Tosca
By Giacomo Puccini | Artistic Director James Harp | Based on “La Tosca” by Victorien Sardou
Sung in Italian with English Surtitles
November 1 & 3, 2013
Puccini’s great masterpiece of love, lust, and revenge is one of the most dramatically compelling in the entire operatic repertoire. The opera diva Floria Tosca is in love with the painter Mario Cavaradossi, but the evil Baron Scarpia, the Roman Chief of Police, desires her as well. His nefarious plot to have her involves political intrigue, sadistic brutality and horrific torture. Tosca’s dream of love is shattered by Scarpia’s duplicity, and in one of the most famous endings in opera, she leaps to her tragic death.
The production will star rising American superstar Jill Gardner in the title role, celebrated Puccini specialist Dinyar Vania as Cavaradossi, and Metropolitan Opera Star and Baltimore favorite Eric Owens in his role debut as Scarpia. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Steven White in a magnificent production directed by James Harp.
Nabucco
By Giuseppe Verdi | Artistic Director James Harp | Based on the Biblical story and the play by Auguste Anicet-Bourgeois and Francis Cornu
May 9 & 11, 2014
Verdi’s induction into immortality was through this glorious opera, a celebration of spirit, sacrifice and faith. Nabucco, King of Babylon (King Nebuchadnezzar) has enslaved and oppressed the Hebrews, but his presumed daughter, Abigaille, has fallen in love with the Jewish Ismaele, and secretly works for their freedom. Nabucco’s pride leads to his downfall, when he proclaims himself God and is struck by lightning. This beautiful opera, containing the beloved chorus “Va, Pensiero” ends as Abigaille and Nabucco recognize the Hebrew God as the one true God.
Acclaimed American baritone Michael Chioldi will star in the title role, with virtuoso bel canto soprano Francesca Mondanaro as Abigaille. Oren Gradus will make his Baltimore debut as Zaccaria, the Jewish High Priest. James Meena will conduct The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in a new production, with an opulent and traditional concept, designed and directed by Bernard Uzan.
The Dialogues of the Carmelites
By Francis Poulenc
November 15 & 17, 2013
The Peabody at the Modell Lyric series presents Francis Poulenc’s The Dialogues of the Carmelites. This unforgettable opera, set in the French Revolution, is the story of the triumph of faith over doubt. This fully staged and costumed production will highlight the brightest vocal stars from Peabody and feature The Peabody Symphony Orchestra.
Toujours L'Amour
A Celebration of French Grand Opera | Sung in French with English Surtitles
April 25, 2014 (One Performance Only)
Love, passion and romance are the hallmarks of French grand opera, ranging from works such as Roméo et Juliette, Manon, Faust, Thaïs, and so many others. We’ll celebrate these wonderful works in a gala concert with orchestra on the stage of the Modell Lyric.
Opera stars Soprano Nicole Cabell and Tenor Stephen Costello will be our soloists, both renowned internationally for their sensational vocalism, stage glamour and personal charisma. Baltimore favorite Edward Polochick will lead The Baltimore Concert Artists Orchestra in this magnificent event sure to sparkle with romantic delight. Vive l’Opéra!
