Opera groups Don Pasquale de
Donizetti: OSE and Bilbao Opera Choir.
Soloists: S. Orfila M.J. Moreno, F. Demuro, D. Del Castillo, P.M. Sánchez.
Stage Director: Emiliano Suárez.
Scenography Alfons Flores.
Place: Euskalduna Palace
Date: 19 October.

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To start the ABAO season, one of the best titles in the Buffa Opera has been chosen, and certainly one of the best operas of Donizetti, Don Pasquale. Yes, in an updated version. One of those versions that seems essential to bring the current public closer to opera. And the result has been good, the truth.

The history, originally from Rome in the middle of the 19th century, takes place in this version in the 21st century, in a pizzeria owned by Don Pasquale. From there, all characters have a completely different dimension than the original. Stage Director Emiliano Suárez has decided to give a touch of modernity to the play. And it is absolutely respectable, there are likes for everyone, but perhaps fidelity to the original text should be a value that must be preserved.

However, as I say, it was not an absurd version. On the contrary, the staging was consistent and elegant and the public liked it.

On the other hand, the scenography is a large box of pizzas that kept pizzeria, very well set, simple and effective. On the return to the pizzeria have appeared other decorated. Well thought through.

But the most important thing is to analyze: the musical quality offered in this premiere. Certainly, the performance of Francesco Demuro in the role of Ernesto and María José Moreno in the role of Norina have been excellent.

Francesco Demuro acts as a special tenor, with the thesis of the lyric tenor, without too much volume, but with a good timbre. I would say that it is a delicate tenor, with quick flashes and a nice phrasing.

As far as Maria José Moreno is concerned, she was the real queen of the night. It has also shown good phrasing, wonderful timbre and mastery of paper. As an actor, his interpretation has been excellent.

Meanwhile, Simon Orfila’s lower baritone in the role of Don Pasquale and the baritone Damián del Castillo in the role of Malatesta have been very effective, very convincing.

Special mention is due to actor Pedro Mari Sánchez, who has played a double role: notary and head of pizzeria kitchen. Excellent as an actor. As a singer, he has done his job without further ado.

The Bilbao Opera Choir and the Euskadi Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Sesto Quatrini, have always been balanced and refined.