More than a century after premiering in Milan, Leoncavallo's PAGLIACCI remains a staple of the masterworks repertoire for its riveting dramatic storytelling, lush orchestration, and scintillating vocal writing. Pagliacci tells the story of a traveling commedia dell’arte acting troupe comprised of four vagabond performers: the troupe leader Canio, his listless and dissatisfied wife Nedda, the fool Tonio, and the young, idealistic Beppe. Each character represents an archetype of the commedia dell’arte style, and the troupe performs a play-within-the-play which culminates in a fiery confrontation between Canio, Nedda, and Nedda’s secret lover, Silvio. Pagliacci will be directed by Opera Memphis General Director Ned Canty and conducted by Director of the Handorf Company Artist Program Cris Frisco.