Don Pasquale

The New National Theatre Tokyo will be presenting Donizetti's famous Opera Buffa, Don Pasquale, an exquisite example of beautiful Bel Canto opera. In the style of Opera Buffa, the classic characters include a Basso Buffo in the title role and a Soubrette Soprano in the role of Norina, while the comical storyline takes place within a day. The thrilling arias and ensemble include Norina's cavatina "Quel guardo il cavaliere" ("That look stabbed the cavalier") and Ernesto's "Cercherò lontana terra" ("I shall seek a far‑off land"), unfolding in recitativo accompagnato style accompanied by the orchestra.

The production, by director Stefano Vizioli, is a popular one, having been performed in Ravenna, Bologna, Cagliari, Genova, Oman and Trieste since its initial performance at the Teatro all Scala di Milano in 1994. This brilliant production shines with contemporary sensibilities in its delicate psychological expressiveness and how it unfolds scene by scene.

One of the world's most popular bass singers, Michele Pertusi, makes his debut with the New National Theatre Tokyo in one of his most acclaimed roles, Don Pasquale. Norina is performed by rising star Lavinia Bini, Ernesto by Juan Francisco Gatell, who received lavish praise for his sultry voice as Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni and Malatesta by Kamie Hayato, boasting outstanding vocal technique. This production brings audiences a remarkable performance with the delight of Bel Canto opera performed by a phenomenal cast of singers.