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Verdi's sumptuously beautiful romantic drama tells the story of sweet, vulnerable Luisa, who loves Rodolfo, the son of a ruthless, unethical nobleman whom Luisa's own father loathes. The young couple's relationship leads to catastrophe in a drama that breathes passion and excitement. Memorable arias (including "Quando le sere al placido," one of the composer's greatest tenor hits), breathtaking duets, and thrilling ensembles abound in this tale of star-crossed love and violent jealousy.
Luisa, the daughter of an old soldier, is in love with a young man she knows as Carlo but who is actually Rodolfo, son of the local lord, Count Walter. The two lovers proclaim undying fidelity, but Miller, Luisa's father, is dubious. His fears are confirmed when Walter's retainer, Wurm, who also loves Luisa and hopes to marry her, reveals Rodolfo's true identity.
Luisa, the daughter of an old soldier, is in love with a young man she knows as Carlo but who is actually Rodolfo, son of the local lord, Count Walter. The two lovers proclaim undying fidelity, but Miller, Luisa's father, is dubious. His fears are confirmed when Walter's retainer, Wurm, who also loves Luisa and hopes to marry her, reveals Rodolfo's true identity.
In Walter's castle, Wurm tells his master of Rodolfo's love for Luisa. Walter resolves to break up their relationship because it is in his interests to have his son marry his niece, the widowed Duchess Federica. Left alone with Federica, Rodolfo confesses to her that he loves another, but the duchess, who has worshiped him since childhood, refuses to break their engagement.
At home, Miller tells Luisa that Carlo is in fact Rodolfo and that he has deceived her, intending to marry a wealthy woman. The young man, however, arrives to plead the sincerity of his love. When Walter storms in and is about to have both Luisa and her father sent to prison, Rodolfo secures their freedom by threatening to reveal how his father, with Wurm's assistance, murdered his cousin to gain his present position.
At home, Miller tells Luisa that Carlo is in fact Rodolfo and that he has deceived her, intending to marry a wealthy woman. The young man, however, arrives to plead the sincerity of his love. When Walter storms in and is about to have both Luisa and her father sent to prison, Rodolfo secures their freedom by threatening to reveal how his father, with Wurm's assistance, murdered his cousin to gain his present position.
Luisa learns that her father, who sprang to her defense after Walter called her a whore, has been jailed for insulting the Count. Wurm tells her the only way she can save Miller is to write a letter admitting she sought Rodolfo for his wealth, and pledging herself to Wurm. After doing his bidding, she learns she must go to the castle and declare her love for him before the duchess.
Wurm presents Luisa's letter to Walter, and the two plot to send it to Rodolfo. Wurm then brings in Luisa. Goaded on with threats by Wurm and Walter against her father, she professes her love for Wurm to Federica. Rodolfo receives Luisa's letter in the castle courtyard. In despair, he is about to attack Wurm when Walter appears and persuades him that marrying Federica will be the best way for him to avenge Luisa's treachery
Wurm presents Luisa's letter to Walter, and the two plot to send it to Rodolfo. Wurm then brings in Luisa. Goaded on with threats by Wurm and Walter against her father, she professes her love for Wurm to Federica. Rodolfo receives Luisa's letter in the castle courtyard. In despair, he is about to attack Wurm when Walter appears and persuades him that marrying Federica will be the best way for him to avenge Luisa's treachery
After returning home from prison, Miller tries to comfort Luisa and realizes that she plans to commit suicide; he persuades her against it. The two agree to leave the village the next day. As Luisa prays, Rodolfo appears and pours a vial of poison into a decanter on the table. He confronts Luisa with the letter. When she cannot deny she wrote it, Rodolfo asks her to pour him a drink. When she says it tastes bitter, she swallows some, too. Rodolfo tells Luisa the cup was poisoned, and she, released from her vow, tells him the truth. As Luisa dies in Miller's arms, Rodolfo shoots Wurm and dies.
Alisa Kolosova, Joseph Calleja
Alisa Kolosova
Christian Van Horn, Krassimira Stoyanova, Quinn Kelsey
Christian Van Horn, Soloman Howard
Joseph Calleja, Krassimira Stoyanova
Krassimira Stoyanova
Quinn Kelsey, Krassimira Stoyanova
Soloman Howard, Quinn Kelsey
Krassimira Stoyanova, Kathleen Felty
Luisa Miller: The Director Speaks
Not since 1982 has Lyric produced Giuseppe Verdi's glorious Luisa Miller, but now it's back at last, in a production by one of the world's most highly respected directors, Francesca Zambello.
Verdi, Opera's "Soul Man"
Giuseppe Verdi! When it comes to operas that make the most powerful emotions live onstage, there's no one like him. When his Luisa Miller makes its eagerly awaited return to Lyric, audiences will be overwhelmed by the music, which truly exemplifies Verdi at his best.
A Blaze of Excitement: The Joys of Early Verdi
Lyric is about to move into an area of the repertoire that will be full of special discoveries for our audience – the earlier operas of the great Giuseppe Verdi. Lyric will introduce a new generation of attendees to the glories of works that aren't encountered as often as they deserve and offer listeners immense rewards.
The stupendous Krassimira Stoyanova
One reason for Luisa Miller's rarity is the challenge of finding the right singer for the title role. We're excited to welcome back as Luisa the world-renowned Bulgarian soprano Krassimira Stoyanova, currently at the peak of her triumphant career.
* Lyric debut
† Ryan Opera Center alumni
Go inside this production of Luisa Miller with engaging articles, notes from the director, a complete plot synopsis, artist bios, and more.
Julie and Roger Baskes
Henry and Gilda Buchbinder Family Foundation
Liz Stiffel
The Nelson Cornelius Production Endowment Fund
Production owned by San Francisco Opera. Scenery construction and painting by the San Francisco Opera Scenic Shop and costumes fabricated by the San Francisco Opera Costume Shop.
Robert F. Finke
in Memory of Carol Keenan
Photos: Todd Rosenberg
