Opera: Il matrimonio segreto (The Secret Marriage)

by Domenico Cimarosa
Teatro di San Carlo, Naples 2025-06-11 ... 2025-06-17

Il matrimonio segreto at Teatro di San Carlo: A Masterpiece of Comic Opera

“Il matrimonio segreto” by Domenico Cimarosa is one of the most charming and witty works in the comic opera repertoire. Set to be performed at the prestigious Teatro di San Carlo in Naples during the 2024/2025 season, this lively “dramma giocoso” in two acts is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and sharp social commentary. The opera revolves around the complications arising from a secret marriage between Paolino, a humble clerk, and Carolina, the younger daughter of the wealthy merchant Geronimo. The secrecy of their union leads to a series of misunderstandings, comic situations, and clever deceptions, all set against Cimarosa’s sparkling score, which balances lightness with depth. Cimarosa’s music, filled with graceful melodies and witty orchestration, brings to life the vibrant personalities of the characters, from the scheming Elisetta to the bumbling yet authoritative Geronimo.

Teatro di San Carlo, one of the world’s most renowned opera houses, is the perfect setting for this classic work. With its rich history and breathtaking architecture, the venue provides a fitting backdrop to the elegance and charm of “Il matrimonio segreto”. Under the direction of Francesco Corti and the creative vision of Stéphane Braunschweig, this new production promises to bring fresh energy to Cimarosa’s timeless opera. The cast of talented young soloists from the Accademia di Canto Lirico del Teatro di San Carlo will showcase the comic timing and vocal finesse required to capture the nuances of this beloved work. Whether you are a longtime opera lover or new to the genre, this production of “Il matrimonio segreto” is bound to enchant with its irresistible mix of humor, romance, and masterful music, offering an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

Travel Package Teatro San Carlo Naples

Music trip to Naples for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “Il matrimonio segreto” at the Teatro San Carlo Naples.
The travel package includes 3 days with 2 nights in one of our selected hotels in Naples and is put together according to your wishes. You can choose between the Essential and Superior packages, request additional nights, and a subsequent program to explore Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and Italy.

Teatro San Carlo

The San Carlo Theater was built in 1737 and is the oldest opera house in the world. The Italian opera temple San Carlo is a symbol of the city of Naples. Enjoy our music package with a magnificent performance and an exclusive leisure program in Naples. You can select between the essential package and add individual services that we offer with the superior program.
The highlight is an opera or ballet at the famous Teatro San Carlo.

History of "Il matrimonio segreto"

Premiering in Vienna in 1792, *Il matrimonio segreto* quickly became one of Domenico Cimarosa’s most celebrated works and is still regarded as one of the finest examples of 18th-century opera buffa. The opera was an immediate success, receiving such acclaim that Emperor Leopold II famously requested an encore of the entire performance. The libretto, written by Giovanni Bertati, is based on the English play *The Clandestine Marriage* by George Colman the Elder and David Garrick. This source material lent itself to the operatic stage, as it offered a blend of farce, wit, and a lively exploration of societal norms, particularly the tensions between love and class.

At the heart of *Il matrimonio segreto* is the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations, a theme that resonates throughout the operatic repertoire. However, what sets Cimarosa’s work apart is its deft use of humor and character development. His music adds depth to the characters, elevating them beyond mere comedic archetypes. While Paolino and Carolina’s secret marriage is the central plot, the supporting characters, such as the pompous Geronimo and the conniving Fidalma, bring additional layers of intrigue and amusement. Cimarosa’s brilliance lies in his ability to balance lightheartedness with genuine emotion, making *Il matrimonio segreto* a masterpiece of its genre. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless charm, engaging plot, and delightful music, ensuring its place in opera houses worldwide for over two centuries.

The Artists and Creative Team

Dramma giocoso in two acts
Music by Domenico Cimarosa
Libretto by Giovanni Bertati, after the play The clandestine marriage by George Colman The Old and David Garrick

Conductor • Francesco Corti
Stage Direction and Set Design • Stéphane Braunschweig
Costumes Design • to be announced
Lighting Design • to be announced

Cast

Geronimo • Sebastià Serra (11, 13, 15) • Yunho Kim (12, 14, 17)
Elisetta • Désirée Giove (11, 13, 15) • Tamar Otanadze (12, 14, 17)
Carolina • Maria Knihnytska (11, 13, 15) • Anastasiia Sagaidak (12, 14, 17)
Fidalma • Antonia Salzano (11, 13, 15) • Sayumi Kaneko (12, 14, 17)
Il conte Robinson • Maurizio Bove (11, 13, 15) • Antimo Dell’Omo (12, 14, 17)
Paolino • Francesco Domenico Doto (11, 13, 15) • Sun Tianxuefei (12, 14, 17)

Soloists of Accademia di Canto lirico del Teatro di San Carlo

Orchestra of Teatro di San Carlo

New Production of Teatro di San Carlo

Sung in Italian, with Italian and English surtitles
Running time: approx. 3 hours, with interval

Booking Process

Music trip toNaples for 3 days / 2 nights with premium tickets for the opera “Il matrimonio segreto”. The highlight is a visit to the famous Teatro San Carlo on the second evening to experience a magnificent performance in a world-famous environment with global stars. You can select between Essential and Superior Package.

Each travel package will be composed according to your wishes. Follow the booking process:

Select a Date
Press “Add to cart” and “Send Request”
When we receive your booking request, you will get an individual offer with some hotels to choose from. Only after your decision, we send you a travel contract to confirm the booking.
Description of the Essential and Superior Package