Opera Saratoga poised for season
“I love the stories you can tell through opera.”
That’s the answer Lawrence Edelson offers when asked what he enjoys most about being the Artistic and General Director of Opera Saratoga. As way of explanation, he adds, “It offers a lens with which to look at the world.”
Therefore, when Edelson, now in his fifth year running Opera Saratoga, calls this season his best – you pay attention. “One thing I am very excited about is the diversity of the season,” he says. “It has amazing reach in both style and scope.”
A thumbnail synopsis would agree. The season starts on June 29 with a comedic, frothy “Daughters of the Regiment.” The next day, June 30, Opera Saratoga offers the world premiere of “Ellen West,” an intense opera concerning body image and food disorders. The last major production is the familyfriendly, puppet-driven “Hansel and Gretel.”
For a touch more variety on the already diverse season, on July 11, there will be a one-nightonly offering of “Mozart and Salieri. If you know the film “Amadeus,” you know what to expect from this first concert staging in the company’s history
Even though Edelson is directing “Daughter of the Regiment,” he refuses to claim it as a favorite show. He says he learned that choosing work for a specific audience doesn’t work. “I do not try to pick works that speak to a specific audience. I believe that a good story, combined with beautiful music and quality performers is the way to build a loyal following.”
That said, he hedges his bet and admits it is difficult the go wrong offering a comic opera like “Daughter of the Regiment,” which was created by Gaetano Donizetti, the master of Bel Canto opera. Written in 1840, Edelson says the style and satirical story remind him how much of an influence Donizetti was on the team of Gilbert and Sullivan. “It’s ridiculous fun” says Edelson.
However, he insists this will also be a night for opera fans to remember. That’s because of the Saratoga debut of Argentine tenor Santiago Ballerini, who as Tonio, must hit nine high C’s in the aria “Ah mes amis…” “He is one of the most in-demand performers in the world, and this role will show why,” gushes Edelson. “It will be a memorable opening to our season.” It will be performed June 29, July 1, 7 and 13.
But the schedule is not only frothy. Indeed, it is difficult to think of a more radically different opera than “Ellen West,” which follows “Daughter of the Regiment.” “Ellen West” is a study of a real person (with a
different name) who spent most of her life in sanitariums and hospitals battling food disorders.
Edelson admits it’s a challenging subject, but quickly adds, “Opera has a long history of dealing with both physical and emotional issues.” He makes the point that “20-million women and 10-million men suffer from eating disorders.” He calls it “an important work that handles a contemporary issue with empathy, beauty and insight.”
The reason for such understanding is that the words are autobiographical. The real Ellen West wrote about her problems through poetry, explains Edelson. The book for the opera is written by Pulitzer Prizewinning poet Frank Bidart who became fascinated by the story. He took her words and gave the poems a narrative form. It is beautiful, touching and thrilling.”
Edelson is proud that the opera, a co-production with Beth Morrison Productions, is already scheduled to be performed in New York City in 2020. It plays in Saratoga June 30, July 6 and 12.
“Hansel and Gretel” is another collaboration for Opera Saratoga. It is being offered by the innovative Chicago-based company Manuel Cinema, and will feature members of Opera Saratoga’s Young Artist Program in the principle roles and supported by members of the children’s chorus of the Glens Falls Symphony.
Edelson calls the production “family-friendly” and adds that the audience will be enchanted by the use of shadow puppets, projections and silent movie imagery.” He says “It is a unique approach to storytelling that is special. It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before.” After a pause for emphasis, he adds, “And while the effects are magical, watching it happen seems so simple. It’s like a throw-back to the old school days of overhead projectors.” It will be performed July 5, 8, 10 and 14.
Indeed, the entire Opera Saratoga season seems a tribute to the art of telling old and new stories in a way that appeals to everyone.