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Macbeth
Saturday, May 8, 2010, 7:30pm
Prices: $188-$28
Opera Santa Barbara Presents
MACBETH
by Giuseppe Verdi
Santa Barbara audiences will enjoy a rare opportunity to hear one of Verdi's most powerful and challenging operas in this Opera Santa Barbara Gala Concert performance of Macbeth. Conducted by Maestro Valery Ryvkin, a distinguished cast features several singers who are familiar faces on the Metropolitan Opera stage including baritone Mark Rucker in the title role, soprano Rosa D’Imperio (Lady Macbeth), and bass Terry Cook (Banquo). Rucker has earned critical acclaim for his “superb interpretation” of the role of Macbeth.
Giuseppe Verdi broke new operatic ground with Macbeth, which he began writing in 1846, before his successes with Il Trovatore and La Traviata. Relying on a text by Piave, the opera follows Shakespeare's immortal play closely, although instead of using three witches to predict Macbeth's short-lived rise to the throne, there is a large female chorus of witches. The opera ends with a triumphal soldiers' chorus rather than Macbeth's dying aria in this revised version of Verdi's original score. Look for Lady Macbeth to be her conniving self, however, intent on propelling her husband to the throne and ultimately taking matters into her own hands. The witches' predictions come to pass as Macbeth is defeated in battle in disbelief, thinking himself invulnerable.
An Opera Santa Barbara debut, Macbeth is certain to fascinate audiences not familiar with this Verdi work. With only one performance scheduled, tickets will be at a premium so early reservations are encouraged.
The Title Sponsor for this production is The Mosher Foundation.
For tickets: 805.899.2222; for information visit: www.OperaSb.com
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