I Was Part of the Verdi Cycle

 

Nathaniel Merchant

 

In 2004, I was proud to direct one of Verdi’s least popular operas, Il Corsaro, based on Byron’s poem of the same name. Of course, I’d rather direct mediocre Verdi than the best of any other composer, and what better place than at Sarasota Opera during the Verdi Cycle? What a unique opportunity, and what a great company! And who says the Verdi Cycle has to end?