Set in Paris during the first years of the twentieth century, Il Tabarro's tightly focused plot centers on Michele, the owner of a barge moored on the Seine; his younger wife, Giorgetta, who no longer enjoys their nomadic river life and has taken up with a man her own age; and her lover, Luigi, who wants to settle down in Paris to a more stable workman's life -- hopefully with Giorgetta. As is typical of the grim verismo style, the outcome is unpleasant for these three characters. It's not all grim though; in the characters Frugola, Talpa, Tinca & the Song-vendor we find delightful comedy, as well as poignant sweetness in the two Lovers music.

The opera will be conducted on alternating dates by Roger Malouf and Jason Wirth.

The production is fully staged with orchestra.