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Mozart's La Finta Giardiniera to be performed

By Anna Stevens '10
November 29, 2006

The St. Olaf Music Department will open its first lyric theatre season with a production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's La Finta Giardiniera. Performances will be held Thursday, Dec. 8, through Friday, Dec. 11, at 7pm in Urness Recital Hall. The opera buffa, a comedic opera, written for a cast of seven, is co-directed by associate professors of music Janis Hardy '68 and James McKeel. Audrey Duncan '07 will conduct the orchestra and Heidi Henriksen '07 designed the sets.

La Finta Giardiniera


When he was only 19 years old, Mozart wrote La Finta Giardiniera, the story of a young noblewoman stabbed by her lover in a fit of passion. Believing he has slain his lover, the man flees. The woman, however, is not dead. She heals from her grievous wounds and, still in love, disguises herself as a gardener. Accompanied by her loyal servant, the noblewoman sets out in search of her lover.

La Finta Giardiniera tells a tale of confused identities, filled with spoiled aristocrats, lustful servants and a scheming mayor, all of whom provide a rich background for the delightful musical score. To reserve general seating for any of the performances, contact Janis Hardy at hardyj@stolaf.edu. Tickets are free, with seating on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Contact at 507-786-3315 or @stolaf.edu.