AN UNFORGETTABL E NIGHT OF TOSCA
PRESENTED BY MAESTRO ALBANESE AND GUEST HOST RENOWNED SOPRANO VIRGINIA ZEANI

Giuseppe Albanese

Recipient of the LLS 2000 Excellence in Teaching Award

DESCRIPTION: Highlights of the ultrarealistic film version of Tosca, one of Giacomo Puccini’s most popular operas, will be shown. The filmed production features French tenor Roberto Alagna as the fiery Mario Cavaradossi, and Romanian soprano Angela Gheorghiu, in the title role of the beautiful and obsessively jealous diva Floria Tosca. These stunning performances include the scene-stealing portrayal by bass baritone Ruggero Raimondi as the decadent and debauched Baron Scarpia.

As a truly special feature, concurrent commentary will be provided by guest host soprano Virginia Zeani, who has performed the role of Tosca more than 200 times during her long and illustrious career. Living legend Zeani will provide interesting insight into the multiple layers of the characters and opera throughout the evening.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Maestro Giuseppe Albanese attended the University of Vermont and received his degree in history in 1966. In 1989, after five years of intensive study, he developed a dynamic education program entitled the Joy of Opera. For the past 20 years, he has lectured extensively on many operatic subjects and produced numerous video documentaries on opera.