The Italian Girl in Algiers

"L’Italiana in Algeri" is one of the most famous comic operas by Gioachino Rossini, a masterpiece of opera buffa. The plot follows the clever Italian Isabella, who falls into the hands of the Algerian Bey Mustafà. Bored with his wife Elvira, Mustafà plans to marry her off to the Italian Lindoro. But Isabella thwarts his schemes with charm and cunning, takes control, and exposes the vanities of the male world. Rossini’s musical brilliance, marked by lively coloraturas and humorous melodies, makes the work a "organized madness" (Stendhal).

The production by Alexandra Liedtke transposes the opera into the world of the circus, where the characters perform as acrobats and clowns. The set design (Philip Rubner) and costumes (Su Bühler) create an aesthetic circus atmosphere, enhanced by acrobatic performances by a professional artist and four clown dancers. The performance is sung in Italian with German and English surtitles.

Under the musical direction of Carlo Benedetto Cimento, the Mozarteumorchester Salzburg brings Rossini’s lively score to life with rhythmic drive and singer-friendly ease. The lead roles are played by Katie Coventry as the spirited Isabella, Daniele Macciantelli as Mustafà, and Theodore Browne as Lindoro. A spirited ensemble and the fusion of opera and circus promise an entertaining, captivating performance.