In November 2022, we will premiere the two-act opera buffa LA LOCANDIERA, composed by Erik Schroeder, a student of historical performance and music theory at the Universität Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. This exciting new piece—composed in an elegant, Classical style—pays homage to the late eighteenth-century Viennese opera buffa tradition, epitomized in the three Mozart/Da Ponte collaborations. Set to a libretto by Gaetano Rossi (1774-1855), LA LOCANDIERA is based on the play by the famous Settecento Venetian dramatist, Carlo Goldoni (1707-1793). The narrative concerns the beautiful innkeeper Mirandolina, who is pursued by two noblemen, the Marquis of Forlipopoli and the Count of Albafiorita, as well as by Fabrizio, a servant who works at the inn. Confusion erupts when another nobleman, the Cavaliere of Ripafratta, who disdains women and vows to never fall in love, arrives and finds he too cannot resist Mirandolina’s charms.

 

The rehearsals and performance will be led by the composer himself and cellist Carlo Maria Paulesu, who will take the historical roles of "maestro al cembalo" and "violoncello al cembalo", respectively. LA LOCANDIERA is scored for two flutes, two oboes, two bassoons, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, and strings, in addition to a cast of five singers.

 

All donations will go towards covering production and eventual travel expenses; preparing/printing scores, parts, librettos, concert advertisements, and programmes; as well as honorariums for the singers and orchestral players. Admission to the performance will be free and open to the general public. All non-anonymous donors will receive a special mention in the concert programme as a token of gratitude for their support.