Opera in 4 Acts
Performed in Italian with Chinese and English Surtitles

Original French libretto by Camille du Locle and François-Joseph Méry, after Friedrich von Schiller's play of the same name

Italian translation by Achille de Lauzières and Angelo Zanardini

3-7 September 2008　(Wed to Sun) 7:30pm
Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Tickets: $900, 680, 450, 300*, 150*
* Some seats have restricted view

A co-production of Hawaii Opera Theatre, Vancouver Opera and Opera Hong Kong

Verdi's human drama at its grandest and most heartrending
Giuseppe Verdi's great historical opera Don Carlo was first staged in Paris in its original French version in 1867. Based on the German drama by Schiller and set in the 16th century, it deals with intrigues of love and jealousy, politics and revolution, ghosts and murder, friendship and betrayal, at the court of King Philip II of Spain. At the heart of the tragedy is the young prince of the title, Don Carlo, and his love for the French princess, once his betrothed but now his father's bride. The opera, later translated into Italian and revised by the composer for staging in Milan in 1884, includes the famous Song of the Veil of Princess Eboli, whose jealousy is at the heart of the drama, and her O don fatale in which she curses the fatal gift of her own beauty. Rodrigo, the loyal friend of Don Carlo, who gives his life for him, has the dying plea of O Carlo, ascolta, in which he urges the Prince to continue political struggle in Flanders against the power of King Philip. The King's own sadness is revealed in his Ella giammai m'amò, as he laments the fact that his young wife has never loved him. The last act brings the moving prayer of the Queen, Elisabeth de Valois, in Tu che la vanità, before her final meeting with her stepson and lover. Verdi wrote Don Carlo when he was at the height of his powers, and it has come to assume a place as one of his best-loved works, bringing to audiences some of his greatest music.

Act I

Scene 1 – The cloister of the monastery of San Yuste

Don Carlo, son of Philip II, King of Spain, is in love with his young stepmother, the French princess Elisabeth who is originally betrothed to him. He expresses his sorrow of losing his love, his friend Rodrigo, the Marquis of Posa who just returns from Flanders, joins and seeks help from Carlo in securing freedom for the people there. Carlo confides to Rodrigo that he loves Elisabeth.

Scene 2 – The garden outside the cloister

Elisabeth's ladies await the Queen's return. Princess Eboli entertains them with the Song of the Veil. Elisabeth arrives, followed by Rodrigo who hands to her secretly a note from Carlo for requesting an audience. Eboli, however, believes that Carlo is in love with her. Elisabeth agrees to see Carlo. Carlo appears and asks Elisabeth to intercede with his father to have him appointed envoy to Flanders, accuses her of being cold-hearted, and tells his love for her. Elisabeth reproves him, though she loves him, too. Carlo leaves in despair before the King arrives. The King is angry that the Queen has been apparently left unattended, dismisses her attendant back to France. Philip is left alone with Rodrigo, who begs the King to adopt a more liberal attitude towards Flanders. Philip in turn warns Rodrigo to beware of the Grand Inquisitor, although he admires the young man's courage and honesty.

Scene 1 – The Queen's garden at night

Carlo has received an anonymous note telling him to come to the garden, and when he arrives and sees what he thinks is the Queen, he declares his love for her who, actually is the veiled Eboli. Eboli is angry and vows revenge on the Queen and Carlo. Rodrigo, an observer of the scene, wants to kill Eboli, but is restrained by Carlo.

Scene 2 – The square outside Valladolid Cathedral

People celebrate the coming burning of heretics. Carlo appears with a group of envoys from Flanders, whose pleas of mercy for their people are rejected by the King. Carlo impetuously draws his sword and the King orders him to be disarmed, only dare obeyed by Rodrigo. Carlo, thinking himself betrayed, gives in.

Act III

Scene 1 – The King's study

Philip reflects sadly on the Queen's lack of love for him. The Grand Inquisitor is announced and is adamant that Carlo must die, and goes on to declare that Rodrigo too must be put to death. The old man leaves, and Elisabeth rushes in, seeking the King's help and justice; her jewel-casket has been stolen. It is on the desk of Philip who forces open it, and finds a miniature portrait of Carlo in it. He accuses Elisabeth of adultery, and she swoons. Rodrigo and Eboli rush to her side to help her. Eboli now admits to the Queen that she had given the casket to the King for vengeance, further confesses that she has been the King's mistress. Elisabeth banishes her to a convent. Eboli curses her own beauty, but decides to save Carlo from death.

Scene 2 – Don Carlo's prison

Rodrigo comes to bid farewell to Carlo, urges Carlo to take his place in Flanders. A shot rings out and he falls dying. With his last words he tells Carlo that Elisabeth knows everything and will meet him at the monastery: it is his duty to save Spain. Rodrigo dies.

Act IV

The cloisters at San Yuste

Audiences are strongly advised to arrive punctually. No latecomers will be admitted until the interval or a suitable break in the programme.

Admission free on a first-come-first-served basis

Opera Talks (in Cantonese)
Speaker: Prof. Rupert Chan

From 5-act opera in Paris to 4-act in Milan
15.8.2008 (Fri) 7:30pm – 9:30pm

The Franco-Italian Tristan
22.8.2008 (Fri) 7:30pm – 9:30pm

The Aïda of Madrid
29.8.2008 (Fri) 7:30pm – 9:30pm

Room AC2, 4/F, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Admission free on a first-come-first-served basis