Introduction

“The horrible blaze of that pyre burns, enflames all of my being!

Monsters, put it out; or very quickly I'll put it out with your blood!”

 

Twisted Fate, Brothers Aiming their Swords at Each Other

Rhythm of a Brutal Duel that Makes Blood Boil

 

“Il Trovatore,” which means troubadour, is considered the most powerful and passionate opera by Verdi. Along with “Rigoletto” and “La Traviata,” “Il Trovatore” is one of Verdi’s big three masterpieces. Verdi’s unique colorful and clear tunes are added to the story of revenge between two brothers aiming swords at each other due to a twisted fate. Director Giancarlo del Monaco, known for his detailed character expressions, will offer a new transformation of the piece through speedy storytelling. In addition, the fresh and explosive orchestration will be conducted by Leonardo Sini, the promising Italian maestro and winner of the 2017 International Conducting Competition Maestro Solti, who is highly acclaimed by audiences in major cities such as Tokyo, Florence, and Paris.​

Synopsis

​Azucena accidentally throws her son into the fire in an attempt to avenge her mother’s execution by Count Luna’s father. She kidnaps and raises Manrico, the Count’s younger brother. Manrico grows up as a nameless knight and troubadour and falls in love with Leonora. The Count, who loves Leonora, finds out that the troubadour is the traitor Manrico, and the two engage in a duel. Believing that her lover is dead, Leonora is about to join the convent. The Count kidnaps her, but Manrico appears and rescues her. The Count attacks Castellor, where Manrico is staying, and captures the gypsy Azucena and interrogates her about his lost brother. Having heard that his mother will be burnt to death, Manrico tries to rescue his mother, but is eventually captured and thrown into prison. To save her lover, Leonora makes a false oath to become the Count’s woman and drinks poison. Enraged, the Count executes Manrico. Azucena reveals that Manrico is his own brother, completing her vengeance.