Fritz, a wealthy landowner and “confirmed bachelor,” sings a duet with Suzel, the young daughter of one of his tenants, about the wonders of spring in Mascagni’s opera “L’amico Fritz.” Their unlikely love is about to spring to life as well, but it won’t be without some obstacles …
In Puccini’s “La bohème,” Rodolfo, a struggling poet, and Marcello, an impoverished painter, reminisce sadly in a duet about their lost loves, Mimi and Musetta. They will return, but the outcome for Rodolfo and Mimi will be tragic …
The dying courtesan Violetta and a reunited Alfredo dream of leaving Paris to start a new, peaceful life together, despite her terminal illness, in their heart-rending duet at the end of Verdi’s “La traviata” …
It’s love and romance written large and operatic Italian-style, and the three scenes will be part of “Love and Romance: A Night of Italian Opera,” presented by Mechanics Hall on Feb. 11.
The performance has been put together and will be led by composer, organist and pianist Leonardo Ciampa, joined by soprano Hannah Shanefield, baritone Michael Meraw and tenor Michael Gonzalez. The evening’s repertoire also includes works by Mozart, Rossini and Donizetti, including selections from “Rigoletto,” “Don Giovanni” and “The Elixir of Love“ with arias, duets and the three singers together.
‘What’s better than Italian opera and Italian wine?’
To enhance the romantic mood, audience members can choose from private “sweetheart” tables for two, reserved floor seating, or balcony seating. Charcuterie and desserts are available with select ticket packages, and Italian wine will be featured at Mechanics Hall’s full bar throughout the evening.
“What’s better than Italian opera and Italian wine and charcuterie?” asked Ciampa.
As for the scenes being depicted and sung by the three performers in a semistaged, concert performance-style setting, “These opera stories are wild, and also incredulous. Opera by nature is a little bit over the top,” he said.
But it seems to be just the ticket for audiences, especially with Valentine’s Day in mind.
This will be the third year Mechanics Hall has presented a “Love and Romance: A Night of Italian Opera” program (with the selections different each year) around Feb. 14.
“It’s been well attended and well received,” Ciampa said.
Originally from Boston, Ciampa now happily lives in Worcester where he is director of music at Our Lady of the Angels Church and founding director of the Organ Festival of Worcester. “I love Worcester,” he said. He is no stranger to the Mechanics Hall stage, having served as both Mechanics Hall composer-in-residence (2021-2023) and artistic director of the “Music for a Great Hall” concert series (2023-24). As an organist, he has performed internationally including in Italy, and he is also a regular visitor to Italy. His grandparents were from Italy.
Italian opera and love and romance very much go together, he said. “Like the language itself, like the food, it’s all about love,” he said. “When you go to Italy it’s like romance from morning to night.”
Loving, fighting, arguing
There’s romance, but Italian opera is “also about emotions.”‘ Much as they may love each other, the characters can be “fighting and arguing … they (Italians) also do that better than anyone else.”
Growing up in East Boston, Ciampa said his parents “didn’t speak Italian at all.” But fascinated by his background, at 16 he learned to speak Italian and became fluent.
“My first encounter with Italian was through the operas. Through the opera librettos. It’s poetic, passionate Italian.”
His discovery of Italian opera came in a different way than for most people, he said. “My grandparents owned a Victrola and had the old 78 shellac discs of (legendary Italian opera singer Enrico) Caruso and others. In fact when my paternal grandfather was born in 1890, Verdi had not yet written ‘Falstaff.’ Puccini was unknown. Caruso was still a teenager.
“My grandparents’ contemporary music was Verdi and Puccini. Later, when they came out with vinyl LPs, you could listen to a complete opera without having to change the record every four minutes,” Ciampa said. “My grandmother had a bunch of operas on LP from the 1950s. When I was a teenager she gave them to me. So this music is part of my DNA — it isn’t something I ‘learned in school.'”
The Italian operas by Verdi, Puccini and others were the great rock operas of their time and the composers were superstars.
Unfortunately, many Italians in Italy today aren’t as aware of their great operatic tradition today as they could be, Ciampa observed.
“It’s discouraging … There are still great opera houses in Italy, and they’re getting by.” However, “opera is healthier in this country.”
‘Educational and humorous at the same time’
Besides playing piano at the Feb. 11 concert, Ciampa will also “say a couple of words between each piece. I try to be a little bit educational and humorous at the same time.”
Meraw has also performed at the concert the two previous times it has been presented by Mechanics Hall. “He’s such a great artist,” Ciampa said. Besides performing with companies across North America, Meraw teaches at New England Conservatory in Boston. He recommended Shanefield and Gonzalez to Ciampa for their first appearances in “Love and Romance.”
“They are super excited. Mechanics Hall — it’s a wonderful thing,” Ciampa said.
Ciampa has stayed close with Mechanics Hall following his residency and said that former executive director Kathleen M. Gagne, who retired last year, “specifically wanted this event to continue and, as one of her last acts as director, got the date (Feb. 11) for this on the books.”
Meghan Montaner, who came on board as executive director of Mechanics Hall last summer, said in the Mechanics Hall online promotion for the event: “Whether you’re an opera fan or opera curious, this evening offers exquisite music, extraordinary artists and the option to enjoy food and drink at a variety of seating options. It’s a great choice for an early Valentine’s Day treat, or just a special evening with friends or family.”
Ciampa said “the hall is in good with hands with the new director. I’m so enthusiastic.”
The venue gives happenings such as “Love and Romance” a special atmosphere. “A local magic,” he said.
‘Love and Romance: A Night of Italian Opera’
When: 7 p.m. Feb.11 (doors open at 6 p.m.)
Where: Mechanics Hall, 321 Main St., Worcester
How much: Private table for two, $150 (includes charcuterie and dessert); floor table reserved seating, $40;balcony seating, $30. Mechanics Hall members receive a 15% discount. mechanicshall.org.
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