Leoncavallo’s deeply affecting Zazà was a long-awaited addition to Opera Holland Park, falling as it does into our tradition of late, romantic Italian opera from the ‘verismo’ repertoire.
Lyrical, sumptuous and poignant, the opera follows the life of Parisian music hall singer, Zazà: her career, her eccentric friends and her passionate love affair with Milio Dufresne, an acquaintance to whom she grows hopelessly and devotedly attached. At least, until Zazà discovers that he is not only married with a child, but unwilling to give up his comfortable family life.
With its lush orchestration, evocative dance styles, infectious rhythms, Leoncavallo’s music bursts with colour.
