LA RONDINE (PUCCINI)
house and role debut OF Ruggero Lastouc WITH Washington Concert Opera

The year 2024 marks the 100th Anniversary of Puccini’s death. In celebration of his enduring legacy, WCO will present his gorgeous, moving La Rondine. The opera is notable as a lesser-known work among the composer’s tremendous output, largely due to the outbreak of World War I thwarting its originally intended premiere, plus the fact that no clear “final” performance version exists; Puccini penned three distinct versions with two different endings, but died before he could decide on his favorite. Even so, some of its arias persist in their broader popularity among discerning audiences, and thus, La Rondine as a whole has been saved from obscurity and returned to its rightful place among Puccini’s best. 

Featuring electrifying soprano Ailyn Pérez (WCO debut) in a favorite role of hers – one that she sang recently in Florence, Italy – and Guatemalan tenor Mario Chang (WCO debut), internationally renowned for his bel canto, Verdi, and Puccini interpretations. They will be joined by Deanna Breiwick (WCO debut), an exciting, agile-voiced soprano with an exuberant stage presence.