OC Archives: Cecilia Violetta López (Nedda) in Pagliacci (2020)

By: Suzanne Whitney

Nedda (Cecilia Violetta López) is a member of a traveling commedia dell’arte troupe and unhappily married to one of her fellow players, Canio (John Pickle). But, she has fallen in love. Her secret affair with Silvio (Will Liverman) has filled her with hope and also with fear of the repercussions. Nedda dreams of a better life away from the abusive Canio. In “Stridono lassù,” Nedda is distracted by the songbirds fluttering by. She admires their beauty and their freedom.

Want to learn more about Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci? Check out Pagliacci 101 Part 1 for the characters and plot. Then take a deep dive in Pagliacci 101 Part 2 for the story’s origin and a brief history of Pagliacci in pop culture.

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Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci was performed at the Ellie Caulkins Opera house in 2020.

Videography by Brad Stabio
Featuring the Opera Colorado Orchestra
Ari Pelto conducting
Stage Director: David Lefkowich
Image: Opera Colorado / Matthew Staver