Donatoni’s Opera “Alfred Alfred” tours Italy
The Teatro Lirico Sperimentale in Spoleto has realised a new production of Alfred, Alfred, a comic opera in seven scenes and six intermezzi, with libretto and music by Franco Donatoni. It will go on stage at the Teatro Nuovo ‘Gian Carlo Menotti’ from 23 to 28 September and will then go on tour to Perugia, Assisi, Città di Castello, Todi, and Orvieto until October 4.
Alfred, Alfred was inspired by a personal experience the composer had in 1991 while he was visiting Melbourne on the occasion of the world premiere of
Refrain II. During his stay he was admitted to the city’s Alfred Hospital in a diabetic coma. What’s involved is a light, entertaining action in which Franco Donatoni (played by the composer himself in the 1998 world premiere) is the central, and silent, character around whom a whirlwind of nurses, professors, interns, friends, and visitors of every kind circulate.
The production by the Teatro Lirico Sperimentale features elements of the Orchestra del Teatro Lirico Sperimentale under the direction of Marco Angius. The stage direction is by the actor Paolo Rossi.
Franco Donatoni: work list
Photo: Riccardo Spinella