The I Gemelli Ensemble is back at the Teatro Real on 27 September to perform this gem of the Baroque repertoire, a lyrical tragedy in semi-staged concerto version based on the historic figure of Pharnaces II, son of Mithridates VI, King of Pontus.
The opera has been composed by several composers throughout the 18th century, but the most famous version is that of Antonio Vivaldi, premièred in 1727. This performance of the latter version will be conducted by Emiliano González Toro and includes the stage management of Mathilde Etienne, founders of the I Gemelli Ensemble.
Having been defeated in battle by the Roman General Pompey, King Pharnaces of Pontus finds himself cornered. Desperate in the face of the fall of his kingdom, he orders his wife Tamiri to kill their son and commit suicide to prevent them falling into enemy hands. However, Tamiri, full of motherly love, disobeys his order and hides the boy.
The situation becomes even more complicated due to the presence of Berenice, Tamiri’s mother, who hates Pharnaces and seeks revenge. Berenice conspires with the Romans and other enemies to completely destroy him. Meanwhile, Selind, Pharnaces’ sister, is captured but uses her intelligence and charm to manipulate her captor and gain time for her brother. Therefore, amidst deception, murder attempts, revenge and regrets, the characters fight between duty, passion and forgiveness.
Artistic File:
- Musical Conductor - Emiliano González Toro
- Stage Director - Mathilde Etienne
- Orchestra - I Gemelli Ensemble
Cast:
- Pharnaces - Emiliano González Toro
- Gilade - Key’mon W. Murrah
- Berenice - Adèle Charvet
- Tamiri - Deniz Uzun
- Pompey - Juan Sancho
- Selinda - Daria Proszek
- Aquilio - Álvaro Zambrano
Programme:
- Drama for music in three acts, RV 711
- Music- Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741
- Libretto - Antonio Maria Lucchini
- Opera in a semi-staged concerto version
