A TRAGIC TURN
On July 1, the SFO unveils its new production of Gaetano Donizetti’s famous tragic opera “Lucia di Lammermoor.”
“The sensational Brenda Rae is in the title role. She’s having a big career in Europe,” MacKay says.
The emotionally delicate Lucia is caught up in a feud between her family and the Ravenswoods. The opera, based on a Sir Walter Scott novel, is set in Scotland.
“The mad scene, where Lucia becomes unhinged, will be performed as Donizetti had intended,” MacKay says. “It was originally done with glass harmonica. We will feature that instrument, which was invented by Ben Franklin. It has a very eerie sound and we think it will add a new dimension to the madness of Lucia.”
Tenor Mario Chang, a Guatemala native, is making his Santa Fe Opera debut in the role of Edgardo di Ravenswood.
“Corrado Rovaris is our go-to conductor for bel canto,” MacKay says.
The opera will be sung in Italian.