Opera Guild meets today at 10 a.m. at Ouachita room to discuss Don Pasquale

Anna Netrebko as Norina/Sofronia in Don Pasquale.
Don Pasquale is an Italian comic opera buffa composed by Gaetano Donizetti with librettist Giovanni Ruffini. The opera is in three acts. Don Pasquale is the 64th of Donizetti’s 66 operas.
Don Pasquale premiered January 3, 1843. The entire opera takes place in the course of events of one day.
In act 1, Don Pasquale is upset with his nephew for refusing to marry so he decides to cut his nephew off as his heir by marrying and producing his own heir. The nephew, Ernesto, is in love with the widow Norina and refuses to marry any of his uncle’s choices. Ernesto’s friend Malatesta tells Don Pasquale his sister would make a suitable bride for Don Pasquale. Don Pasquale announces his intentions and throws Ernesto out of his home. Ernesto is having a very bad day, he sees his inheritance slipping away at the hands of his friend.
In the meantime Malatesta arranges for Norina to pass herself off as his sister, marry Pasquale in a mock ceremony and drive him to desperation and therefore mercy so she and Ernesto can finally be together.
In act 2 has no idea regarding Malatesta’s plan and is beside himself over losing Norina to his uncle. Norina is introduced to Don Pasquale as Sofronia. Malatesta suggests they marry immediately. Ernesto bursts in and is about to give away Norina’s identity when Malatesta takes him aside and explains his plan. Ernesto falls in line and even serves as a witness to the marriage contract. Pasquale bequeaths his fortune to his bride. Norina goes form demure ingenue to extravagant hussy in 60 seconds or less. The trio is happy with their success in putting one over on Don Pasquale.
In act 3 it has become apparent that Norina is spending loads of Don Pasquale’s money. Don Pasquale attempts to assert his rights as husband but is constantly thwarted by Norina. Norina, Malatesta and Ernesto agree to stage a garden rendevous to make Don Pasquale think he has trapped Sofronia/Norina with in a compromising situation. The vengeful Don Pasquale once again changes his will and will now leave everything to Malatesta.
In the midst of all the garden shenanigans Don Pasquale finally gives permission for a marriage between Ernesto and Norina. He is surprised at the revelation that Sofronia and Norina are the same. He blesses the wedding and declares that marriage is not for an old man.
The cast includes Anna Netrebko as Norina/Sofronia, John Del Carlo as Don Pasquale, Matthew Polenzani as Ernesto and Mariusz Kwiecien as Dr. Malatesta.
James Levine conducts. Patricia Racette serves as host of the opera.
Don Pasquale is one of the Metropolitan Opera's high definition live broadcasts. The opera airs at noon on November 13 at the Tinseltown Theater in Benton.