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Opera in Cyprus by Yvonne Georgiadou |
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Perhaps it would have been easier to write about “Cyprus in Opera”… In that case, we would have sufficient material to exploit – such as, the tragic legend of Verdi’s Otello and the gallant qualities of Donizetti’s Caterina Cornaro. Cyprus seems to have aroused an abundance of operatic and non-operatic composers (and artists), though the island itself has never really been inspired by their music. “Opera”, a term I personally despise, has had little bearing on the transcontinental land of Cyprus, probably because the specific genre is not associated with the nation’s culture and social mores. People embrace the type of art that relates to their history and past, expressing their inner and subconscious aesthesia and perception. The emergence of western opera, in about 1600, found Cyprus under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. It was only after 1878, the year Britain acquired the island as a “place of arms” in return for supporting the Ottoman Empire in the Russo-Turkish War, that Cyprus came across the stimulus of western music. |
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Madama Butterfly – the 10th anniversary |
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The 10th anniversary of the Paphos Aphrodite Festival was keenly anticipated this year with the staging of Puccini’s much loved opera Madama Butterfly by the Lyric Theatre ‘Giuseppe Verdi’ Trieste under the artistic directorship of Umberto Fanni. It is an excellent introductory work for those not very familiar with opera with the music irresistibly melodic and the story compelling. Unfortunately, the tradition of beginning late was again the case on opening night – it is so disrespectful to the musicians and singers and irritating to the audience who have taken the trouble to arrive punctually. While understanding the significance of the ‘event’, one wonders if it really is necessary to have speeches and further delays. We should definitely take a lesson from the Viennese where everything is punctual to the second!! As usual, the first night was well attended with not one empty seat. The touch of kimono clad ladies presenting fans was especially nice, particularly as it was a very hot and humid evening. |
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