A Riveting Revival: Sarasota Opera’s Masterful Production of Verdi’s “Stiffelio”

SARASOTA, FL – A Riveting Revival: Sarasota Opera’s Masterful Production of Verdi’s “Stiffelio”

I attended the Sarasota Opera’s production of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Stiffelio” this past weekend which was truly a memorable experience. The opera, which delves into themes of faith, forgiveness, and marital fidelity, was brought to life by a stellar cast. However, first a synopsis of Stiffelio….

A Protestant minister returns from a mission abroad to be confronted by his wife’s infidelity. Stiffelio faces his wife’s transgression, battling his all-too human emotions with his religious faith. Written just before Rigoletto, this long neglected, emotionally charged work is now recognized as an important opera by the great Giuseppe Verdi.

Tenor Victor Starsky delivered a powerful performance in the title role of Stiffelio, capturing the character’s emotional turmoil with depth and nuance. Soprano Aviva Fortunata portrayed Lina, Stiffelio’s wife, with remarkable sensitivity and vocal prowess, conveying the complexities of her character’s inner conflict. Baritone Ricardo José Rivera embodied Count Stankar, Lina’s father, with commanding presence and rich vocal tones. Bass Young Bok Kim lent gravitas to the role of Jorg, providing a solid foundation to the ensemble.

The production was masterfully conducted by Victor DeRenzi, whose deep understanding of Verdi’s work was evident throughout the performance. Stage director Stephanie Sundine’s insightful direction allowed the narrative to unfold seamlessly, while the set design by Steven C. Kemp and lighting design by Ken Yunker created an immersive atmosphere that enhanced the storytelling. The costumes, designed by Howard Tsvi Kaplan, were both authentic and visually stunning, adding to the overall impact of the production.

Experiencing “Stiffelio” Verdi’s lesser-known masterpiece, made all the more memorable by the exceptional talents of the cast and creative team. Truly my favorite so far!!!