Tokyo Nikikai Foundation An opera about love and jealousy for Valentine’s Day!? — A collaboration with the Royal Opera House: Tokyo Nikikai’s new productions of “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci”

[Tokyo Nikikai Public Interest Foundation] An opera about “love and jealousy” for Valentine’s Day!? — A collaboration with the Royal Opera House: Tokyo Nikikai’s new productions of “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci” ​
Tokyo Nikikai Public Interest Foundation Press Release: October 17, 2025 To Members of the Press An opera about “love and jealousy” for Valentine’s Day! ? — A collaboration with the Royal Opera House: Tokyo Nikikai’s new productions of “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci” General ticket sales begin (October 18th)
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/43876/53/43876-53-9a3e8e80ad1db64ffcabdaa3d818cc47-2000×815.jpg

Tokyo Nikikai Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation, will be presenting a double bill of Italian opera masterpieces, “Cavalleria Rusticana” (composed by Pietro Mascagni) and “Pagliacci” (composed by Ruggiero Leoncavallo), at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Main Hall from Thursday, February 12th to Sunday, February 15th, 2026. The conductor is the talented Italian Andrea Battistoni. The production is directed by Damiano Michieletto, who has taken the world stage by storm. This is a much-talked-about Italian opera produced in partnership with the prestigious Royal Opera House in the UK. General ticket sales will begin on Saturday, October 18th.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/43876/53/43876-53-ff53226d49489c26bb2cb2860a686b01-3900×2847.jpg Conductor: Andrea Battistoni (C) Takafumi Ueno
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/43876/53/43876-53-df151a98032b244098aaa51321d2f6e1-3900×2602.jpg Director: Damiano Michieletto (C) Stefano Guindani Love, jealousy, betrayal—two stories that depict the “reality of the heart” “Cavalleria Rusticana” depicts the passionate love of a young man shaken by his lover’s betrayal, while “Pagliacci” depicts a
suspenseful love story in which the boundaries between stage and reality collapse. Both operas feature modern themes such as “betrayal” and “jealousy,” making them worthy works to watch as both romantic dramas and psychological dramas about human relationships. The absurdity born of love—the prototype of that emotion can be found in these two operas.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/43876/53/43876-53-ba44b9e11805fa35a083d01629c32380-1280×720.png “Cavalleria Rusticana”
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/43876/53/43876-53-bfa8c2b19b372c8fc33742588b63fe34-1280×720.png “Clown”
From literature to opera, from opera to film—”human drama” passed down through the ages “Cavalleria Rusticana” was born from a short story by Verga in the 19th century. And “Pagliacci” was inspired by performing arts itself. Literary works have been elevated to the comprehensive art of opera, and its music has even been passed down to film. The interlude from “Cavalleria Rusticana” has symbolized the “silence of the human heart” in countless films, including a famous scene in “The Godfather Part III.” How has art continued to depict “human reality”? You can now experience the “cultural lineage” that connects the different forms of expression of literature, theater, and film on the stage of Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
photo by PIXTA
February is the “season of love”… A memorable Valentine’s Day gift A “gift experience” that combines familiar melodies from movies and commercials with a human drama that anyone can relate to. To coincide with the February performance, Tokyo Nikikai is proposing this performance as an “experiential gift for the season of love.” It’s a new style of Valentine’s Day that goes beyond flowers and chocolates and instead offers “heartwarming moments.” We offer a “moment of empathy” that will make you want to talk with your partner, spouse, mother and daughter, or friends after the show. photo by PIXTA
Performance Overview Performance in collaboration with the Royal Opera House Tokyo Nikikai Opera Theatre “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci” Conductor: Andrea Battistoni Director: Damiano Michieletto Chorus: Nikikai Chorus Orchestra: Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra Children’s Chorus: NHK Tokyo Children’s Chorus Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026 18:00 Friday, February 13, 2026 14:00 Saturday, February 14, 2026 14:00 Sunday, February 15, 2026 14:00 Venue: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Main Hall Official website:
https://nikikai.jp/lineup/cava_pagli2026/
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/43876/53/43876-53-f8aa9b793f566caf2e9b5615d19cb176-1909×2700.jpg “Cavalleria Rusticana” “Pagliacci” flyer front page
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/43876/53/43876-53-5e62a5f7fd28eb4cd9169a8bac7670b2-1909×2700.jpg Back of flyer for “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci” ■About the Organizer, Tokyo Nikikai Foundation Founded in 1952, the organization boasts Japan’s largest vocal association (approximately 2,600 members), produces more than five operas a year, and engages in education, regional collaboration, and international exchange. Official website: https://nikikai.jp/
■For inquiries or interview requests regarding this matter Tokyo Nikikai Public Interest Foundation Marketing Department, Matsuda & Norizuki Email: marketing@nikikai.jp Tel: 03-3796-1818 We also have a PDF of this release, images, a press guidebook, and more available. Please feel free to contact us if you are a media representative and would like to participate. Copyright ©
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