conductor | Jan Latham-Koenig |
| Director | Robert Carsen |
| Set Design | Russell Craig |
| Costume Design | Russell Craig |
| Lighting Design | John Waterhouse |
| Choreographer | Terry John Bates |
| Music Preparation | Charles Kilpatrick |
| Chorus Master | Roy Laughlin |
The Plot
Act 1
The story takes place in Brittany, France, around the year 1200. King Philip Augustus of France has married Agnes of Merania, known as “La straniera” (the foreigner), daughter of a nobleman Bertold IV of Dalmatia. Agnes is sent to live at a cottage on Lake Montolino. Count Arturo has fallen in love with her, despite being engaged to Isoletta, daughter of the Duke of Montolino. Agnes has assumed the name of Alaide and hides under a veil. Arturo’s suspicions are aroused when he sees her with a mysterious man.
Act 2
Arturo confronts Alaide and accuses her of infidelity. She reveals that she is actually Agnes and that she was forced to flee from France after being falsely accused of adultery. Arturo forgives her and they plan to elope. However, Isoletta’s father discovers their plan and orders Arturo’s arrest. Agnes is left alone and heartbroken.