Chip Smith, Central City.  It has been 55 years since Verdi’s opera Il trovatore. The Troubadour has been reproduced at Central City Opera. This must see production is worth the wait! Joachim Schamberger’s direction combined with his brilliant use of video images and scenic design, enabled an outstanding cast, ensemble and orchestra to present Verdi’s operatic masterpiece.

Il trovatore premiered in Rome in 1853 following the success of Rigoletto in 1851. One can only imagine how this sensational story of kidnapping, love, beheadings, duels, burning humans at the stake, poison, war and revenge played to the Italian audiences.

The cast assembled for this production is superb. Verdi had thought of entitling his opera La Zingara – the Gypsy. The character is powerful, tragic, and compelling. There is little wonder why Verdi was drawn to her for operatic drama characterization and composition.

Lindsay Ammann lists herself as a dramatic Mezzo/Contralto and makes her debut at Central City. Ms. Ammann is every bit of that description. Her portrayal of the gypsy mother, Azucena, is breathtaking in intensity, vocal range, power, timbre and artistry. You will experience a truly remarkable operatic voice and quality in her performance. Her first act aria – Stride la Vampa –the fire screeches - tells the story of how her mother was falsely accused of witch craft and then burned at the stake. As her mother burns, she cries out “Revenge me!” thus the gyspy daughter sets out in life with that goal. The aria is a tour de force, and Ms. Ammann is totally engaged as an actress physically and emotionally and has the world class voice to deliver this selection. Opera at its best! I sincerely hope that she will return to this company in the future.

Jonathan Burton sings the role of the Troubadour Knight Manrico. He is the adopted son of Azucena. Mr. Burton is flawless in legato and richness of tone. This fine tenor sings with consistent beauty and depth of expression. I have had the pleasure to hear his Cavaradossi in Tosca and his Don Jose in Carman in past years at Central City. Such natural artistry! His love aria – Ah! Si, ben mio – ah, yes my beloved - was one of the finest musical moments from this performance.

Alexandria Loutsion sings the soprano role of the aristocrat Leonora. She has fallen in love with the mysterious knight, Manrico. This role demands considerable vocal ability, a sizable voice, coupled with demanding vocal stamina. Hers is a full, mature and beautiful instrument. Unfortunately, in her first act aria, she sang with moments of insecure intonation.

Michael Mayes has become a favorite performer at Central City. His remarkable performance in 2014’s Dead Man Walking will not be forgotten. His brooding, dark Count di Luna serves the drama well in this production.

Perhaps the most famous musical selection from the opera is the Anvil Chorus. The gypsy ensemble was full throated and brought this moment to life. The Central City orchestra supplied its usual high level of accompaniment to ensure that with all the wonderful artists and creative stage design and direction, the result is a first rate operatic performance. One of the finest productions that I have heard in the last two decades.

My first score that I purchased as a young vocal performance major was that of Il trovatore. Recordings soon followed. Tucker – Price – Warren, Domingo - Price –Milnes. In fact, this opera is so beloved, that there are 83 full cast recordings produced in the past 80 years. I will never forget how much I enjoyed the Marx Brothers1935 movie “A Night At The Opera” that featured four selections from Il trovatore.

You should make every possible attempt to obtain your ticket to this performance. For lovers of opera, do not miss this exquisite production.

Dr. Charles Chip Smith is a Professor Emeritus at Hastings College and the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. He is the former Regional governor of the West Central Region of The National Association of Teachers of Singing. His performance credits include over 150 operatic, musical theatre, vocal recital, and oratorio productions throughout the United States, Canada, England, Japan, and Switzerland.