Opera Club to screen Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘Ernani’ in Clubhouse 3

Everyone is invited to watch Giuseppe Verdi’s ‘Ernani’ at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Operaclub’snewestlocation—the Learning Center off the main meeting space of Clubhouse 3. Based on Victor Hugo's poetic tragedy, ‘Ernani’ is the story of three men in love with the same woman, Elvira, in the mountainous SpanishPyrenees.Clubmember Phyllis Orenstein, will share her research of this predicament of love and the code of honor in the 17th century. Act One will introduce the audience to the bandit Ernani, a nobleman turned mountaineer, whoismadlyinlovewithanoblewoman Elvirawhoisbetrothedto her uncle Don Ruy da Silva while being stalked by Don Carlos, the King of Spain. She’ll be seen in the sumptuous surroundings of the Duke’s castle that is invaded by the King of Spain (in disguise).

Act Two reveals the motivation andstrategiesofallthreemen engaged in their singular pursuit of Elvira, after which da Silva forms a blood-sworn alli ance with Ernani involving the Duke’s intercessions to spare Ernani from capture and death by the King. The seal of this pact of honor is to be broken only by the sound of a horn.

In Act Three, Don Carlos, King of Spain, is elevated to King of the Holy Roman Empire and withdraws from both his romantic pursuit as well as his pursuit of the life of Ernani, who in turn is released to marry Elvira. The audience, however, is not let off the hook, as in act Four, the Duke blows the horn and Ernani, according to the code of honor, is called to pay the price of life/death to be followed by his everloving Elvira.

The production is in Italian with English subtitles. People are urged to wear masks for indoor events. No dues or fees will be collected. For more information, contact Beverly Emus at (562) 296-5586 or email Beverly90740@gmail.com. —Sylvan Von Burg