Friday, June 12, 2009

Operatic Weekend: SA Opera in Trovatore!

Coming up this weekend is a great work by Guiseppe Verdi. John Clare had a chance to talk with a cast member, Lawrence Harris about the production, and his unique background!
Interview [mp3 file]

Il Trovatore tells a story of troubadours, gypsies, ill-fated lovers and a terrible dark secret. The tragic, mistaken identity of a baby sacrificed in vengeance leads to a lifelong feud between two men, their fate entangled with a gypsy who brought it all to pass. Unexpected twists and turns abound as they - and the women they both love - are propelled toward certain destruction. San Antonio Opera rounds out their 2008-09 season with a performance this weekend.
Founder & Artistic Director Mark Richter was quoted, “I feel we have pulled out all the stops in bringing some of the most powerful voices in opera to San Antonio. Coupled with the return of Mexican conductor, Enrique Patron de Rueda and the stage directing debut of Sam Mungo, the opera will be something not to be missed.”
The cast is led by Kerri Marcinko, playing the role of Leonora, and Met favorite Allan Glassman as Manrico. Returning, after a resounding success in the company’s production of La Traviata, former NFL star Lawrence Harris will tackle the powerful role of Count di Luna. Another fixture in major opera houses around the world, Eugenie Grunewald will make her San Antonio debut in the spine-chilling role of the witch, Azucena. Returning bass Christopher Dickerson will sing the role of Ferrando.
The opera runs 2 hours and 45 minutes and is sung in Italian with English translations above the stage. Tickets can be purchased by calling the opera Box Office at 225-5972 or ticketmaster.

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