Giuseppe Verdi’s opera, La Forza del Destino (The Power of Fate or The Force of Destiny), has long captivated audiences with its enigmatic portrayal of destiny. Set against the backdrop of Vienna, Verdi delves into themes of love, death, and betrayal through the intertwined journeys of anti-heroes Leonora, Alvaro, and Carlo, leaving audiences questioning the characters’ tragic decisions.
The opera’s compelling narrative has not been without its share of dramatic incidents. During a performance at the World of Opera, an audience member famously exclaimed, “Assassination of Verdi!,” reflecting the intense emotional response that the play provokes. Such reactions are further heightened by historical events, such as when acclaimed baritone Leonard Warren tragically collapsed and died while singing its aria at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1960, underscoring the opera’s eerie connection to life’s cruel twists.
La Forza del Destino marked Verdi’s return to opera after declaring that he would no longer compose. Three years after his proclamation, Verdi returned to the opera scene with La Forza del Destino, reflecting Verdi’s contemplation of life’s complexities.
The storyline begins with Leonora and Alvaro fleeing after a tragic accident involving Leonora’s father, the Marquis. Pursued by Leonora’s vengeful brother Carlo, the characters’ lives spiral into a series of fateful encounters, challenging them to confront the consequences of their actions and the relentless grip of destiny.
For the next installment of the CCP The Met: LIVE in HD, Lise Davidsen takes on the titular role of Leonora. She made her opera debut with this iconic role. Tenor Brian Jagden plays Don Alvaro, Leonora’s ill-fated lover, while baritone Igor Golovatenko embodies the role of the vengeful Don Carlo. Under the direction of Mariusz Treliński and guided by the baton of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, this production promises a captivating experience with a runtime of 4 hours and 22 minutes.
La Forza del Destino will be screened on July 2, 5:30 p.m., exclusively at Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1 in Makati City. Regular tickets are priced at PHP350, with a special discounted price of PHP100 for students and young professionals upon presenting a valid ID. Tickets are available at the venue’s ticket booth or can be booked online at www.sureseats.com.
For more information about CCP The Met: LIVE in HD Season 9, please visit the CCP website (www.culturalcenter.gov.ph) and follow our official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
