Strada Stretta Concept’s production of Fidelio will present viewers with a contemporary take on the classic opera whilst still being respectful to Beethoven’s original piece. Fidelio is a rescue opera, first performed in 1805, which focuses on the efforts and plights of a woman, Leonore, to save her true love, Florestan. Florestan has been missing for two years and Leonore is willing to try anything to find him, including creating a separate male identity called, Fidelio. Through her persona as Fidelio, she gains employment in a prison where she believes the man she loves is being kept as a political prisoner.
Strada Stretta Concept’s version of Fidelio is the brainchild of the artistic director, Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci. Composer Karl Fiorini has adapted Beethoven’s original score for this rendition of the opera. The production boasts a wonderfully talented cast and set of musicians. The lead soprano will be played by Clare Ghigo and the leading tenor will be Charles Vincenti. Other cast members include Dorothy Baldacchino, Louis Andrew Cassar, and Ken Scicluna. The musicians will be led by the composer and pianist Tom Armitage and will include Joe Camilleri, Kamila Bydlowska and Oliver Degabriele.
The Strada Stretta Concept merges the world of high art with that of popular culture. This approach is to be expected in this production of Fidelio, which while still respecting Beethoven will breathe a Brechtian air that one has come to expect from the events of The Strada Stretta Concept.
To learn more about Fidelio make sure to keep up to date with The Strada Stretta Concept Facebook page as well as the Valletta Cultural Agency Facebook page.
