Butler County native in Pittsburgh Opera role
Butler County native Marianne Cornetti is well acquainted with her role in the Pittsburgh Opera’s upcoming production of the Giuseppe Verdi opera “Il Trovatore.”
The opera tells the story of Manrico and the Count di Luna, men on opposite sides of a Civil War in 1400s Spain, who don’t know they are brothers. Both are in love with Leonora; she loves Manrico and spurns the Count’s advances.
Cornetti fills the role of Azucena, the tormented woman who raised Manrico. Years ago, the Count’s father killed Azucena’s mother. Azucena swore to avenge her mother’s death and will do whatever it takes to punish the Count and his family.
After the Count captures Azucena, Manrico attempts to rescue her. When Manrico himself is then captured, Leonora tells the Count she will give herself to him in exchange for Manrico’s freedom. But Leonora and Azucena each have deadly tricks up their sleeves and are determined to have the last laugh.
