Emilio de' Cavalieri: Rappresentatione di Anima, et di Corpo, considered to be the earliest surviving opera.

Rappresentatione di Anima, et di Corpo is considered by some experts to be the first opera, preceding Jacopo Peri's Euridice by one year.

The opera's composer, Emilio de' Cavalieri, was part of the Florentie Camerata. His music covers many emotions and moods, generally creating a sublime but earthy feeling tone. And there's no shortage of dance rhythms and humor in the music.

There is no modern performing score for Rappresentatione di Anima, et di Corpo: it is notated only in basso continuo. This is, perhaps, why a work of such historical significance and beauty is so seldom performed.

The orchestration presented in the Saint Peter's Memorial Vespers is original work by Cantor Bálint Karosi, and the performance utilizes period correct instrumentation.

In keeping with the spirit and intent of this opera, there will also be dance at Memorial Vespers, presented by Dance at Saint Peter's, Roberto Lara, director. The choreographer is Caroline Copeland, associate director of the New York Baroque Dance Company.

Saint Peter’s Bach Collegium 
The Saint Peter’s Choir and Dance at Saint Peter’s Present:

Emilio Cavalieri “La Rappresentatione di Anima, et di Corpo”
Opera in Three Acts presented in a Vespers setting

Saturday, June 8, at 4 p.m.

Anima: Nola Richardson 
Corpo and Tempo: Anicet Castel 
Mondo: Angky Budiardjono
Consiglio: Dr. Tom Marks
Intelletto: Elliot Encarnacion
Angelo Custode:  Audrey Fernandez Fraser 
Anima Beata: Audrey Fernandez Fraser and Sarah Moga
Vita Mondana: Ruston Ropac  
Pleasure: Sarah Moga