Theater: Daughter of the Regiment

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If you are looking for tickets to see a rollicking opera comique that has become world-renowned for its music, especially since it puts some of the best opera singers in the world to a real test, then you need to get tickets to see the opera comique The Daughter of the Regiment or as it is known is French, La fille du regiment. The opera was originally written by Gaetano Donizetti after which it was translated into French by Jean-François Bayard and Georges Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges. The opera is in two acts and was first performed at the Opera-Comique in Paris in 1840.

What perhaps makes this opera most famous is the aria entitled "Ah! mes amis, quel jour de fête!". It a number for the tenor and is known as the 'Mount Everest' for tenors, as it consists of nine high C notes. The piece calls for a huge amount of vocal prowess and dexterity as these notes come in quick succession. To make matters even more difficult, the aria comes at the very beginning of the opera and so the tenor does not have ample time to allow his voice to warm up and open up. Many tenors who are not as skilled end up hitting a B-sharp instead of a C during the aria.

The story of the opera revolves around the life of young Marie. Found as a baby on the battlefield, she is adopted by a regiment of soldiers and grows up following them as vivandière, referring to the soldiers as her fathers. One day she is saved by a young Swiss man called Tonio and they fall in love. Marie reveals to Tonio that she will only marry a man who belongs to the regiment and he accordingly joins. However their impending joy is nipped in the bud when a nearby marchioness recognizes the young Marie as her niece, a fact which is proved by the letters that Suplice, the honest sergeant shows. The first scene ends with Marie saying goodbye to her beloved regiment and Tonio and going with the marchioness.

The second act finds Marie in the marchioness's castle, surrounded by riches. Suplice is also with her as he is now an invalid and is living in the castle. Plans are in place to wed Marie to the son of a duchess and Marie is set to accept her fate. However, she suddenly hears the sounds of a military band and looks to see that her old regiment has arrived with Tonio as an officer. Marie immediately rushes out to greet them and the duchess retires in a huff. Marie explains her love to the marchioness and the marchioness gives her consent for the marriage.

Don't miss your chance to see this exemplary opera when it hits the stage! Contact your online ticket vendor today and get your tickets to see The Daughter of the Regiment live!