Lyric Opera 2018-2019 Issue 3 Idomeneo

L Y R I C O P E R A O F C H I C A G O 34 | October 13 - November 2, 2018 Idomeneo: After the Curtain Falls Your opera experience doesn't have to end here! When the performance is over, you can continue your exploration of Idomeneo in conversation with your companions. Here are some topics to consider: • Which moment in the opera was the most memorable, either musically or theatrically? • Idamante, a man, is played by a female mezzo-soprano. What effect does that voice type, portraying this particular character, have on the music and the story? • Do you think Idamante acted too impulsively when he released the Trojan prisoners? • What does Idamante hope to prove by killing the sea monster? • Why do you think Neptune decides to let Idomeneo’s victim walk free? • The principal characters are each faced with a dilemma – a choice between love for their country and love for an individual. Which characters find a compromise between these two choices? To continue exploring Idomeneo Lyric dramaturg and program editor Roger Pines suggests the following performances: CD Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Anne Sofie von Otter, Sylvia McNair, Hillevi Martinpelto; English Baroque Soloists, Monteverdi Choir, cond. John Eliot Gardiner (Archiv) Richard Croft, Bernarda Fink, Sunhae Im, Alex Penda; Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, Berlin Radio Chamber Choir, cond. René Jacobs (Harmonia Mundi) Plácido Domingo, Cecilia Bartoli, Heidi Grant Murphy, Carol Vaness; Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus, cond. James Levine (DG) (IN ENGLISH) Bruce Ford, Diana Montague, Rebecca Evans, Susan Patterson; Opera North Orchestra and Chorus, cond. David Parry (Chandos) DVD Luciano Pavarotti, Frederica von Stade, Ileana Cotrubas, Hildegard Behrens; Metropolitan Opra Orchestra and Chorus, cond. James Levine, dir. Jean-Pierre Ponnelle (DG) Ramón Vargas, Magdalena Kožená, Ekaterina Siurina, Anja Harteros; Camerata Salzburg, Salzburg Bach Chorus, cond. Sir Roger Norrington, dir. Ursel and Karl-Ernst Herrmann Philip Langridge, Jerry Hadley (Idamante as tenor rather than mezzo- soprano), Yvonne Kenny, Carol Vaness; London Philharmonic Orchestra, Glyndebourne Chorus, cond. Bernard Haitink, dir. Trevor Nunn DAN REST American soprano Carol Vaness, for whom Elettra was a signature role, portrayed the fiery princess in Lyric’s most recent production of Idomeneo (1997/98). Up to 400 applicants each year 8 languages studied 26 guest master artists, coaches and instructors 8 hours of improv classes 50 hours of rehearsal per Help launch the careers of tomorrow’s biggest opera stars. Support The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center. Visit lyricopera.org/supportroc or call Meaghan Stainback at 312.827.5691 . Up to 400 applicants each year 12 singers plus 1 pianist in 18/19 ens mble 26 resident and guest master artists, coaches and instructors Up to 8 languag s studied 27 roles preformed in Lyric’s 18/19 season Help launch the careers of tomorrow’s biggest opera stars. Support The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center. Visit lyricopera.org/supportroc or call Meaghan Stainback at 312.827.5691 .