Jessye Norman is a regal Ariadne, the mythological Greek heroine in this opera-within-an-opera, opposite the passionate Bacchus of the great James King. Kathleen Battle delivers the coloratura fireworks of Zerbinetta, the leader of a commedia dell’arte troupe that finds itself stranded on Ariadne’s island. Tatiana Troyanos and Franz Ferdinand Nentwig star as the young Composer and the Music Master in the opera’s prologue. James Levine brings out all the color and charm of Strauss’s brilliant chamber-sized score with its equal amounts of pathos and humor. Bodo Igesz’s production features sets by esteemed designer Oliver Messel.
Cast
Jessye Norman
Ariadne / Primadonna
Kathleen Battle
Zerbinetta
Tatiana Troyanos
Composer
James King
Bacchus / Tenor
Franz Ferdinand Nentwig
Music Master
Stephen Dickson
Harlekin
Anthony Laciura
Brighella
Allan Glassman
Scaramuccio
Artur Korn
Truffaldin
Joseph Frank
Dancing Master
Barbara Bonney
Najade
Gweneth Bean
Dryade
Dawn Upshaw
Echo
Nico Castel
Major-Domo
Russell Christopher
Wigmaker
James Courtney
Lackey
Charles Anthony
Officer
James Levine
Unknown
MET Orchestra
Unknown
Crew
Brian Large
Director
Hugo von Hofmannsthal
Writer
Peter Gelb
Executive Producer
Samuel Paul
Producer
Jane Greenwood
Costume Design
Magda Szayer
Hair Designer
Victor Callegari
Makeup Artist
Gil Wechsler
Lighting Design
Richard Strauss
Original Music Composer
Oliver Messel
Set Designer
Bodo Igesz
Stage Director
James Levine
Conductor