Don Quixote de la Mancha is a literary work by the Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. The first part appeared in 1605 under the name of El ingenioso hidalgo don Quijote de La Mancha and enjoyed great success from the public, being a masterpiece of Spanish and universal literature. The second part appeared in 1615 under the name of El ingenioso caballero don Quijote de La Mancha. The novel is now one of the most translated works in the world. The pattern in El licenciado Vidriera is repeated, so that Don Quixote, although considered crazy by others, turns out to be closer to the truth than people considered "normal", due to the nobility of his thinking and actions. Alonso Quijano, a poor nobleman approaching the age of 50, lives with his niece in an unknown part of La Mancha. A passionate reader of chivalrous novels, Don Quixote comes to consider himself a "wandering knight" so he sets off on horseback on his mule, Rocinante, armed with cardboard weapons. Like the hero in the adventure novels he read, Amadis de Gaula, he chooses a young lady to whom he will dedicate his victories in battle: Dulcinea del Toboso, a peasant from a neighboring land, whose real name is Aldonza Lorenzo, but which in reality was neither noble nor beautiful… see more
Pushkin’s dark tale of mistimed love and its tragic consequences inspired some of Tchaikovsky’s most passionate and beautiful music.Tatiana, the girl who falls in love for the first time, only to be coldly rejected by the sophisticated Onegin, who realizes his mistake far too late. Eugene Onegin is a well-known example of lyric opera, to which Tchaikovsky added music of a dramatic nature. The story concerns a selfish hero who lives to regret his blasé rejection of a young woman's love and his careless incitement of a fatal duel with his best friend. see more
Donizetti’s bel canto comedy, The Elixir of Love, is as charming as it is funny. Nemorino is a likeable but hopeless romantic who has fallen in love with the bold and quick-witted Adina. She isn’t won over by his pleas of love and things get worse when she has an offer of marriage from the self-important Sergeant Belcore. When a dubious salesman, Dulcamara, rolls into town he offers Nemorino what seems like the perfect solution – The Elixir of Love. see more
The ballet Romeo and Juliet transforms Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy into a choreographic masterpiece of rare emotional power. The love story between two young souls from rival families – Montague and Capulet – becomes the symbol of a feeling stronger than hatred, where love triumphs over death and rises above all conflict. Sergei Prokofiev’s brilliant music, Shakespeare’s immortal subject, and choreography that blends classical elegance with modern accents create a performance in which music, movement, and stage merge into a seamless whole, captivating audiences with its beauty and profound emotional depth. see more
The opera's version of the story is set in China and involves Prince Calaf, who falls in love with the cold Princess Turandot. To obtain permission to marry her, a suitor has to solve three riddles; any wrong answer results in death. Calaf passes the test, but Turandot still refuses to marry him. Will the prince succeed in melting the glacier from the heart of the precious Turandot? see more
We invite you to a celebration of artistic refinement – the Opera and Ballet Gala, a concert presented as part of the 33rd edition of the Maria Bieșu International Opera and Ballet Festival – a grand event that will bring this remarkable edition of the festival to a splendid close. In an atmosphere where music blends harmoniously, we look forward to welcoming you to a memorable experience. This gala is not merely a performance, but a journey through the deepest and noblest human emotions, masterfully conveyed through famous opera arias, graceful ballet dances, and celebrated works from the universal lyrical repertoire. The Opera and Ballet Gala will culminate in a unique brilliance, offering not only a celebration of art but also a special closing moment of the Maria Bieșu International Festival. In this magnificent setting, we will enjoy the performances of exceptional artists – renowned opera and ballet soloists of international acclaim – accompanied by the Orchestra, Choir, and Ballet Company of the Maria Bieșu National Opera and Ballet Theatre. see more