Opera Atelier, Toronto presents Gluck’s revolutionary opera Iphigenie en Tauride, playing on October 31, November 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7, 2009, at 7:30 P.M.
Opera Atelier begins its season with a revival of Christoph Willibald Gluck’s great reform opera, Iphigenie en Tauride, which tells the story of Iphigenie, the Greek princess who is abandoned on the island of Tauride for the duration of the Trojan War. Miraculously reunited with her brother Oreste following the murder of their mother (Clytemnestra), Iphigenie’s courage and selfsacrifice ensures their safe return to Greece.
The opera attacked the very core of French operatic tradition and caused a sensation when it premiered at the Paris Opera in 1779, and again when Opera Atelier first staged it in 2003. Hailed as a work of genius by ecstatic critics, Iphigenie en Tauride is considered the greatest triumph of Gluck’s career.
American soprano Peggy Kriha Dye, a favourite with OA audiences, returns as Iphigenie. Croatian tenor Kresimir Spicer, who sang the title role in OA’s Idomeneo, makes his role debut as her brother Oreste.
Canadian tenor Thomas Macleay makes his company debut as Pylade, beloved companion of Oreste. Thoas, King of Tauride, is sung by bass-baritone Olivier Laquerre, and bass-baritone Curtis Sullivan sings the role of Le Ministre. Esteemed British conductor Andrew Parrott will lead the Tafelmusik Orchestra and Chamber Choir and the full corps of Artists of Atelier Ballet.
This production is directed by Marshall Pynkoski and choreographed by Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg with set designs by Gerard Gauci, costumes by Dora Rust D’Eye, and lighting by Kevin Fraser. Jenny Parr is the fight director. Iphigenie en Tauride will be sung in French with English SURTITLESTM. -- www.operaatelier.com
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