Mario Barbosa serves as the music director of three of Boulder Opera Companies' shows, including our upcoming dinner opera production, Suor Angelica. According to Barbosa, what makes Suor Angelica a staple in the opera repertoire is ‘Puccini’s supreme ability to synthesize the sentimental tragedy of the libretto within concise yet organic bounds.’
From a musical perspective, Suor Angelica’s greatest strength lies in its structure. “With its balanced approach to climaxes within a short period, Suor Angelica is the perfect opera,” Barbosa explained, “Puccini masterfully explores comic relief and elevates the listener to dramatic lyrical heights with precise timing and control of tension and resolution.”
Suor Angelica shows us how music can evoke powerful human emotions. Barbosa’s favorite musical moment as a music director is the show’s most celebrated moment, Senza Mama. “The beauty of the orchestral writing, harmonic fluctuations, and the vocal writing here is the impeccable juxtaposition between the sublime and stormy confrontation, leading to “Nel silenzio”, the Principessa’s most remarkable moment,” Barbosa said.
“My personal goal is to relive those special moments and memories I created in this performance and to share the excitement for this work with our wonderful singers at the Boulder Opera Company in our current setting. My ultimate goal is to empower the cast to express the full power of Puccini’s creation!”
Dinner Opera: Suor Angelica by Puccini
Saturday, March 2nd dinner at 7 PM, show at 8:30 PM
Sunday, March 3rd dinner at 6 PM, show at 7 PM
Dickens Opera House in Longmont