Opera Southwest’s acclaimed Artistic Director and Principal Conductor Anthony Barrese paid a visit to the newly-completed Bocce Complex at Albuquerque’s North Domingo Baca Park last weekend.

Barrese is in town for the production of Rossini’s short opera, L’Inganno felice, and couldn’t resist a few pick-up games with his local Opera/Bocce-loving fans. Both Barrese and OSW’s Executive Director, Tony Zancanella, partnered up with a local player for some spirited rolling and lively chatter.

“It’s just great to be back in Albuquerque,” Barrese said. “The last time was in October at the height of the pandemic when we did a little outdoor production with three singers and a few musicians for audiences of about ten people. This time feels a lot better, a lot more normal. And it’s great to be out here once again playing Bocce with friends.”

Maestro Barrese has been a frequent flyer at the North Domingo Baca courts over the last several years. When Albuquerque’s Bocce-playing community learned of his love of the game, they issued an open invitation to play whenever he’s in town. And the Maestro has often brought with him OSW singers and musicians to learn the game and practice their Italian with native speakers.

THE OPERA:  On May 6, 7 and 8, at 7:30 pm, Rossini’s L’Inganno felice will be performed outdoors with orchestra at the Albuquerque Museum Amphitheatre for small socially-distanced audiences. Remaining tickets at https://abqmuseum.holdmyticket.com/password/372978  (type in the word “felice”)

THE BOCCE COURTS:  Located at 7521 Carmel Ave NE, the (fabulous) Bocce Complex consists of 3 regulation courts with scoreboards, sun shades and lights for evening play. The courts are open to the public for individual play, regularly-scheduled practices, monthly 3^rd Saturday tournaments produced by the Italian Cultural Club, and frequent other invitational tournaments. For additional information on practices and tournaments, email your questions to [email protected] .