See La finta giardiniera March 11, 13-15

Oberlin Opera Theater performances of La finta giardiniera (“The pretend garden-girl”) K.196, written by an 18-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, resume today, Friday, March 13, and continue through Sunday, March 15, in Hall Auditorium. The opera is directed by Jonathon Field and conducted by Raphael Jiménez.

La finta giardiniera follows Count Belfiore and the Marchioness Violante Onesti, who were lovers before Belfiore stabbed Violante in a fit of rage. Thinking he has killed Violante, Belfiore flees. Violante recovers from her injuries and pursues Belfiore along with her servant, Roberto.

The opera opens with Violante and Roberto (disguised as Sandrina and Nardo) arriving in the Italian town of Lagonero. The pair, pretending to be gardeners, offer their services to the Podestà, the city’s chief judicial magistrate. The Podestà quickly falls in love with the pretend garden-girl. Meanwhile, Violante discovers Belfiore has become engaged to the Podestà’s niece, Arminda. Though she denies her true identity, Belfiore soon recognizes Violante and confesses his lingering love for her. Arminda flies into a fit of madness, and an air of perplexity and jealousy overcomes the Podestà’s household.

La finta giardiniera is an opera in three acts that runs approximately two hours and 25 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission. For time and ticket information, visit the Events Calendar.