DON GIOVANNI
Music by W. A. Mozart
Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte
November 2, 6 & 8, 2024
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Conducted by Jonathan Brandani
Stage Direction by Anna Theodosakis
“The performance was captivating, with both the music and singing creating a truly moving atmosphere”
“Excellent performance from singers, staging, lighting, costume, music and audience enthusiasm. A wonderful evening ”
“This was truly one of the best operas we’ve ever seen. ”
Photos by HarderLee Photography
A wolf in gentlemen’s clothing
Don Giovanni is a young, arrogant, and lecherous nobleman who either charms or offends everyone he encounters. His exploits evade consequences until he kills the father of one of his conquests, Donna Anna. Ultimately, Don Giovanni’s recklessness leads to his downfall.
Exploring themes of morality, revenge, and the consequences of one’s actions, Don Giovanni is known for its dramatic score, memorable characters, and complex relationships, making it one of Mozart’s most beloved and enduring works.
CAST
Don Giovanni - Phillip Addis
Donna Anna - Midori Marsh
Donna Elvira - Aviva Fortunata
Leporello - Guido Loconsolo
Don Ottavio - Chuan Wang
Zerlina - Christina Thanisch-Smith
Masetto & Commendatore - Neil Craighead
Featuring - The Calgary Opera Chorus
Featuring - The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Main Stage performances are at 7:30 pm at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Student Dress Rehearsal (October 31) is at 7 pm. More info is available here
Sung in Italian with projected English translations
Run time is approximately 3 hours including one intermission
Seating is assigned (view map)
Know before you go
The Program is available here
Study Guide (available one month before opening night)
Production information
Set Designer - Scott Reid
Lighting Designer - David Fraser
Costume Designer - Howard Kaplan
Intimacy & Fight Director - Laryssa Yanchak
Chorus Director & Artist-in-Residence - Mark Morash
Head Coach - Emily Hamper
Répétiteur - Evan Mounce
Stage Manager - Shelby-Jai Flick
Assistant Stage Manager - Kate Pallesen
Assistant Stage Manager - Kennedy Greene
Don giovanni Synopsis
ACT 1
In the garden of the Commendatore, Don Giovanni’s servant Leporello complains about his life. Meanwhile, a disguised Don Giovanni is caught attacking Donna Anna. Her father, the Commendatore, arrives to defend her honour, and in the ensuing duel Don Giovanni kills him and escapes. Donna Anna and her fiancé, Don Ottavio, vow to avenge the murder.
The next morning in the town square, Don Giovanni and Leporello overhear Donna Elvira lamenting her heartbreak after being abandoned. She recognizes her former lover Don Giovanni, who flees. Leporello explains to her that Don Giovanni is unfaithful to all women.
Don Giovanni and Leporello then spot Zerlina and Masetto’s wedding procession. Don Giovanni invites the guests to his palace so he can seduce Zerlina. After Don Giovanni forces Masetto to leave with the guests, he attempts to seduce the young woman, but Donna Elvira interrupts, putting a stop to his advances.
Donna Anna and Don Ottavio arrive seeking Don Giovanni’s help to find her attacker. After he agrees, Donna Anna recognizes him as her attacker and pleads for Don Ottavio to avenge her honor and her father’s death.
ACT 2
Don Giovanni switches his clothes with Leporello in order to seduce Donna Elvira’s maid and later tricks Masetto and his friends, beating Masetto. Zerlina arrives to console him. Elsewhere, everyone thinks they have finally caught Don Giovanni but it turns out to be Leporello dressed as his master.
In the graveyard, Don Giovanni mocks the statue of the Commendatore, who warns him that his time is near. Don Giovanni invites the statue to dinner, and it accepts. Don Ottavio proposes marriage, but Donna Anna asks for time to mourn her father.
At Don Giovanni’s palace, he enjoys a feast. The statue arrives and offers Don Giovanni a chance to repent for his life of debauchery. Don Giovanni refuses and suffers the consequences. The survivors reflect on his fate, delivering the moral: “The death of a sinner mirrors his life.”