Picture it ... Sicily ... 1860 ... Opera Orlando concludes its 2024-25 Destiny + Desire Mainstage series with a unique double bill of Berlioz’s Beatrice + Benedict and Mascagni’s Verismo Cavalleria Rusticana. Life is a balance of happy moments and tragic ones, and this pairing celebrates this with two stories happening on the same day in the same place.

First is Berlioz's adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. A battle of wits takes over a Sicilian square as the scornful and pragmatic Beatrice goes toe-to-toe with the arrogant and cavalier Benedict. Both have sworn off marriage, but are tricked into thinking the other has fallen for them. As a lighthearted ruse turns into real confessions of love, the couple wed and celebrate their union. However, with the opening notes of Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana, that same town square becomes the backdrop for a tragic, realistic portrayal of unrequited love. A heartbroken Turiddu longs for the beautiful Lola, who is now married to the merchant Alfio, although Turiddu has a wife of his own, Santuzza. Turridu and Lola begin a scandalous affair, but it is short-lived once Alfo learns of it, and exacts his revenge. This unique production is conceived and directed by Grant Preisser and features the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Opera Orlando Chorus and Youth Company, and dancers from the Orlando Ballet.