As Boulder Opera prepares for its winter production of Puccini’s Il Tabarro and Gianni Schicchi at the Dairy Arts Center, we sat down with conductor Brandon Matthews to discuss his thoughts on the music, themes, and his personal connection to these works. This production marks Dr. Matthews' debut with Boulder Opera
Q: Brandon, can you tell us what excites you most about conducting Puccini's Il Tabarro and Gianni Schicchi?
This project affords me a really exciting dual opportunity. I get to return to Gianni Schicchi, the opera I have conducted most in my career—this will be my fourth production!—and I feel so at home with it that I could probably conduct it by heart. That level of familiarity allows me to dig even deeper into the musical and dramatic shadings, which is always a rewarding challenge.
On the other hand, this is my first time conducting Il Tabarro. It’s such a stunning, underrated piece, and I’m thrilled to bring it to life with this incredible cast. The music is gorgeous, and it’s an opera I’ve wanted to tackle for a long time.
Q: Puccini is often regarded as a "conductor's composer." What is it about his music that makes it so appealing to conduct?
I think most opera conductors relish the opportunity to take on Puccini’s music because of the way he integrates the orchestra as an equal partner in the drama. His work represents a beautiful marriage between the Italian bel canto tradition and a more Germanic approach to orchestration. As a conductor, you’re constantly balancing two roles—supporting the vocalists and their gorgeous melodies while shaping the ebb and flow of the storyline through the orchestra.
Many refer to Puccini’s operas as “conductor’s operas,” and I absolutely agree. His music demands precision, emotional depth, and a keen sense of timing to fully bring out the richness of his storytelling.
Q: What was your first experience with Puccini, and how did it influence your musical journey?
My first encounter with Puccini was playing in the pit for La Bohème as an undergraduate. I was in the viola section, and I vividly remember how every note felt so engaging. There wasn’t a single moment that left me feeling bored or uninvolved. My favorite part was Act III, which features beautiful viola lines—I savored playing them every time.
That experience cemented my love for working in the pit, and it’s no surprise that conducting opera remains my preferred way to make music today. There’s something incredibly special about being part of a production that combines so many art forms into a unified experience.
Q: How do you think these 100-year-old operas resonate with modern audiences?
Even though Il Tabarro and Gianni Schicchi premiered in 1918, their themes are surprisingly relevant to modern audiences. Think about the popularity of current-day movies and television shows featuring antiheroes or morally ambiguous characters—Puccini’s operas explore similar complexities.
Il Tabarro, for instance, delves into the struggles of the working class. While we empathize with characters like Michele, Giorgetta, and Luigi, none of them are entirely innocent. Love plays a central role in the story, but it’s not idealized—instead, it’s tinged with hopelessness and tragedy.
In contrast, Gianni Schicchi offers a lighter, more comedic exploration of human nature. It celebrates young love and a father’s care for his daughter, but it also exposes the greed and hypocrisy of the Donati family. Schicchi’s triumph, while entertaining, is far from selfless.
In both operas, Puccini captures the complexity and imperfections of human character, making them incredibly relatable, even today.
Q: What do you hope audiences will take away from this production?
I hope audiences come away with a deeper appreciation for Puccini’s ability to portray human nature in all its messiness.
These two operas, though vastly different in tone, complement each other beautifully. Together, they offer a compelling exploration of love, class, morality, and the choices we make when faced with difficult circumstances.
It’s an emotional journey that’s as powerful now as it was a century ago. I’m honored to bring these works to life and can’t wait for audiences to experience them.
Puccini’s Double Bill: Gianni Schicchi and Il Tabarro
WHEN: Friday, February 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Join us for a fun and informative pre-talk before our performance of Puccini's Double Bill. Meet us in the lobby of the Dairy Arts Center on Friday, February 7, at 6:30 PM, where Stage Director Gene Roberts will share fascinating insights about these two contrasting operas. Perfect for newcomers and opera lovers alike.
Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
WHERE: Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302, United States
TICKETS: $25-$45