The Princeton Opera Alliance presents Gaetano Donizetti’s opera buffa Don Pasquale at the Princeton Meadows Church and Event Center on Oct. 17 and 19.
Don Pasquale, a wealthy, elderly bachelor, threatens to disinherit his nephew Ernesto when he refuses the bride Pasquale has selected for him. Ernesto is madly in love with the young widow Norina, and resigns himself to a life of poverty. Norina’s friend, Dr. Malatesta, schemes to teach Don Pasquale a lesson in humility. Through brilliant trickery, Malatesta and the young lovers prove to Don Pasquale that love is the key to a happy life.
Joshua Alexander Hemmings, baritone, stars in the title role, accompanied by Peggy Yu, soprano, as Norina. Mark Cotton, baritone, is the scheming Malatesta, and Tom Mulder, tenor, is love-stricken Ernesto. The production is designed and directed by Brandon Motz.
The production will also feature members of the Youth Orchestra of Princeton Opera Alliance, prepared by Jared Judge and conducted by Derrick Goff. The orchestra trains musicians from Hopewell Valley Central High School, Montgomery High School, Neshaminy High School, and West Windsor Plainsboro High School South. These performances mark their debut this season.
Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. both nights and will be sung in Italian with English supertitles.
The Princeton Meadows Church and Event Center is located at 535 Meadow Road, Princeton. Tickets can be purchased online at princetonopera.org or at the door for $10 regular and $5 for students and children.
The Princeton Opera Alliance is a non-profit organization that fosters collaboration among musicians, artists and community members in the greater Princeton area to deliver operas, recitals, and choral works. For more information visit princetonopera.org or contact Rachel Barker, General Director, at (609) 436-9993.
