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Salome is a sensuous tale of
obsession and revenge, portraying one of opera's most exotic
and seductive women. Based on the Oscar Wilde play, Richard
Strauss wrote his greatest opera, Salome, with a
score that is fittingly voluptuous, seductive, and decadent.
Performed without intermission and including the “Dance
of the Seven Veils,” Salome is
a study of one young woman's obsession that builds to a frenzied,
erotic, and inevitable conclusion. The indulgent and relentless
Salome will be sung by Amy Johnson, known for her exciting
portrayal of this tremendously difficult role. Adam
Klein will sing King Herod and Bradley Garvin will portray
the ill-fated Jochanaan (John the Baptist). Toledo Opera’s
Grammy Award-winning conductor, Thomas Conlin, will lead
The Toledo Symphony Orchestra. James Marvel, one of America’s
most talked about young directors will serve as stage director
and Toledo artist Clayton Peterson will design the scenery.
Salome has been performed in
every major opera house since its controversial premiere
in Dresden 100 years ago. Cast in one sweeping and intense
act, the action takes place 30 years after the birth of Christ.
Salome is a neurotic and self-absorbed princess obsessed
with John the Baptist. As her reward for dancing for Herod
(the famous Dance of the Seven Veils) she claims the head
of the prophet on a platter. The musical world was shocked
by the powerful psycho-dramatic depiction of intense human
instincts in this opera. Nevertheless, the opera received
38 curtain calls at its premiere performance and has found
devoted fans worldwide from 1905 to the present day.
Performances for Salome will be at The Valentine
Theatre at 7:30pm on Saturday, March 14 and Friday, March
20 and on Sunday, March 22 at 2:00pm. Tickets from $25 to
$90 are on sale now and may be purchased online at www.ToledoOpera.org,
or by phone at 419-255-7464. Discounts are available for
students, seniors or groups of ten or more. Salome will be
sung in German with English translations projected above
the stage. |
