13 – 18 August 2019 in Museum Van Loon
Once a year Museum Van Loon presents, in collaboration with “het Grachtenfestival”, Opera in the Canalhouse Garden. This year the stunning garden of Museum Van Loon will be the décor of the performing opera: The Old Maid and the Thief. A one act opera by Italian-American composer Gian Carlo Menotti (1911-2007) with an English libretto. From the 13th until the 18th of August 2019 guests get the unique opportunity to experience a twisted but comical love story and be part of the 16th anniversary of Opera in the Canalhouse Garden.
Synopsis
The Old Maid and the Thief exposes the gossips and secrets of a quiet town. The middle-aged spinster Miss Todd, has her world turned upside-down when a beggar knocks at her door one rainy afternoon. She and her maid Laetitia become smitten with the handsome wanderer Bob and are eager to shelter him. Even when they find out that he may be an escaped convict, they turn to stealing and robbery to keep him around.
The Old Maid and the Thief is the story of two women who fall in love with the same man and will do anything to keep him close. The opera tells a twisted tale of morels, betrayal and evil womanly power.
The opera premiered in Philadelphia in 1939; it is one of the first opera’s composed for the radio.
It is most known for two arias: “What Curse for a Woman, is a Timid Man” where Laetitia sings of her affection for Bob and “When The Air Sings of Summer,” where Bob contemplates hitting the road.
Preforming Dates 2019
13 August 19.30 (premiere)
14 – 18 August, daily at 17.00 and 19.30 hours
Tickets:
Première: € 40,00 (including drinks and a bite)
Regular performance: € 25,00
Advanced booking via the webshop of Museum Van Loon and het Grachtenfestival.
www.museumvanloon.nl / www.grachtenfestival.nl
Artists
Judith Weusten > soprano
Carina Vinke > mezzosoprano
Renate Arends > soprano
Sven Weyens > bariton
Jeroen Sarphati > piano
Jeroen Sarphati > artistic director
