The Friends of the Cooper Memorial Library will host Opera @ the Library on Monday, June 25, at a 1:45 pm in room 108 B, presenting Amilcare Ponchielli’s opera La Gioconda. La Gioconda is an opera in four acts by Amilcare Ponchielli set to an Italian libretto by Arrigo Boito, based on Angelo, Tyrant of Padua, a play in prose by Victor Hugo, dating from 1835.
First performed in 1876, La Gioconda was a major success for Ponchielli, as well as the most successful new Italian opera between Verdi’s Aida (1871) and Otello (1887). It is also a famous example of the Italian genre of Grande opera, the equivalent of French Grand Opera.
Ponchielli revised the work several times; the version that is played today was first given in 1880. There are several complete recordings of the opera, and it is regularly performed, especially in Italy. It is one of only a few operas that feature a principal role for each of the six major voice types.
This is a free program with English subtitles and we hope to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of this beautiful art form. Light refreshments will be provided during the intermission for our guests. For more information about Opera @ the Library programs and our other special events, please visit our web presence at https://sites.google.com/site/operaatthelibrary/or contact Dennis Smolarek at 352.536.2275 x2623 and email at operaatcooperlibrary@gmail.com.
The Cooper Memorial Library is located at 2525 Oakley Seaver Drive, Clermont, FL, 34711. For more information, please contact Dennis Smolarek, Reference Librarian & Adult Programs, Cooper Memorial Library at 352-536-2275 or email at dsmolarek@mylakelibrary.org.
