The story is set in southern Italy and recounts the tragedy of Canio, the lead clown (or pagliaccio in Italian) in a commedia dell'arte troupe, his wife Nedda, and her lover, Silvio. When Nedda spurns the advances of Tonio, another player in the troupe, he tells Canio about Nedda's betrayal. In a jealous rage Canio murders both Nedda and Silvio. Although Leoncavallo's opera was originally set in the late 1860's, Zeffirelli's production is updated to the period between World War I and World War II.
Teresa Stratas, born in Toronto's Cabbagetown, started her musical journey singing Greek songs in her parents' restaurant. Her talent led to radio performances and a Royal Conservatory scholarship. At 20, she debuted in La Bohème at the Toronto Opera Festival and became a renowned figure at the Metropolitan Opera, captivating audiences globally. Notably, she made history performing dual lead soprano roles at the Met in 1995. Her illustrious career includes performances at prestigious opera houses worldwide. Stratas notably sang the title role in the premiere of Alban Berg's Lulu at the Paris Opera in 1979. She's been honoured with the Order of Canada and the Governor General's Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Performing Arts. Stratas holds five honorary degrees and is known for her vibrant personality, disdain for snobbery, and her eight-year involvement with conductor Zubin Mehta. Her passion for life is evident in her zest for both its joys and complexities.
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