I Vespri Siciliani is an opera that narrates, in a fictionalised manner, the events of the Sicilian Vespers in 1282. We are in Palermo in 1282. In the beautiful city, invaded by the French, walks the Duchess Elena. She is pressing for the independence of Sicily in order to avenge her brother Federigo. At that moment, Arrigo, a young Sicilian, and the great enemy Monforte arrive. He offers Arrigo the command of the French army, but the young man scornfully refuses. At that moment Giovanni da Procida, a Sicilian patriot, arrives and is reunited with his companions, including Elena and Arrigo. Arrigo at that moment declares himself to Elena. She accepts, however, in exchange for Arrigo avenging her beloved brother. At that moment, soldiers from Monforte kidnap Arrigo. Procida and Elena promise revenge.

But Monforte's motive for the organised misdeed is more than real: through a letter he has discovered that he is Arrigo's father. There is an intense dialogue between the two. Young Arrigo is distraught. During a feast at the palace, he learns that the conspiracy against Monforte is about to come true but manages to stop the swords.

Elena and Procida, disappointed by the young man's behaviour, are arrested. Arrigo then goes to prison and, to make it up to the two, reveals the truth. At that moment Monforte arrives. He blackmails his son: he will only save them from conviction if he calls him father. Arrigo is forced to do this, unwillingly, and Monforte arranges a marriage between Arrigo and Elena. The girl is happy, but is disturbed by Procida's visit. The patriot says that revolt will break out during the ringing of the bells. Elena is scared to death, she would like to have the marriage annulled. Arrigo does not understand why she refuses and, furious, forces her into the marriage. But at the sound of the sacred bronzes, the revolt breaks out.

 Teatro Massimo, Palermo on 20, 22, 23, 25 January 2022

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