Roman Holiday

Canadian Opera Company presents Donizetti's comic opera Don Pasquale this season, with Misha Kiria in the titular role. A witty tale of intrigue and revenge, the farcical Opera is widely regarded as the toast of the Opera Buffa (comic opera) tradition of the 19th century. Updated to 1960s Rome by Renaud Doucet and Andre Barbe, this production marks Don Pasquale's first appearance by the company in 30 years!

What's the story?

The story follows the wealthy and overbearing Don Pasquale, an old man who becomes furious with his nephew Ernesto who refuses to marry a bride of his uncle's choosing in favour of the penniless widow, Norina, whom he truly loves. When Don Pasquale decides he will marry instead, the plot thickens when his friend Dr Malatesta puts forward a fictitious sister as the perfect candidate for marriage, yet this "sister" is none other than Ernesto's love Norina...