Rita by Gaetano Donizetti

About this video:
In today’s video, Cassandra shares her labor of love — a full production of Rita, a rarely performed one-act comedy opera by Gaetano Donizetti.
Rita is a delightful comic opera filled with everything an opera lover could want: drama, conflict, a love triangle, humor, and — of course — beautiful bel canto singing.

This performance features Cassandra Douglas (soprano) as Rita, in collaboration with the Litha Symphony Orchestra, the incredible singers Edward Washington II (tenor) and Jonathan R. Green (baritone), and the creative direction of Anthony Fett, making his operatic directorial debut.

Sit back and enjoy an hour of laughter, charm, and stunning music as Rita finds herself caught between two husbands. Who will she choose?

✨ Enjoy this rare gem from the bel canto repertoire — a Donizetti opera you’ve likely never seen live!

🎶 Credits
Venue: The Church of the Holy Trinity, 316 East 88th St, New York, NY 10128
Orchestra: Litha Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Eric Hayslett
Director & Script Adaptation: Anthony Fett
Video: @LiaChangPhotography & Cassandra Douglas

📅 Filmed live in New York City on September 27th, 2025.

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Instagram:   / cassandra_douglas_  

Opera for All Folks is a vibrant channel created by Cassandra Douglas, a classically trained soprano and content creator. With her unique perspective as a Jamaican woman and performing artist, Cassandra offers an inspiring journey through operatic storytelling while sharing her path to building a career in the classical arts.

Timecodes:
00:00:00 - [S1] Orchestra Tuning + Credits
00:01:06 - [S1] Overture + Rita’s Aria
00:08:09 - [S1] Rita’s Dialogue
00:09:35 - [S2] Rita & Beppe Duet
00:17:07 - [S2] Beppe’s Dialogue + Gasparo Intro
00:18:20 - [S3] Gasparo’s Aria
00:21:29 - [S3] Gasparo + Beppe’s Dialogue
00:25:28 - [S4] Gasparo + Beppe’s Duet
00:33:41 - [S5] Beppe + Gasparo’s Dialogue
00:34:00 - [S5] Beppe’s Aria
00:38:17 - [S6] Gasparo + Rita Dialogue
00:39:55 - [S6] Gasparo + Rita Duet
00:48:04 - [S7] Rita, Beppe, & Gasparo’s Dialogue
00:49:48 - [S7] Terzetto (Rita, Beppe, & Gasparo)
00:56:33 - [S8] Gasparo, Rita, & Beppe Dialogue
00:57:42 - [S8] Finale (Rita, Beppe, & Gasparo)

Music & Photo credits:
• 📸   / effygreyphotography  
• 📸   / jessicaosberphotography  
• 📸   / liachangphotography  

Equipment:
• Camera: Sony ZV-1 - https://a.co/fRY8TmQ
• Microphone: Rode Microphone
o https://a.co/gIP9181
• Lighting: Neewer Ring Light
o https://a.co/hyWhcJw
• Tripod: Manfrotto