‘La Sonnambula’ by Vincenzo Bellini – A Spellbinding Performance from Beijing

This Saturday at 1:00 p.m., WHRO FM 90.3 presents an extraordinary broadcast from the WFMT Radio Network Opera Series, featuring “La Sonnambula” by Vincenzo Bellini, performed by the National Centre for the Performing Arts Opera Company from Beijing.

“La Sonnambula” (The Sleepwalker), a masterpiece of the bel canto style, tells the poignant story of Amina, a beautiful young woman in a Swiss village who sleepwalks, leading to a dramatic turn of events in her love life. Amina, portrayed by soprano Dilbèr, becomes entangled in a web of misunderstandings with her fiancé Elvino, sung by tenor Antonino Siragusa. When she is found sleepwalking into the room of the village's new lord, Il Conte Rodolfo, played by ZHANG Wenwei, Elvino's trust is shattered, and he calls off their wedding. The villagers, caught between disbelief and superstition, witness Amina sleepwalk again, this time revealing the truth behind her innocence.

Premiered in 1831, “La Sonnambula” remains one of Bellini's most beloved works. Its serene, pastoral setting and ethereal melodies encapsulate the essence of the bel canto tradition, demanding both technical precision and emotional depth from its performers. The role of Amina, in particular, is famous for its vocal difficulty, requiring the soprano to deliver graceful ornamentations and navigate the soaring highs of Bellini’s intricate score.

In this performance, the renowned National Centre for the Performing Arts Opera Company breathes new life into “La Sonnambula,” kicking off a series of four captivating operas that listeners can enjoy throughout November as part of the WFMT Radio Network Opera Series.

Tune in to WHRO FM this Saturday at 1 p.m. to experience the timeless beauty of Bellini's “La Sonnambula,” a pastoral opera that continues to enchant audiences around the world. Listen on 90.3 FM or enjoy the performance from anywhere through our Online Media Player.