Opera LA VERA COSTANZA

 
MORE THAN 230 YEARS LATER, AN 18TH-CENTURY PORTUGUESE OPERA WILL ONCE AGAIN BE HEARD ON STAGE.

Originally premiered in 1785 at the Teatro de Salvaterra, during the court’s Carnival season, LA VERA COSTANZA now returns in the two-act version presented in 1789 at the Palácio da Ajuda, as part of the celebrations marking the birthday of Prince João, the future King João VI.

With a libretto attributed in some sources to Francesco Puttini, and also set to music by composers such as Joseph Haydn, the work reflects the popularity this plot achieved across 18th-century Europe. The Portuguese version by Jerónimo Francisco de Lima therefore stands as an important testament to the vitality and relevance of Portuguese operatic creation at the time.

The revival of LA VERA COSTANZA is the result of research conducted by young researcher Diogo Gaio Chaves within the scope of CESEM – Centre for the Study of the Sociology and Aesthetics of Music at NOVA FCSH, LOP’s permanent scientific partner, fulfilling the aims of promoting scientific research, artistic creation and the appreciation of Portuguese musical heritage.

LA VERA COSTANZA follows the story of Rosina, a young fishmonger who secretly marries Count Errico. Shortly afterwards, she is abandoned by her husband and forced to face motherhood alone. Determined to prevent any reconciliation between the two, Baroness Irene, Errico’s aunt, attempts to marry Rosina off to Villotto, a wealthy but naïve peasant. Fate brings Rosina and Errico together once again, leading to an unexpected reunion.

Event promoter and organiser: PURE LUX AGENCY, LDA

*The indicated price may be subject to additional ticketing service fees.