by Richard Strauss

January 28, 31, February 3, 5(m), 2012

Salome’s disturbing obsession with John the Baptist drives her to make a shocking request: the head of the Prophet as a reward for performing the sensuous Dance of the Seven Veils. Based on Oscar Wilde’s dramatic adaptation of the biblical story of Salome and her lecherous stepfather, the dysfunctional and dangerous court of King Herod is brought to searing life through Richard Strauss’ seductive music. This chillingly erotic story still has the power to shock audiences more than 100 years after its premiere. Cast: Salome Lise Lindstrom; John the Baptist Greer Grimsley; Herod Allan Glassman; Herodias Irina Mishura, Director Seán Curran; Conductor Steuart Bedford.

WORLD PREMIERE CO-PRODUCTION

Music by Jake Heggie, Libretto by Gene Scheer

February 18, 21, 24, 26(m), 2012

This world premiere co-production is based on Herman Melville’s 19th century literary masterpiece. It explores the lethal power of obsession and the need for human connection in an increasingly multicultural world; one filled with mysterious and exotic characters and one man’s quest for a white whale that leaves death and destruction in its wake. Large and emotionally irresistible, Moby-Dick uses multi-media enriched staging and dazzling computer-generated effects that pull you in from the first chord of the achingly beautiful music. Cast: Captain Ahab Ben Heppner; Starbuck Morgan Smith; Ishmael Jonathan Boyd; Director Leonard Foglia; Conductor Karen Keltner.

by Gaetano Donizetti

March 10, 13, 16, 18(m), 2012

In a hilarious change of pace, laugh as the doddering old fool Pasquale is tricked into thinking he has married the demure and innocent convent-raised Sofronia. But she’s really Norina, in love with Pasquale’s nephew whom he is trying to disinherit. Once “married”, she becomes a gun toting shrew who shows Pasquale that he was definitely better off without a wife. It’s a San Diego Opera production and a cheeky look at Don Pasquale in the Wild West that will have you laughing your spurs off! Cast: Don Pasquale John Del Carlo; Norina Danielle de Niese; Ernesto Charles Castronovo; Doctor Jeff Mattsey; Conductor Marco Guidarini; Director David Gately.

by Gioachino Rossini

April 21, 24, 27, 29(m), 2012

He’s Seville’s “King of Lather and Foam”! Barber by day, matchmaker by night, Figaro puts his wiles to work as he aids the Count in wooing the beautiful Rosina. She’s such a catch that her sleazy guardian keeps her under lock and key with the intent of marrying her himself. But no challenge is too great for Figaro’s trickery. And, with laughter at every turn, Rosina is no slouch at manipulating things herself! With whimsical designs based on Magritte’s style, you’ll see fluffy clouds, flying chairs and even raining bowler hats. Cast: Figaro Lucas Meacham; Rosina Silvia Tro Santafé; Count Almaviva John Osborn; Conductor Antonello Allemandi; Director Herbert Kellner.