Zoraida di Granata, a stirring tale of love, betrayal and reconciliation, set in the Moorish kingdom of Granada in Andalusia in 1480, gave the 24-year-old Donizetti his first major operatic triumph. It marked his establishment as a true musical dramatist with a sure sense of craftsmanship and a flair for the dramatic. The opera’s virtuosic central roles, fine choruses and powerful set-pieces show Rossini’s unavoidable influence, though it is more a presence rather than imitation. This performance of the 1822 edition, not the 1824 revision, is performed on original instruments by Gli Originali and conducted by Alberto Zanardi.

‘Soprano Zuzana Marková shone in the title role... her sincere emotionality managed to connect deeply with the audience.’ Cecilia Molinari gave ‘a warm and expressive tone that added special depth’ to Abenamet. Konu Kim delivered ‘a powerful theatrical performance... with sonorous and well-placed high notes’ as Almuzir, while Valerio Morelli ‘captivated with his rich and nuanced instrument...’ Alberto Zanardi led Orchestra Gli Originali in ‘a vibrant and detailed reading of the score.’ – Pro Opera AC

‘The role-title is sustained by Zuzana Markova, a malicious and pliant soprano voice who finds in softness and nuanced singing her best qualities, exploited even in passages of perilous boldness such as the cavatina Ahi di speme un raggio amico… Softness of phrasing and warm vocal velvet also distinguish the instrument of Cecilia Molinari, the Abenamet of this production, whose solid technique enables her to sing with the appropriate expression and to show off even singing, well supported on the breath and with full-bodied but not heavy centers.’ – Bellini News

Cast:
- Almuzir: Konu Kim (tenor)
- Zoraida: Zuzana Marková (soprano)
- Abenamet: Cecilia Molinari (mezzo-soprano)
- Almanzor: Tuty Hernàndez (bass)
- Ines: Lilla Takács (mezzo-soprano)
- Alì: Valerio Morelli (bass)

Director: Bruno Ravella
Assistant director: Filippo Rotondo
Set and costume designer: Gary McCann
Costume co-designer: Gabriella Ingram
Assistant set designer: Gloria Bolchini
Light designer: Daniele Naldi
Assistant light designer: Paolo Bonapace
Video director and editor: Matteo Ricchetti

Recording place: Donizetti Opera Festival 2024, Teatro Sociale, Bergamo, Italy
Video format / Aspect ratio: 16:9 1080i60
Audio format: PCM STEREO 2.0 – DTS 5.1 HD Master Audio
Region Code: 0 – All regions
Subtitles: Italian, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean
Notes: English
Duration: 194 min. approx.