Il Tabarro at California Center for the Arts, Escondido

Grand opera is coming to the California Center for the Arts in Escondido in July!

Giacomo Puccini’s one-act masterpiece Il Tabarro, Italian for The Cloak, is a dramatic story of love, jealousy, and betrayal. Set aboard a river barge in Paris at the turn of the century, the soul-stirring melodies will transport you to a foggy night of deception and death.

Il Tabarro is the least-performed of the three operas in Puccini’s triple-bill Il Trittico (The Triptych). While companies frequently mount double bills of Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi, they usually overlook Il Tabarro, the first opera Puccini composed in the trio. In just one hour, you’ll be spellbound by the beauty and power of this music, whether you’re a devoted opera fan or a first-timer.

That’s just half of the program, though. After the intermission, you’ll see the same story told in a completely different way: through neoclassical ballet. Featuring original choreography, this brand new adaptation of Il Tabarro reverses the narrative as the characters are now silent, speaking only through mesmerizingly expressive movements. This time, you’ll hear the same amazing orchestrations but without any vocal parts.

Cinballera’s founders, dramatic coloratura soprano Tiffany Brannan and prima ballerina Rebekah Brannan, will be trading off as the leading lady in the opera and ballet, leading a talented cast of international performers and local professionals.

Il Tabarro is presented in collaboration with the Temecula Valley Symphony, with Maestro John Mario Di Costanzo conducting.

This production is Cinballera’s Season 4 opener, marking the 3-year anniversary of the company’s first performance in July 2023!