The Consul

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The Consul is a 1950 opera with music and libretto by Gian-Carlo Menotti.

First performed on March 15, 1950, this three-act opera is a story about a woman living in a police state who seeks a visa to join her husband in freedom. Failing, she commits suicide.

The opera is set in an unidentified European country. The three main characters are Magda Sorel (soprano), the unnamed secretary of an unnamed consulate (mezzo-soprano), and Magda's mother-in-law (contralto). Magda's husband, John Sorel, also appears, this role is sung by a baritone.

The heroine in the initial performance was played by Patricia Neway.