Mia Mandineau (left) and Ashley Zielezinski have the lead roles of sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella, respectively, in the Hillman Opera production of Mozart’s “Così fan tutte.”
The Hillman Opera at SUNY Fredonia presents Mozart’s razor-sharp comedy “Così fan tutte” with three performances.
Hillman Opera Producer Donald I. Marrazzo, who is assistant professor of Voice and director of Opera Studies, describes “Così fan tutte” as an “enchanting production” by Director Paul Mockovak, a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance.
He also cited the lavish sets by Hyla Stellhorn and stunning Rococo costumes by Jessica Lustig as highlights. Both are Department of Theatre and Dance faculty members.
“[Dr.] Emily Schaad (director of Orchestral Activities) conducts a fantastic cast, chorus and orchestra comprised entirely of Fredonia School of Music students,” Marrazzo said. “ Così fan tutte’ features an endless parade of exquisite arias and ensembles.”
Performances in the Robert W. Marvel Theatre on campus are on Thursday, Nov. 14 and Friday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Nov. 17. There is no Saturday performance.
Tickets are available online 24/7. They may also be purchased on Monday, Wednesday or Friday by phone between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at (716) 673-3501 or in person at the Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center during the same hours.
Set in the Bay of Naples in the 18th century, “Così fan tutte” is a bittersweet meditation on women’s faithfulness against a backdrop of disguises, false goodbyes, and deceptions. Convinced of women’s infidelity, the cynical Don Alfonso provokes his friends Ferrando and Guglielmo by questioning the loyalty of their fiancées, sisters Dorabella and Fiordiligi.
To prove his assertion, Don Alfonso proposes the following plan: that they tell their fiancées they are leaving for war, and then return disguised as soldiers, ready to do anything to seduce the lonely fiancées.
With their “real” lovers gone, Fiordiligi and Dorabella appear outraged when their servant Despina (Don Alfonso’s accomplice) introduces into their home the two soldiers, who quickly prove to be very persuasive.
The two sisters at first reject them virtuously but soon allow themselves to be seduced by these new suitors who, under a false identity, gradually become disillusioned as they see their fiancées betraying them. “They all do that!” (“Così fan tutte”), Don Alfonso states, thrilled to have proved his theory. The terrorized sisters are horrified by the deception and the two men initially find it difficult to forgive, however, Don Alfonso suggests a solution that will leave the audience delightfully surprised!
The principal cast includes Mia Mandineau, of Paris, France, (Class of 2025, pursuing a master’s degree in Vocal Performance) as Fiordiligi; Ashley Zielezinski of Buffalo, NY, (Class of 2025, majoring in Music Education) as Dorabella; Andrew George of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, (Class of 2026, pursing a master’s degree in Vocal Performance) as Ferrando; Dominic Townsend of Youngstown, NY, (Class of 2026, majoring in Music Education and Vocal Performance) as Guglielmo; Mia Sorgi of Hamburg, NY, (Class of 2026, majoring in Music Education and Vocal Performance) as Despina; and Patrick Connolly of Long Island, NY, (Class of 2026, pursuing a master’s degree in Vocal Performance) as Don Alfonso.
“My hope is that our audiences - new and seasoned audience members alike - will fall in love with the genius, beauty, and wit of Mozart's music,” Marrazzo said.
The producer noted Mozart was a musical prodigy from the age of six and is considered by many to be the greatest musician of all time.
“‘Così fan tutte’ is one of his greatest operas,” Marrazzo said. “This beautiful, brand-new production will be a feast for the eyes and ears and will be wonderful opportunity for audience members to discover the incredible talent we have here at Fredonia.”
“Così fan tutte” is sponsored by Gugino and Ryel Financial as part of the 2024-25 Lake Shore Savings Season. Additional support is provided by the Hillman Opera Patrons, the Friends of Rockefeller Arts Center, The E. Louise Hoag Fund and the Oliver G. and Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the Arts at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo.
For more than a century, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has enhanced and encouraged long-term philanthropy in the Western New York community. A 501 (c)(3) organization, the Community Foundation's mission is: Connecting people, ideas, and resources to improve lives in Western New York. Established 1919, the Community foundation has made the most of the generosity of individuals, families, foundations and organizations who entrust charitable assets to the Community Foundation's care. Learn more online at cfgb.org.
It is also presented as part of the 2024-25 Lake Shore Savings Season.
