La Vera Costanza (Haydn) - 31.1.2012

A small boat has been driven ashore in a storm, and inhabitants of the fishing village help the four passengers to safety. The Baroness Irene, the local landowner, her maid Lisetta, Marquis Ernesto (who is hoping to marry the Baroness), and a wealthy fop, Villotto are offered shelter in the cottage of Masino, head fisherman, and his sister Rosina.
The Baroness has heard rumours of an unsuitable entanglement between Rosina and her headstrong nephew Errico. To prevent this alliance she has decided that Rosina must be married off immediately to the foolish Villotto. She explains to Rosina the advantages of such a rich marriage. Rosina’s embarrassment and reluctance are taken by the Baroness to be just modesty, but Rosina is actually already secretly married to the Count who abandoned her, and by whom she has a young son. Villotto is delighted by the idea of marrying Rosina but her brother Masino tries to convince him that he has no chance of winning her...