Salieri Upside Down in Verona

On November 20th, the Veronese public are going to be treated to an opera which is quite extraordinary and rare. For that alone I would head to see this one. Verona, known across the globe for it’s illustrious presentations during the summer at the Arena, also runs a significant winter season at the Teatro Filarmonica seen here.

The Salieri work which initially opened a few nights ago at the Salieri Theater in Legano is now being presented for a run premiering November 20th. The opera giacosa titled;  “Il Mondo alla Rovescia” which roughly translates to; The World Turned Upside Down, is being given its first performance in modern time. And it is one funny, funny, convoluted story line;

In a far and remote island, the social relations between men and women are upside down: the women hold all the power (in the private life as well as in politics and in the military), whereas men have taken up the so-called feminine roles. Two Europeans, a man (a Count) and a woman (a Marquess), are taken prisoners. As you can imagine, they throw the existing balances into disorder. After much goings on; men serenading other men, awkward romances, etc, the story ends with the Count staying on the island, marrying the Colonel (who is a she); the Marquess choosing to go back to Europe, coupled with the nephew of the General (she). Thus the opera ends with a peace message beyond the one concerning the blending and exchange of cultures, freedom of decision, and other possible worldly realities. Though it is less certain the “moral” of the opera has become as conciliatory; the reality seems to suggest the exchange of cultures does nothing to lessen the moral judgement on women in power. Musically, the final chorus praising love is sung by the European soldiers as well as by the island soldiers (women): the island upside down world really is a possible world.

The opera will be conducted under the baton of Mr. Frederico Sardelli. Miss Maria Martarano is the Marchessa, Mr. Marco Romano is the General, Miss Patrizia Cigna is the Colonel.

This opera is so rare, I could not find a single recorded clip of it anywhere, and it is not in my personal collection. The time zone difference between where I am and Verona is such, I could not connect with the administration at the theatre, for at least artists renderings. Thus I cannot offer a highlight of any kind for your added delectation. If something does come to me, I will assuredly update this post.