Cavalleria Rusticana - Pietro Mascagni
Pagliacci – Ruggero Leoncavallo

Traditionally paired and known popularly as “Cav & Pag”, these two iconic one-act operas tell complementary tales of passion, jealousy and betrayal amongst ordinary village people for whom religion is a mainstay, but no proof against powerful human emotions.

In Cavalleria Rusticana the Easter Sunday celebrations form a backdrop to the ill-fated relationship between two couples.

In Pagliacci, on the Feast of the Assumption, the cuckolded Canio disguises his heartbreak behind the pizzaz of Italian comedy, steering this “play within a play” to inevitable tragedy.

Fully staged, accompanied by a chamber orchestra and sung in English with surtitles, enjoy all the drama together with favourites like the Easter Hymn, Vesti la giubba, and the haunting Intermezzo.

For those interested in the background to these operas, the directors will give a free talk at 6pm before the Friday night’s performance.