Toledo Opera presents Ariadne auf Naxos, Oct. 8 & 10
Italian Comedy and Greek Tragedy Collide in this Unique Backstage Comedy
A feast for the eyes and for the ears, Strauss’s elegant and humorous Ariadne auf Naxos pits a comedienne against a prima donna at a high-society dinner party. The wealthiest man in Vienna has commissioned a hot-shot young composer to write a serious opera to entertain his guests. He has also invited a comic acting troupe as part of the evening’s entertainment. The performance will culminate with fireworks at exactly 9 p.m. The host soon realizes that there will not be sufficient time prior to the fireworks for both groups to perform, so he informs them that they must perform simultaneously! All the intrigue happening backstage is hilarious as the performers battle over who will have the most time on-stage.
This will mark the very first time Toledo Opera has presented this opera which premiered in 1912 in London. The wild and zany fantasy will be conducted by acclaimed Grammy Award-winning conductor Thomas Conlin. Ariadne offers something for everyone, slapstick comedy as well as serious mythological themes. In the end, the colliding worlds of tragedians and comedians, for all their differences, end up in mutual admiration.
An extraordinary international cast is headed by three acclaimed leading ladies: soprano Barbara Quintiliani in the role of Ariadne, Heather Buck as Zerbinetta, and mezzo-soprano Stacey Rishoi as The Composer. Richard Dyer of the Boston Globe wrote that Ms. Quintiliani was “the Verdi soprano the world has been waiting for…”, and Opera News said of Heather Buck: “she is a consummate singing actress, combining an agile, liquid soprano with a bright, natural stage presence.” The Washington Post said of Ms. Rishoi that she “stole the show as Adalgisa in Norma with a performance that was convincing and unwavering from start to finish.”
Joining this trio will be tenor Michael Hayes in the demanding role of Bacchus. Mr. Hayes has earned a reputation as one of the most versatile and charismatic tenors on the operatic stage today. His recent portrayal of Herod in Salome with Opera Theatre of St. Louis elicited standing ovations and accolades from Opera News.
This stellar ensemble will be rounded out by baritone Jeremy Kelly as the Music Master, tenor Mathew Edwardson as the Dancing Master, baritone Markus Beam as Harlekin, bass Gustav Andreassen as Truffaldino, tenors Lawrence Jones as Brighella and Alex Richardson as Scaramuccio, sopranos Kirstin Chambers and Priti Gandhi as Naiad and Echo, and mezzo-soprano Sarah Heltzel as Dryad.
Directing for the first time in Toledo, British stage director Jonathon Field has become one of America’s more versatile and in-demand stage directors. He has directed over one hundred productions throughout the United States. His productions for Lyric Opera of Chicago include Trouble in Tahiti, Gianni Schicchi, The Old Maid and the Thief and The Spanish Hour.
Richard Strauss wrote some of his most stunning music in Ariadne, including two of the most dazzling arias in the operatic repertoire. Strauss came to believe that this was his finest creation. It is now considered by some critics and musicologists to be the most nearly perfect work of art Strauss achieved by this great composer.
Performances will be on Friday, October 8 at 8pm and Sunday, October 10 at 2pm at The Valentine Theatre in downtown Toledo. Tickets begin at $30. Student, senior citizen and group discounts are available. Visit ToledoOpera.org to order tickets online or call 419-255-7464, extension 1.
Contact: Renay Conlin, General & Artistic Director
Office: (419)255-7464 ext 2 or [email protected]
Press Release Contact Name: Renay Conlin
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 419.255.SING
Organization Name: Toledo Opera
Website or Link: www.toledoopera.org
Organization Address: Suite 601, 425 Jefferson Ave., Toledo, OH 43604, Toledo, OH, 43604