This production of Il trittico belonged to the new cast members, who brought even more energy and vibrancy to the stage. While the original cast was impressive, the new lineup delivered unforgettable performances across all three operas. The entire cast was superb, but there were definitely standout performances that made this revival really shine.

Andrés Presno and Natalya Romaniw

This includes Andrés Presno, the new Luigi  in Il tabarro. His voice was rich, passionate, and full of that Italianate flair you’d expect in a Puccini opera. He brought a fiery intensity to the role, which paired perfectly with Natalya Romaniw’s soulful Giorgetta. They had perfect chemistry, and their duets were mesmerizing. Romaniw’s was elegant, vibrant and powerful, with that dramatic soprano quality that lifts all performances. And while Luigi’s affair with Giorgetta added the necessary heat to the performance, Dario Solari as Michele Giorgetta’s long-suffering husband, provided a brooding and tragic contrast. His portrayal was both heart-wrenching and commanding, and the tension between him and the lovers was palpable throughout the opera.

Moving on to Suor Angelica, it was clear that this was Natalya Romaniw’s show. Her performance was breathtaking, and she handled the role with such grace and emotion that it was impossible not to be moved. Her final aria, where she begs the Virgin Mary to reunite her with her dead son, had the audience in tears. Romaniw’s warm, expressive voice soared through the auditorium, and she sang with perfect control and passion. But she wasn’t the only standout in Suor Angelica. Anne Mason, in her new role as Suor Angelica’s aunt, was perfectly vile and dismissive, creating a sharp contrast to Romaniw’s vulnerable Angelica. Her performance added a layer of cruelty and bitterness that made Angelica’s story even more heartbreaking.

The new cast also brought a lot of fun and energy to the final opera, Gianni Schicchi which was a real laugh-out-loud experience, thanks in large part to Dario Solari in the title role. He played Gianni Schicchi with both and sharp wit, making the entire opera a comedic delight. His timing was spot-on, and he had the audience in stitches throughout. Haegee Lee as Lauretta also brought a fresh perspective to her famous aria, O mio babbino caro. Instead of playing it sweet and innocent, Lee gave Lauretta a manipulative edge, making her character more layered and interesting. It was a fun twist on the usual interpretation, and her delicate, crystal-clear voice made it all the more captivating.

The orchestra, conducted by Alexander Joel did an excellent job throughout the evening. Joel really brought out all the layers of Puccini’s music, creating an atmosphere that perfectly complemented the drama unfolding on stage. The orchestra was particularly sensitive to the singers in Suor Angelica, providing a lush and emotional backdrop to the tragic story.

Overall, this new cast brought fresh life to Il trittico, with standout performances from both seasoned stars like Natalya Romaniw and new additions . If you thought you’d seen it all before with this production, think again—this revival is definitely worth seeing, even if you’ve already experienced it. The new cast members have added so much to the show, making it a must-see for any opera lover.

Photography: Craig Fuller

Until October 5 https://wno.org.uk/