In these two new productions by Eleanor Felton, Fife Opera has coupled two very different one act operas: Gianni Schicchi by Puccini and Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni. Gianni Schicchi is a comedy/farce set in Florence in the Victorian era, and Cavalleria is a tragedy set in modern times. They are both sung in English. In Gianni Schicchi relatives of rich merchant Buoso gather at his death bed each hoping to inherit substantially from his estate but rumour has it that he has left all his money to a local monastery. Outraged the relatives call in the services of the dubious character Gianni Schicchi and plot to cheat the monks of their inheritance. Famous for the aria ” O my beloved father “ it contains much else including the city of Florence. Cavalleria Rusticana is set in Sicily at Easter time just as the church service is about to begin. Santuzza a young girl is searching for her lover, Turiddu, she is pregnant and distraught. She finds that he is with his former girlfriend Lola who now married to Alfio and fears that he has abandoned her. When confronted Turridu is violent and mocks her. She then tells Alfio of her findings, and he goes to seek revenge. This opera is best known for the “intermezzo” and “Easter Hymn.” Fife Opera has gathered singers widely including Italy and China to comprise the different casts for the two performances and operas.