Cristiano Olivieri

In the aftermath of the Trojan war, a series of unrequited loves threatens to destabilise the fragile peace. But for a spurned Spartan princess, there are only two options left: forgiveness and murder. The most ambitious and innovative of all Rossini’s operas, Ermione was a calamitous failure on its opening night at the Teatro di San Carlo 200 years ago. It now returns to the Neapolitan theatre in a new production by Italian director Jacopo Spirei starring American soprano Angela Meade in the title role.

The story is by the dramatist Carlo Gozzi and dates from 1762, telling of the Chinese princess Turandot, who sets her suitors three riddles in order to marry her. Only the suitor who solves the riddle may ask for her hand in marriage, otherwise death awaits.

An unpublished “Aroldo”, with a contemporary reinterpretation for the reopening of the historic Rimini theater.

All warmth springs from woman, All light from love does flow – Truly, only the heat of a virgin's body can ignite your fires.

Live from the Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova 2003