OCTOBER 30, 2013
Arizona Opera brings The Flying Dutchman to the stage
Leading Wagnerian singers perform legend of the ghost ship
PHOENIX – Arizona Opera brings the monumental opera, The Flying Dutchman to the stage in November, with lead cast members hailing from the top opera houses of the world. Mark Delavan, considered the foremost baritone interpreter of Wagner on the scene today, takes the role of the Dutchman, following his recent appearance as Wotan with New York's famed Metropolitan Opera. He is joined on stage by dramatic soprano Lori Phillips as Senta and bass Raymond Aceto as her father, Captain Daland. All three artists have appeared at the Metropolitan Opera in lead roles for The Ring Cycle, considered the most challenging of Richard Wagner's compositions.
The Flying Dutchman, composed in the earlier stages of Wagner's career is known for its theatricality, displaying hints of the orchestral genius that evolved throughout his lifetime. 2013 is the 200th Anniversary of Richard Wagner's birth, and Arizona Opera joins companies around the world in celebrating his life through performances. The Flying Dutchman is based on the legend of a Dutch sea captain condemned by the devil to roam the ocean. Once every seven years the Dutchman comes ashore to search for the woman who will be his only salvation.
Arizona Opera's production of The Flying Dutchman features the full orchestra on stage along with large-scale multi-media projections of nautical imagery including intricate drawings from the French artist Gustave Doré. The stage will be extended over the orchestra pit, enabling the Dutchman and other performers to be in close proximity to the audience for dramatic effect. The Flying Dutchman will be directed by Bernard Uzan, with conductor Joseph Rescigno leading the orchestra. Cory Bix (Erik), Christian Rheinert (Steersman) and Beth Lytwynec (Mary) round out the cast.
Performances of The Flying Dutchman are November 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and November 17 at 2 p.m., Symphony Hall, 75 N. 2nd St
Tickets start at $25 and are on sale at www.azopera.org or at 602-266-7464.
