ABAO: Don Pasquale

Don Pasquale, by Donizetti, is an opera buffa par excellence inspired in the Commedia dell'Arte italiana. The last bel canto opera buffa and the penultimate by the composer returns to the Bilbao stage after 22 years of absence. In the lead part, the bass Carlos Chausson. Completing the lead quartet are the soprano Jessica Pratt, the baritone Javier Franco and the debut of the young lyrical tenor, Paolo Fanale. Conducting the Basque National Orchestra, a very fine baton from the Italian repertoire, Roberto Abbado debuts at the Bilbao Association. On the stage an impressive production coming from the Maggio Fiorentino signed by Jonathan Miller, recreating an enormous late 17^th century German doll’s house, with compartmentalised spaces in a clever, ingenious and original stage layout. Also outstanding is the enormous profusion of details, props and the rich period garments. (ABAO)