Ailyn Pérez returns to Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino for Sven Eric Bechtolf’s new staging of Falstaff as Alice Ford. With performances on November 19, 21, 23, 30, & December 3, 5, Neue Zürcher Zeitung previously hailed this lively production, saying: “Bechtolf turns Verdi’s last opera “musically and dramaturgically into a feast of life and love of life.”
John Eliot Gardiner conducts a stunning cast of singers, including Nicola Alaimo as the title role, Sara Mingardo as Mrs. Quickly, Caterina Piva as Mrs. Meg Page, Simone Piazzola as Ford, Francesca Boncompagni as Nannetta, Matthew Swensen as Fenton, Gianluca Buratto as Pistol, Antonio Garés as Bardolfo, and Christian Collia as Dr. Cajus. Recent acclaim as Alice Ford at the Metropolitan Opera in 2019:
“As Alice Ford, Ailyn Pérez put on one of her more nuanced performances at the Met. Her lush soprano was a perfect fit for Verdi’s soaring lines on “E il viso tuo su me risplenderà;” this line bloomed in Pérez’s voice, the high G sharp bright and resplendent; the latter iteration was similarly wonderful in its execution. Her elegant legato was equally present in the Act three narration “Quando il rintocco,” though in a different manner. The passage sits lower for the soprano, ranging from the D natural above middle C to a fifth above that on A natural; Verdi’s score asks for voce grossa and Pérez’s timbre had ample stability as it funneled vibrantly into the hall. While it was soft, it had fullness in its resonance, adding to the mysterious nature of the narrative.” (Operawire)
Photo: Dario Acosta