With the cooperation of Hacettepe University Ankara State Conservatory Department of Opera and Ankara State Opera and Ballet, G. Rossini's one-act opera "L'occasione fa il ladro" was staged at the Italian Embassy on 8 December 2023, hosted by Italian Ambassador Giorgio MARRAPODİ and his wife Loriane MARRAPODİ. Composed by Rossini in the style of opera buffa, this entertaining work is about two noblemen who escape from a storm and meet at the same inn, and the confusion caused by the mixing of their suitcases. This chaotic situation, in which different characters are involved, becomes even more complicated with the differences between the characters and personalities of the two noblemen, and all this chaos eventually ends with a happy union. The music of the opera represents Rossini's melodic and rhythmic style. The opera conveys both comic and romantic feelings to the audience.
The extensive stage set up for the performance of this opera in the hall of the Embassy Residence was enriched with décor, accessories and costumes from the State Opera and Ballet. With the adaptation of the work to the venue, a dynamic interpretation in Rossini's style was staged in a way that does not look like an opera stage.
Ambassadors of various countries and university rectors were also invited to this extraordinary evening of art in Ankara, and the Rector of Hacettepe University, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cahit GÜRAN, honoured the event with his presence. With the contributions of Prof. Metin Munzur, Director of Ankara State Conservatory, and the support of Dr. Lecturer of the Department of Opera. Ayça YILMAZ accompanied the work with the piano in the project, which was realised with the staging of Ayşe DAĞISTANLI PARLAR. Mert ÖZDEMİR as Parmenione, Fatih KAYHAN as Count Alberto, Funda YAZIKSIZ as Berenice, Gülbuse ŞENDURAN as Ernestina, B. Noyan COŞGUN as Martino and Furkan ASIRLI as Eusebio took the roles in the performance.
The work, which received full marks from the critics, was also highly appreciated by the audience. The participants of the event expressed their happiness to watch a wonderful example of the art of opera in such a nice hall.