The Garden of the Finzi-Continis

An opera in two acts

Libretto by Michael Korie

Published by Theodore Presser Company

Duration: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with one intermission

Premiere:
January 27th, 2022
NYTF – National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene/NYC Opera
Museum of Jewish Heritage – A Living Memorial to the Holocaust
Edmond J. Safra Plaza
36 Battery Place New York, NY 10280

Commission: National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene/NYC Opera

Instrumentation:
Flute (doubling Piccolo); Oboe (doubling English Horn); Clarinet in B-flat; Bassoon | Horn in F; Trumpet in C; Bass Trombone | Percussion (1 player): Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Chimes, Triangle, Suspended Cymbal, Mark Tree, Snare Drum, Concert Tom-toms (4), Bass Drum
Piano (doubling Celesta) | Violin 1, 2, 3; Viola; Violoncello; Contrabass

Score: Piano-Vocal Score Available from Theodore Presser. Full score and parts coming soon!

Click on each item to see the full contents:

Click to View Program Notes

With a libretto by Michael Korie (Flying Over Sunset, War Paint, Grey Gardens), The Garden Of The Finzi-Continis begins on the eve of World War II and tells the story of an aristocratic Italian-Jewish family, the Finzi-Continis, who believe they are immune to the changes happening around them.

As they make a gracious haven for themselves in their garden, walling out the unpleasantness of the world outside, Italy forms its alliance with Germany and begins to enforce anti-Semitic racial laws. But the Finzi-Continis discover too late that no one is immune, no one is untouchable.

Based on Giorgio Bassani’s 1962 novel, The Garden of The Finzi-Continis is a modern classic. Vittorio De Sica’s 1970 film adaptation starred Dominique Sanda and Helmet Berger – and took home a 1972 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Click to View Roles

GIORGIO (Tenor) Plays early twenties to early-thirties

MICÒL FINZI-CONTINI (Soprano) plays early 20s

ALBERTO FINZI-CONTINI (Lyric baritone) plays early 20s

GIAMPI MALNATE (Baritone) plays early 20s

PAPÀ (Baritone) Giorgio’s father

PROFESSOR ERMANNO (Tenor) doubles as RABBI/TENNIS CLUB PROPRIETOR 50s

MAMMA (Soprano or High Mezzo) Giorgio’s Mother 40s

SIGNORA OLGA (Soprano or High Mezzo) doubles as CRISTINA/RICCA COHEN 50s

PEROTTI (Tenor) doubles as MUSSOLINI/UNCLE FEDERICO Finzi-Contini Servant, 50s

SIGNORA REGINA (Mezzo) doubles as SOFIA Micol’s grandmother, 70s

YOUNG GIORGIO (Baritenor) doubles as his brother ERNESTO Age 14

YOUNG MICÒL (Light soprano) doubles as COUSIN/ADRIANA and ENSEMBLE Age14

CANTOR

BANK TELLER LIBRARIAN

BRUNO LATTES

CITY COUNCILMAN MOVIE THEATRE USHER

JEWISH CONGREGANTS CITIZENS OF FERRARA VENICE MERCHANTS

ENSEMBLE (6) — All roles played by 3 men, 3 women

  • VENETIAN GLASS MERCHANT
  • AUNT BELLA
  • UNCLE ARTURO
  • LIDIA
  • GISELA
  • FASCISTI GUARD LEADER
  • BLACK SHIRTS FASCISTI SOLIDERS STREETWALKERS

Ricky Ian Gordon & Michael Korie:

Photo of Ricky Ian Gordon & Michael Korie
Photo of Ricky Ian Gordon & Michael Korie

New York City Opera/Yiddish Theater Folksbiene

2022

Photos by Steven Pisano