The historic palace of the Dobrovo Castle isthe setting for this hilarious farce in music from the late 18th century, written by Florentine composer Luigi Cherubini at the very young age of 15.

“Il giocatore (the gambler)” is a three-part intermezzo, the kind of short, brilliant operettas that were offered between acts of magniloquent dramatic operas to lighten the tension and captivate the audience.

Characterized by a lively comic plot, “The Gambler” stages the love affair of a couple, spiced with deception, subterfuge and manipulation.

The musical pages stand out for their brilliance and energy, with arias and duets reflecting the  frenzy and deception in which the protagonists are enveloped. The skillful use of orchestration and vivid characterization of the characters are, moreover, evidence of Cherubini’s talent for mixing drama and comedy.

The operina was first staged in 1775 in Florence and was later revived in Paris, where the composer moved in 1786, a few years before the French Revolution. Cherubini was, therefore, a witness to that stormy period, an aspect that was reflected in his musical output, which was marked by social satire and fast-paced rhythms.

Virginia Cattinelli Serpilla

Dario Giorgelé Bacocco

Elisabetta Gustini Stage Director

Eric Foster Musical Director

GO! Borderless Orchestra

New production by the Piccolo Opera Festival

Full price ticket € 15 | concessions € 12

Special residents Collio/Brda* € 8

In case of adverse weather: Vila Vipolže – Brda

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