Soprano Adrianne Pieczonka (our lovely Elsa in Lohengrin) is the glamorous Marschallin, increasingly aware that time is not on her side. Mezzo-soprano Alice Coote makes her company debut in a charming trouser role as the impetuous youth who finds true love, and soprano Elizabeth Futral, our unforgettable Cleopatra in Giulio Cesare, is the unexpected object of his affection. Finally, bass Kurt Rydl returns as the delightfully gauche Baron Ochs, whose decision to marry turns everything askew.
Music Director Kent Nagano conducts Strauss's delicious and luxurious score, which darts effortlessly from infectious waltzes to a rapturous final trio for three sopranos.
PRODUCTION DATES:Sunday May 29, 2005 6 p.m.Wednesday June 1, 2005 7:30 p.m.Saturday June 4, 2005 2 p.m.Wednesday June 8, 2005 7:30 p.m.Saturday June 11, 2005 7:30 p.m.Thursday June 16, 2005 7:30 p.m.Sunday June 19, 2005 7:30 p.m.
CASTKurt Rydl BARON OCHSAdrianne Pieczonka MARSCHALLINAlice Coote OCTAVIANElizabeth Futral SOPHIECONDUCTOR--Kent NaganoDIRECTOR--Maximilian SchellDESIGNER--Gottfried Helnwein
RUNNING TIME:4 hours 30 minutes
PRE-PERFORMANCE LECTURE:One hour prior to each performance.Pre-performance lectures are generously sponsored by the Flora L. Thornton Foundation and the Opera League of Los Angeles.
PRODUCTION NOTES:New production.
