I spend the whole year singing around the world. Being able to leave my own house, walk about in my own city and be back on stage in my own Genoa is an honour and a pleasure.
I was born in Genoa and the Carlo Felice theatre was one of the first places where I began singing. I have great memories of L’Elisir d’amore in 2004. Some of my closest friends are colleagues from the Carlo Felice chorus and orchestra. They have seen me grow over the years and I spend my free time with them. The Carlo Felice theatre is also the place where my children started making music and the place I call home.
These are the reasons why I am delighted to be able to raise the Genoese banner on stage, after having sung in the role of Gabriele Adorno all over the world: this masterpiece takes Genoa and the sea worldwide and I am proud of this. What a thrill it is to be crowned Doge of Genoa in the final scene, even though just for a few minutes…
So, I’ll be expecting you in Genoa on February 15th and 17th to enjoy this Verdi masterpiece and while you are there, why not sample some local delicacies? Ah how I miss focaccia and pesto when I’m away on tour!
I would like to remind those of you who are unable to attend the performances that the Carlo Felice provides a wonderful streaming service, perhaps the first of its kind, which can catapult opera lovers from all over the world directly into the theatre.
Oh refrigerio!… la marina brezza!…
il mare!… il mare!… quale in rimirarlo
di glorie e di sublimi rapimenti
mi si affaccian ricordi! Il mare!… il mare!..
