On a Sunday afternoon in October, New Mexico opera lovers will be treated to the modern American premiere of a work that was virtually lost for more than a century. In the first of three performances at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, Maestro Anthony Barrese will conduct Giovanni Bottesini’s Ali` Baba`, whose score he reconstructed from the composer’s original manuscript.

It’s not the first time the brilliant young conductor of Opera Southwest has breathed new life into a rare, forgotten work and put Opera Southwest on the international opera map. On October 26, 2014 the opera world’s attention was focused on New Mexico’s Opera Southwest and its Artistic Director/Principal Conductor Anthony Barrese for a spectacular new world-premiere of the long lost and forgotten Amleto (Hamlet).

Before then, Franco Faccio’s operatic adaptation of Shakespeare had been performed only once, in 1865. Poorly received, chiefly because of an ailing tenor, it was withdrawn and abandoned until Maestro Barrese painstakingly reconstructed and revived it through a labor of research and love that spanned 11 years.

Now, the Maestro does it again. Ali` Baba` is based on the story of Alì Babà and the Forty Thieves from One Thousand and One Nights, and was originally premiered in London in 1871. Barrese was drawn to the work not only for its musical score, but also for its compelling portrayal of the people of Iran and Turkey. His revival of the opera strives for authenticity in score, cast, and stage production – all subjects he will talk about in a pre-opera seminar and in an Opera Guild luncheon in the days before the first performance, as well as at a Santa Fe Opera Guild event during the opera’s run.

Hear from and speak with the spirited and engaging Maestro Barrese in person …

Pre-Opera Seminar | Albuquerque Museum: 2000 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque. Saturday, October 5, 10:30am. Maestro Barrese and members of the cast will discuss theoperaand conduct a Q & A. Refreshments will be served. Register Now

Opera Guild Luncheon | Seasons Grill | 2031 Mountain Rd NW, Albuquerque. Tuesday, October 15, 11:30am. Maestro Barrese will discuss Ali` Baba` and be available for conversation. Choice of entre. Cash bar. Buy Tickets Now

Santa Fe Opera Guild Event | Santa Fe Women’s Club | 1616 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe. Tuesday, October 22, 6:00pm. Maestro Barrese talks about how he has restored Ali` Baba`. Register Now

See why Operawire.com lists Ali` Baba` in the #1 position of the 10 Must- See Operas For The Fall Season 2019, and experience world-class opera right here on your New Mexico doorstep …
Ali` Baba` | National Hispanic Cultural Center. 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque: Sunday, October 20, 2019 2pm, Friday, October 25, 2019 7:30pm, Sunday, October 27, 2019 2pm. Buy Tickets Now