Random Opera Company presents: Elena e Gerardo

Elena e Gerardo is the only opera by the composer Marianna Bottini. Written in 1822, it has never been performed before. In 2023, Random Opera Company will be performing its World Premiere, over 200 years after it was written.

Performed in Italian, with English Subtitles
Accompanied by the Orchestra of Random Opera Company
Conductor: Thomas Payne

The opera is based on a story by Matteo Bandello, who later wrote the version of “Romeo & Juliet” which formed the basis for Shakespeare’s play. It is a great example of Bel Canto opera, with a rich orchestration and glorious coloratura.

Born in 1802 in Lucca, Italy, Marianna Bottini was a celebrated composer from a young age, and was admitted to the Academy of Music in Bologna as an “Honorary Master Composer” at the age of just 18. However, just 5 years later she married a prominent politician, and so stopped composing. As a result, Bottini’s work is now almost unknown. We are delighted to be bringing this work to the stage, and adding the work to the operatic repertory.