Il Viaggio a Reims is Rossini’s last opera in the Italian language (all of his later works were in French). Commissioned to celebrate the coronation of French King Charles X in Reims in 1825, the work has been critically acclaimed as one of Rossini’s finest compositions. It is a demanding work, requiring 14 soloists (three sopranos, one contralto, two tenors, four baritones, and four basses).

The uniqueness and audacity of the opera is compounded by its plot, which concerns a group of people who plan excitedly for a “viaggio” (journey) to the city of Reims that at the end never happens. The true spirit of the opera is perfectly captured by this production from Teatro alla Scala. La Scala brings us the visionary production created years ago by the minds of one of Europe’s most influential and innovative directors, Italian Luca Ronconi (who directed Puccini’s Il Trittico, which Emerging Pictures brought to theatres in the last La Scala Opera Season) and of world renowned Italian architect Gae Aulenti, who created sets and costumes.

Since its creation back in 1984, this production has become the quintessential stage production of Il Viaggio a Reims, and finally American audiences will have the chance to experience it in this revival filmed in April 2009. Once again, Teatro alla Scala assembles a formidable cast of professionals, many of whom specialize in the Rossini repertoire, mastering beautifully the vocal range required by the composer’s music and the dynamic and fresh acting that characterize Rossini operas.

Admission is $6 for all University of Miami alumni, faculty, and staff; free for students. General admission is $8. The film screens at the Cosford Cinema on Saturday, June 27 at 1 p.m. and Sunday, June 28 at 1 p.m. For more information, visit www.cosfordcinema.com.