Così fan tutte

Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte Premiered 1790 in Vienna Sung in Italian with English Projected Titles DATES February 7 – 15, 2026 VENUE Queen Elizabeth Theatre Vancouver, BC Two couples are put to the ultimate test of fidelity in a whirlwind of mistaken identities, tender moments, and mischievous tricks: Così fan tutte is a comic romp that slyly doubles as an exploration of the heart’s highs and lows. The cynical Don Alfonso bets his young friends Ferrando and Guglielmo that their fiancées will betray their trust, so he convinces the men to…lie to their partners to trick them into infidelity! With the help of the chameleonic and cynical-beyondher-years maid Despina, Dorabella and Fiordiligi are put to the test to see if, as the title suggests, “all women are like that.” VO audiences haven’t been treated to Mozart’s sublime opera buffa classic for over 20 years, and this fresh interpretation will cast the playful genius of one of opera’s most beloved works in a contemporary West Coast Canadian light. Written late in his short life, Così features some of the most beautiful music ever composed—by Mozart or anyone else. His nuanced score adds psychological complexity to the uproarious comedy of librettist Lorenzo da Ponte (Don Giovanni, Le nozze di Figaro), making for an irresistible musical ride through every up, down, twist and turn on the rollercoaster of love.