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Tue, 14th April 2009 - Fri, 17th April 2009

Fidelio (Married Love) is an opera in two acts by Ludwig van Beethoven, his only work in this genre, with libretto by Joseph Sonnleithner and Georg Friedrich Treitschke. It was composed between 1804 and 1805, revised in 1806 and once more in 1814. The original three act version premiered on 20 November 1805 at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna; the first revised version (in two acts) also premiered at the Theater an der Wien on 29 March 1806 and the second revised version premiered on 23 May 1814 at the Kãrntnertortheater in Vienna.

Synopsis

Act I

Leonore is looking for Florestan, her husband. She suspects that he is in the hands of state prison governor Don Pizarro. Disguised as a man and assuming the name of Fidelio she finds work with Rocco, the prison warden. Marzelline, Rocco's daughter has fallen in love with Fidelio. Her father also would prefer him to gatekeeper Jaquino as son-in-law. As token of trust Fidelio now demands to be taken along to the prisoners cells. A letter warns Don Pizarro of an impending prison inspection by Minister Don Fernando. He promptly commissions Rocco with the murder of Florestan so that his dark machinations remain unexposed. Rocco refuses but declares himself willing to dig the grave. Don Pizarro is willing to carry out the murder himself.

Act II

Fidelio persuades Rocco to let the prisoners into the courtyard. Together with Rocco, she descends into the dungeon. Florestan is lying asleep in the dungeon. He awakens when Rocco and Fidelio begin to dig the grave. He learns from the warden that Pizarro is prison governor. He wishes to send Rocco to his wife. Leonore recognizes her husband. At Rocco's signal Pizarro appears with the intent of stabbing Florestan. Fidelio protects him and reveals herself as Leonore. Trumpets herald the arrival of the Minister and their salvation. After a general amnesty by the government all prisoners are released, Don Fernando recognizes in Florestan his long-lost friend whom he had believed dead. Pizarro's crime stands revealed. The people celebrate the victory of Loyalty over Tyranny.

Booking Info:

Times:

Performances

• 6th Sept at 7.30pm
• 12th Sept at 7.30pm