POP opens our 15th Anniversary Season with an immersive production of Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci, under the stars and overlooked by gorgeous Victorian houses at Heritage Square Museum. One of the most iconic operas of all time, Pagliacci is best known for the haunting aria “Vesti la giubba” and its unforgettable main character, Canio—the clown who must perform while his world falls apart. Set in a worn-down traveling circus, Pagliacci explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the blurry line between stage and reality. In classic POP fashion, this production places the audience in the middle of the drama during the opera’s famous “play-within-a-play.”

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Pagliacci

Heritage Square Museum

In Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana, Turiddu returns from military service to discover his fiancée, Lola, married to another man, Alfio. Seeking revenge, Turiddu seduces the village girl Santuzza, but rekindles his affair with Lola. Betrayed and heartbroken, Santuzza exposes the affair to Alfio, sparking a chain of events that leads to a tragic showdown on Easter Sunday.

Leoncavallo's Pagliacci  follows a troupe of traveling actors performing traditional Italian commedia dell’arte. Canio, the troupe’s leader, suspects his wife, Nedda, of infidelity. As jealous tensions rise and the offstage drama mirrors the onstage performance, real-life passions boil over into a deadly conclusion. Inspired by a true crime, this gripping opera blurs the line between theater and reality.

Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci

Manship Theatre

In February 2025, Prague will host a starry opera gala. The phenomenal Mongolian baritone Amartuvshin Enkhbat, who receives offers from the most famous opera houses, accepted the invitation of the Nachtigall Artists agency, and found a place in his busy calendar for one performance in Prague.

In 2012, his victory in the Operalia world competition opened his way among world opera elite. Yet, it still took some time before the opera houses noticed him. Other competition successes followed, including the Francesco Viñas International Competition in Barcelona as well as the famous BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition. Consequently, invitations to the Metropolitan Opera in New York followed (Giorgio Germont in La traviata), La Scala in Milan (Rigoletto and Macbeth), and in April 2024 Amartuvshin Enkhbat will perform as Scarpia in Tosca at the Vienna State Opera.

Juliana Grigoryan & Amartuvshin Enkhbat

Smetana Hall Municipal House

Jealousy, two-timing, and revenge unite the back-to-back tragedies of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci. Possessiveness, machismo, and rage fuel their bloody conclusions.

Cavalleria Rusticana: On Easter Sunday, Alfio discovers his wife Lola has rekindled her old romance with Turiddu.

Pagliacci: Just before a performance of his traveling circus troupe, clown Canio discovers the infidelity of his wife Nedda.

 Cavalleria Rusticana/ Pagliacci

Benedum Center for the Performing Arts

Immerse yourself in the dramatic intensity of "Pagliacci," a seminal opera by Ruggero Leoncavallo, presented at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024. This semi-staged masterpiece, sung in Italian with English surtitles, captures the essence of theatrical illusion and reality through its prologue and two acts. First performed in Milan, Italy, in 1892, "Pagliacci" stands out for its sophisticated musical and dramatic exploration of the lives and emotions of its lowborn characters.

The opera unfolds a harrowing tale of love, betrayal, and revenge within a commedia dell’arte troupe. Central to the story are Canio and Nedda, a married couple entangled in a web of jealousy and secret affairs. As the plot thickens, the boundaries between performance and reality blur, leading to a tragic climax that leaves the audience questioning the nature of the spectacle they've witnessed.

This year's production features Samuel White as Canio, under the baton of conductor Emanuele Quaranta, with Stefania Panighini directing. Panighini, known for her work at the Wexford Festival Opera and other prestigious venues, brings a fresh perspective to this classic opera.

Performances are scheduled from October 24 to November 1, 2024, at the O'Reilly Theatre in the National Opera House, offering a range of dates and times to accommodate all schedules. Tickets are priced between €25 and €50, promising an accessible experience for all opera enthusiasts. With an approximate running time of 60 minutes, "Pagliacci" at the Wexford Festival Opera 2024 is an unmissable event that combines compelling storytelling with exceptional musical artistry.

National Opera House

Chamber music, show tunes, opera, and more! “Nate’s World: Songs of Love” sets famous arias side by side with classic popular songs and virtuosic instrumental interludes, all touching on aspects of love. From La bohème to Leonard Bernstein, Carmen to a country ballad, these are all filled with timeless, universal sentiments, and chamber music’s exquisite intimacy is the perfect setting. Conceived, curated, and performed by Nate Farrington, principal bassist of the Los Angeles Opera, joined by special guest soprano Kathleen O'Mara and PCMF Resident Artists Susie Park and Henry Kramer.

Nate's World: Songs of Love

University of Southern Maine

Immerse yourself in a world where the lines between reality and performance blur at The Glimmerglass Festival's new production of "Pagliacci." This gripping opera, composed and with a libretto by Ruggero Leoncavallo, is sung in Italian with projected English texts, ensuring an accessible and deeply engaging experience for all attendees. Set against the backdrop of a traveling troupe of players, "Pagliacci" explores themes of love, jealousy, and the tragic consequences of blurred realities through its compelling narrative and emotionally charged music.

The festival proudly presents this opera from July 27 to August 18, 2024, offering a unique pre-opera experience, "Lyrics on the Lawn," an outdoor picnic performance that begins 40 minutes before the curtain rises. The mainstage performance, lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes, promises to captivate audiences with its intensity and dramatic depth.

Under the generous sponsorship of Elizabeth M. and Jean-Marie R. Eveillard, the production boasts a talented creative team, including conductor Joseph Colaneri, director Brenna Corner, choreographer Eric Sean Fogel, and a host of other skilled professionals dedicated to bringing this story to life.

The cast features Holly Adams as a Clown Performer/Consultant, Robert Stahley as Canio, Amber Monroe as Nedda, Troy Cook as Tonio, Jonathan Patton as Silvio, Fran Daniel Laucerica as Peppe, and a vibrant ensemble that adds depth and color to the performance.

Set in a village where a troupe of players arrives to perform, the opera unfolds a tale of love, betrayal, and vengeance that mirrors the drama of the characters' offstage lives. As the boundary between performance and reality dissolves, the audience is drawn into a powerful narrative that culminates in an unforgettable climax.

Don't miss the opportunity to experience this masterful blend of comedy, thriller, and tragedy at The Glimmerglass Festival. Secure your tickets now for a summer filled with myth, mystery, and adventure, and support the arts by becoming a part of the Glimmerglass community.

The Glimmerglass Festival

### Event Description: Pagliacci at The Glimmerglass Festival 2024

**Event:** Pagliacci  
**Dates:** July 27 - August 18, 2024  
**Location:** The Glimmerglass Festival, Cooperstown, NY  
**Tickets:** Available for purchase now

#### Overview:
Experience the gripping drama and passionate performances of Ruggero Leoncavallo’s *Pagliacci* at the 2024 Glimmerglass Festival. This new production of the beloved opera intertwines a farcical play performed by a troupe of clowns with a harrowing tale of jealous love, inspired by a true crime report. The immersive festival setting adds a unique third frame to the opera, featuring a pre-opera picnic performance, "Lyrics on the Lawn," on the outdoor stage.

#### Performance Details:
- **Music and Libretto:** Ruggero Leoncavallo
- **Language:** Sung in Italian with projected English text
- **Outdoor Picnic Performance:** 40 minutes, begins one hour before curtain
- **Mainstage Performance:** 1 hour and 45 minutes

#### Performance Dates:
- July 27 (matinee)
- July 29 (matinee)
- August 2
- August 6 (matinee)
- August 8
- August 10
- August 18 (matinee)

#### Creative Team:
- **Conductor:** Joseph Colaneri
- **Director:** Brenna Corner
- **Choreographer:** Eric Sean Fogel
- **Set Designer:** James Rotondo
- **Costume Designer:** Erik Teague
- **Lighting Designer:** Robert Wierzel
- **Hair & Makeup Designer:** Tom Watson
- **Chorus Director:** Katherine Kozak

#### Synopsis:
The opera begins with an aging Tonio recalling his days with a traveling commedia dell’arte troupe. The story unfolds as the troupe arrives in a village to perform. Canio, who plays Pagliaccio, becomes suspicious of his wife Nedda’s fidelity. The tension escalates when Tonio, rejected by Nedda, informs Canio of her affair with Silvio. The boundaries between the staged farce and real-life drama blur during the evening performance, leading to a tragic conclusion.

#### Cast:
- **Canio:** Robert Stahley
- **Nedda:** Amber Monroe
- **Tonio:** Troy Cook
- **Silvio:** Jonathan Patton
- **Peppe:** Fran Daniel Laucerica
- **Clown Performer/Consultant:** Holly Adams
- **Ensemble:** Henry Benson, Lauryn Davis, Benjamin Dickerson, SarahAnn Duffy, Saane Aziza Halaholo, Kaylan Hernandez, Emilie Kealani, Seiyoung Kim, Evan Lazdowski, Winona Martin, Tshilidzi Ndou, Daniel O’Hearn, Ajit Persaud, Namarea Randolph-Yosea, Alexandra Sanchez, Geoffrey Schmelzer, Tzytle Steinman, Joshua Thomas, Catherine Thornsley, Kyle Sanchez Tingzon, Ethel Trujillo, Zizhao Wang, Xiao Xiao
- **Dancers:** Kailee Brandt, Peter Murphy, Scout Santoro

#### Special Notes:
- **Generously Sponsored By:** Elizabeth M. and Jean-Marie R. Eveillard

Join us for an unforgettable summer of myth, mystery, and adventure at The Glimmerglass Festival. Secure your tickets now and be part of this extraordinary operatic experience.

**[Buy Tickets](#)**

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Glimmerglass Festival website.

Alice Busch Opera Theater of Cooperstown 

Join us for an enchanting evening of vocal music as Aaron Short, a talented tenor and Doctor of Musical Arts student at the Northwestern Bienen School of Music, presents a recital under the guidance of Pamela Hinchman. This event will take place on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 8:30pm CDT in the intimate setting of the McClintock Choral and Recital Room, located within the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts.

Aaron Short will be accompanied by pianist Jason Carlson, offering a selection of pieces that showcase the depth and versatility of the tenor voice. The program includes selections from Sergei Rachmaninoff's 6 Romances, Op. 4, Pyotr Bulakhov's The Rendezvous, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Not a Word, O My Friend, Op. 6, No. 2, among others. The evening will also feature works by Gerald Finzi, Jules Massenet, Fromental Halévy, and Paolo Tosti, culminating in Ruggero Leoncavallo's Mattinata.

This recital is a free event, open to all who appreciate the power and beauty of the human voice in the realm of classical music. No tickets are required, and attendees are invited to enjoy the performance in person at 70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL 60208. For those unable to attend, a live stream will be available, ensuring no one misses this showcase of vocal talent.

Don't miss this opportunity to support emerging talent and experience the rich tradition of vocal music at the Bienen School of Music.

Aaron Short, tenor

Ryan Center for the Musical Arts

Join us for an enchanting evening of vocal music as Aaron Short, a talented tenor and Doctor of Musical Arts student at the Northwestern Bienen School of Music, presents his recital. Accompanied by pianist Jason Carlson, Aaron will perform a selection of pieces that showcase the depth and versatility of his voice. The program includes selections from Sergei Rachmaninoff's 6 Romances, Op. 4, Pyotr Bulakhov's The Rendezvous, and works by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Gerald Finzi, Jules Massenet, Fromental Halévy, Paolo Tosti, and Ruggero Leoncavallo.

This special event is scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2024, at 8:30pm CDT, in the intimate setting of the McClintock Choral and Recital Room, located within the Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts at 70 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston, IL 60208. The venue, known for its excellent acoustics, seats 120 and provides a flexible space perfect for showcasing Aaron's vocal talents.

Admission to this recital is free, and tickets are not required, making it an accessible opportunity for all music lovers. For those unable to attend in person, the event will also be available via live stream, allowing you to enjoy this beautiful music from the comfort of your own home.

Don't miss this opportunity to support a rising star in the world of classical music and experience an evening filled with beautiful melodies and captivating performances.

Join us for an enchanting afternoon of music at the "Sunday Socials 2" event, presented by the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with Carleton University Music Students. This special performance is scheduled for Sunday, April 7th, 2024, at 3:30 PM, taking place at the prestigious Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre.

This year marks the final season of the Carleton-OSO Ensemble-in-Residence Wind Quintet, a group dedicated to coaching and performing alongside select Carleton University Music students. This partnership between the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and Carleton University culminates in two mini-concerts during the academic year, showcasing the talents of both the OSO Quintet and the university's music students.

The program for the afternoon includes a diverse range of compositions, promising to deliver a rich auditory experience. Attendees will be treated to pieces such as Paul Lacombe's "Dialogue sentimental," Ruggero Leoncavallo's "Serenade from Pagliacci" arranged by Craig Levesque, and "Ave Verum" by Theodore Dubois. The repertoire also features selections from Gioachino Rossini's "Sonate a quattro" arranged by Freidrich Barr, "Two Songs for Tenor and Wind Quintet" by David A. Jones, "The Owl and the Pussycat" by Ben Glossop, John Burge's "Organ Concertino," and "Petite Suite Maritime" by Maurice Dela.

Tickets are available in three tiers to accommodate every preference and budget: Tier/Level A at $49, Tier/Level B at $34, and Tier/Level C at $19. Additionally, children under 12 can enjoy the performance for free, and there is complimentary admission for Carleton students with a valid ID at the door.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the harmonious collaboration between the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra and the talented music students of Carleton University. For ticket purchases and to learn more about available discounts, please visit our Tickets page.

Sunday Socials 2

Carleton Dominion-Chalmers Centre

With a nostalgic, golden-age voice that routinely inspires comparisons to “legendary singers from earlier eras” (Associated Press), Maltese-born Joseph Calleja has become one of the most acclaimed tenors today, and he will make his BroadStage return as part of the 2023/24 Celebrity Opera Recital Series. Calleja’s extensive discography and appearances on the world’s leading opera, concert, and television stages have marked him as one of the most sought-after tenors of today. Recent operatic seasons have included appearances at notable opera houses such as the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Paris Opera, the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the Deutsche Oper Berlin, and the Royal Opera House in London. Calleja received a GRAMMY® nomination for his recording of La Traviata from the Royal Opera House, and in 2012, he was named Gramophone Magazine’s Artist of the Year. NPR describes Calleja as “arguably today’s finest lyric tenor” (NPR), and his warm and rich tone matched with his impeccable stage interpretations leave audiences enchanted.

Joseph Calleja, tenor

Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS)

Students of Frank Kelley’s classical voice studio perform a selection of songs.

Studio Recital: Frank Kelley Classical Voice Studio 2023

Boston Conservatory at Berklee

Brahms’ fiery Violin Concerto, with its sweeping melodies and emotional depth, comes to life through the artistry of returning guest violinist Geneva Lewis. Jimmy López’s Aino is a stirring tone poem of defiance and tragedy, while Strauss’ and Leoncavallo’s works are steeped in operatic beauty—all inspired by love, sacrifice, and youthful vitality.

Geneva Plays Brahms

Green Music Center

Italian vocal artistry enjoys a reputation like no other—and thanks to Franco Vassallo, audiences at the Rudolfinum will have the chance to experience it first-hand. The celebrated baritone, known for iconic roles such as Figaro and Falstaff, will perform arias from his signature repertoire. But the evening won’t be devoted to opera alone: he will also present songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams, inspired by the rugged beauty of the Scottish landscape.

Czech Chamber Music Society • Franco Vassallo

Dvořák Hall Rudolfinum

Art imitates life in English Touring Opera’s new production of Pagliacci.

When Canio, leader of a theatre troupe, sees his life reflected in rehearsals for an upcoming opera, he becomes convinced that his wife is having an affair. Can Canio temper his spiralling emotions, or will his jealousy get the better of him?

Ripped from the headlines about a real-life crime case from composer Ruggero Leoncavallo’s own childhood, Pagliacci packs passion, melodrama and revenge into an intense 90 minutes of drama. 

Ruggero Leoncavallo

Events

Upcoming events

6 - 8 Dec, 2025

Geneva Plays Brahms · Santa Rosa Symphony

Apr 12, 2026

Czech Chamber Music Society • Franco Vassallo · Czech Philharmonic

May 1, 2026

Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci · The Marlowe Theatre

Past events

5 - 14 Sep, 2025

Pagliacci · Pacific Opera Project

16 - 18 May, 2025

Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci · Opéra Louisiane

About

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