Verdi’s first comedic opera tells the story of Cavaliere di Belfiore, a wily rogue who has been roped into impersonating the King of Poland abroad while the latter is engaged in reclaiming his throne. Serving as the royal’s decoy, Belfiore finds himself the guest of honor at a double wedding at the home of Barone di Kelbar.



Exercising his newfound power, Belfiore adopts the role of matchmaker, maneuvering to help Kelbar’s daughter Giulietta avoid her wealthy betrothed, Grand Treasurer La Rocca, in favor of her true love, the young officer Edoardo.



Meanwhile, Belfiore’s own heartthrob, the young widow the Marchesa del Poggio, is in danger of an arranged marriage to Count Ivea. Navigating duels, wedding ceremonies, and coy women, Belfiore confounds plans for arranged marriages and assists in the triumph of true love (including his own).

Approximate Running Time: 2 hours with one 15 minute intermission.

Sung in Italian with projected English supertitles.

Presented in repertory with a double bill of fully staged productions: Zanetto and Il Segreto di Susanna.