Strauss opera opens this weekend
The Greek National Opera, putting its many problems aside, is about to inaugurate its latest production. Directed by Philippe Arlaud, Richard Strauss’s «Ariadne auf Naxos» is an ambitious joint collaboration with the Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova and the Opera de Oviedo. The premiere is scheduled for Saturday with additional performances on Sunday and November 25, 27 and 28. In what is one of the production’s highlights, the National Opera’s artistic director Giovanni Pacor will be conducting. Equally interesting is the presence of young Chinese soprano Hui He, who will be alternating in the title role along with Julia Souglakou. Hui has already interpreted many important roles and has successfully performed alongside Placido Domingo. The two sopranos will be joined by alternating tenors Gerhard Siegel and Angelo Simos in the role of Bacchus. The story is set in a wealthy Viennese house, where two groups of musicians arrive to stage two different performances, a serious opera – «Ariadne auf Naxos» – and a light-hearted operetta. However, when it turns out that the two are to be performed together, chaos ensues. The opera’s first part deals with the behind-the-scenes havoc during rehearsals. But the second part is about the ancient Greek myth of Ariadne, who was abandoned in Naxos by Theseus. Performances will take place at the Olympia Theater (59-61 Academias, tel 210.361.2461).
