World premiere of Mayo composer's opera ‘Dante - From Inferno to Paradise’

A FULL house at Theatre Hof enjoyed the world premiere of Patrick Cassidy’s Opera ‘Dante - From Inferno to Paradise’ last Saturday night.

It was a highly emotional evening in Bavaria, Germany, the culmination of a decade of dedication to the subject matter by renowned international composer Patrick Cassidy, a native of Claremorris, now based in Los Angeles.

Patrick’s masterful and timeless Vide Cor Meum aria, which featured in Hannibal and Kingdom of Heaven movies, led to the composition of this full three act, 20 scene opera, dedicated to the works of Dante, the famous Italian poet and writer, from the 13th century.

Set in a contemporary fashion, the 40 strong cast, consisting of the Hof Choir and Ballet Theatre Hof, together with the Hofer Symphony Orchestra, brought the tragic love story to life in a most dramatic, majestic and fulfilling way.

Patrick received a magnificent reception and a lengthy standing ovation at the conclusion of a most memorable occasion, attended by a number of Irish travelling supporters from a group tour and privately, along with some ticket holders from Central Europe, including former Italian Ambassador to Ireland Giovanni Adorni Braccesi, now based in Rome.

Giovanni bestowed Patrick with the decoration of Cavaliere (Knight) in the Order Stella d’Italia in 2017 and looks forward to Italy hosting the opera in Dante’s homeland.

In all, there are seven performances of Dante Opera at the Theatre Hof, over the next four weeks.

Patrick was very pleased with the success of the opening night and appreciated the attendees from Ireland.

“Thanks to everyone for making the night so special for me and my family. The project was a labour of love and witnessing it happen and so magnificently performed by Theatre Hof was wonderful. Certainly a career highlight,” he said.

He explained the theme of the opera: “Dante first met Beatrice when he was nine years of age. He falls in love with her with all his heart and devotes himself to the art of poetry and while still a young man commences his first great work, La Vita Nuova. Sadly, Beatrice dies and Dante, upon experiencing a beatific vision of Beatrice in Paradise, was inspired to write his masterpiece, The Divine Comedy.”

Dante and Beatrice are reunited in heaven and the full story of the happenings is beautifully depicted and performed in Patrick’s first opera.

It is envisaged that Dante will be performed in Ireland, possibly in Mayo, in due course.