Two Operas, One Unforgettable Night

Opera San Jose will host the most exciting double bill in opera - Mascagni's Cavalleria rusticana in tandem with Leoncavallo's dramatic Pagliacci! Tense tales brimming with jealousy, rage, and murderous passion. Enjoy the talents of the company as they set the scene for Italian Verismo at its best, with some of the most famous music ever composed, such as Cavalleria's intermezzo and Pagliacci's eerie "Vesti la Giubba."

What Is The Story?

Pagliacci

Betrayal runs deep within a traveling comedy troupe in Southern Italy. Canio, the troupe's volatile leader, warns that any man who dares pursue his wife, Nedda, will pay dearly. Unbeknownst to him, Nedda is secretly in love with another man, Silvio. When the truth erupts during a performance, the line between theater and reality shatters - and Canio's jealousy turns the comedy into a deadly tragedy.

Cavalleria rusticana

Set in a Sicilian village on Easter morning, Cavalleria rusticana tells a story of love twisted by pride and honor. Santuzza has been betrayed by her lover Turiddu, who has returned to his former flame, Lola - now married to the hot-blooded Alfio. As secrets are exposed in this unforgiving world, wounded pride can only be answered with blood.