I Capuleti e i Montecchi

 

International Music Festival “Operalia”

International Opera Academy

“ASTANA OPERA” PRESENTS

PREMIERE

Vincenzo Bellini

I Capuleti e i Montecchi

Opera

Libretto by Felice Romani (based on 16th-century Italian legends about Romeo and Juliet)

Premiered in Venice at Teatro La Fenice on 11 March 1830

Unlike Shakespeare’s version, Bellini and Romani focus not only on the romantic storyline but also on the political conflict between two powerful Veronese families. The Capuleti and Montecchi are not merely feuding families, but political factions struggling for control of the city. Romeo is not just a passionate lover but the leader of the Montecchi faction—a warrior and political rival to the Capuleti. Juliet is not only a suffering heroine, but a pawn in a political game: her marriage to Tebaldo is intended to strengthen her family’s position. Lorenzo (a doctor here, rather than a monk) attempts to reconcile the sides, but political hatred proves stronger.

Bellini composed refined, heartfelt melodies full of passion and melancholy. The role of Romeo (in bel canto tradition) is written for mezzo-soprano, giving his character a special tenderness and tragic quality. The arias and duets are noted for their virtuosic vocal lines and emotional depth. Bellini masterfully combines elegant bel canto with dramatic choruses that emphasize the scale of the conflict.

Though not as widely known as Shakespeare’s tragedy, this opera remains one of Bellini’s finest works, blending drama and the elegance of Italian bel canto.

PRODUCTION GROUP

Music Director: Giuseppe ACQUAVIVA (Italy)

Conductor: Ruslan BAIMURZIN

Director: Yevgeniy CHAINIKOV, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan

Assistant Director: Nikolai KULIKOV

Accompanists: Dina MIRMANOVA, Zarina BIMENDINOVA

Vocal Coaches: Honoured Workers of Kazakhstan

Azamat ZHELTYRGUZOV, Zhupar GABDULLINA