“Bella Nice, che d’amore”

Vincenzo Bellini, "Bella Nice, che d'amore"
Kathleen Felty, mezzo-soprano; Enrique Mazzola, piano

"Bella Nice, che d'amore" ("Beautiful Nice, you who arouse") is classic Bellini in its typically sweet, somewhat plaintive legato. It does turn a bit more dramatic when, in the fourth verse, the singer indicates that if Nice casts a flower on her ashes, then the tomb won't be so horrible for her. This is, in fact, the same music Bellini incorporated into the confrontation between the ardent Roman proconsul and the reluctant object of his wooing, the young priestess Adalgisa, in the first act of Norma.

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*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

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The Sole E Amore performance you enjoyed is just one example of how Lyric Opera of Chicago is expanding the definition of what opera means in today's world.

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About the Ryan Opera Center

About the Ryan Opera Center

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is Lyric's preeminent artist-development program that nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic singers and pianists of each generation. The program's Ensemble members earn their coveted spot by successfully auditioning among more than 400 artists worldwide. Its alumni are among the dominant names in opera today. Donor generosity ensures continued unparalleled training, performance experience, and professional readiness of Ensemble members. This highly competitive program, established in 1974, is honored to enjoy the support of acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming as Advisor, along with full-time staff Director Dan Novak, Music Director Craig Terry, and Director of Vocal Studies Julia Faulkner.

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Photos: Kyle Flubacker