A masterpiece of Italian dramatic opera, ‘LaGioconda’ is Amilcare Ponchielli’s finestwork. Throughout the tragic tale of love,deception and revenge, Ponchielli’s scorewonderfully weaves together tenderintimacy and fierce power as the eventsunfold. Upon discovering that marriedwoman Laura is having an affair with herformer fiancé Enzo, manipulative Barnabapersuades the lovers to elope, with the hopeof ensnaring Gioconda – who Barnadaknows is in love with Enzo – for himself.Gioconda, learning of the plannedelopement, sets out to murder her rival butis shocked to discover her mother’s rosaryaround Laura’s neck…The opera boasts a wealth of inspired music,including such famous arias and duets as‘Suicidio!’ and ‘E un anatema!… L'amo come ilfulgor creato’ as well as the ‘Dance of theHours’, one of the most popular balletexcerpts in the repertoire and which waseven given the Disney treatment in the 1940film Fantasia.The recording is taken from Stagione Lirica’s2012 season at the Teatro Verdi in Salerno,Italy. In the title role is acclaimed Chinesesoprano Hui He, who has been enthrallingaudiences all over the world since her debutin 2003. Supporting her are Luciana D’Intinoand Carlo Striuli, and the whole ensemble isdirected by Yishai Steckler.

Hui He La Gioconda,

Luciana D’Intino Laura Adorno

Carlo Striuli Alvise Badoero,

Francesca Franci La Cieca

Hugh Smith Enzo Grimaldo,

Lado Atanaeli Barnaba

Francesco Pittari Isepo,

Angelo Nardinocchi Zuane/Barnabotto

Massimiliano Travagliati Un Cantore/Un Pilota

Coro del Teatro dell’Opera di Salerno

Luigi Petrozziello chorus master

Coro di Voci Bianche del Teatro ‘Giuseppe Verdi’ di Salerno

Silvana Noschese chorus master

Orchestra Filarmonica Salernitana ‘Giuseppe Verdi

’Yishai Steckler conductor