La Flora: A Rediscovered Baroque Opera by Ars Minerva

Under the creative direction of Céline Ricci, San Francisco’s Ars Minerva brings back La Flora, a Baroque opera with a unique history, to the stage at ODC on November 15, 16, and 17, 2024. Originally commissioned for composer Antonio Sartorio (1630–1680), who passed away before completing the work, La Flora was finished by his talented collaborator and nephew, Marc’Antonio Ziani, and premiered during the Carnival season of 1681 at Venice’s Teatro San Angelo. Librettist Novello Bonis crafted a vibrant narrative, weaving both dramatic and comedic elements that illuminate the emotional complexities of love, power, and loyalty.

Set during the late Roman Republic under the rule of the notorious dictator Silla La Flora follows the tumultuous love story between Flora and Pompeo. Although the couple’s passion runs deep, they face formidable obstacles: Silla and Pompeo’s father are determined to marry Pompeo to Silla’s daughter, Emilia, who is already secretly wed to another. This multilayered plot brings to life a blend of heroic tragedy and comedic farce, with Pompeo—destined to be the great Roman general—revealing a surprising lack of backbone when it comes to defying his father and defending his beloved. Flora, however, is undeterred, using her charm and resilience to fight for their love against the powerful figures manipulating their fates.

About Céline Ricci At the head of this production, Céline Ricci brings her extensive experience as Ars Minerva’s Founder and Executive Artistic Director. Since establishing Ars Minerva in 2013, Ricci has directed several celebrated productions of rediscovered Baroque operas, earning critical acclaim for her imaginative approach. She recently directed Vivaldi’s Juditha Triumphans for the San Francisco Girls Chorus and By Georges! for The Lamplighters, gaining critical acclaim. As both a former opera singer with a distinguished international career and an accomplished director in the Bay Area, Ricci expertly brings rare works like La Flora to life, inviting audiences to experience the captivating beauty and richness of Baroque opera.

Through Ricci’s revival, La Flora promises to enchant contemporary audiences with its emotional depth and dramatic contrasts, or “chiaroscuro,” and the timeless human struggles at its heart. Ars Minerva’s production embodies its mission of reinvigorating forgotten works, capturing the essence of Baroque opera, and sharing these precious historical treasures with the Bay Area community

Friday Nov. 15 & Saturday Nov. 16 at 7:30pm
Sunday Nov. 17, 2024 at 2:30pm
Address: ODC – B-Way Theater 3153 17th Street – San Francisco
Buy tickets click here