Details

An operatic divertissement to be performed in an abridged version of Moliere's comedy Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme. Both pignant and comic, Ariadne auf Naxos is an opera within an opera. The curtain opens on a Viennese salon where preparations are being made for a performance of an opera. There is consternation when the Major Domo (Chied Butler) announces that due to time pressure, a harlequin troupe will be performing comedy during the opera itself. The conflicting scenarios and contrasting characters reveal what happens when stand-up comedy meets Greek tragedy and music hall meets high art. New Production. Sponsored (2002) by Alberto Vilar. Ariadne auf Naxos was first performed by The Royal Opera at the Royal Opera House in 1976 and was last heard in 1987, in a production by Jean-Louise Martinoty with scenery by Hans Schavernoch. The production will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

Cast/Performers

Petra Lang (Ariadne), Natalie Dessay (Zerbinetta), Sophie Koch (Composer), Robert Brubaker (Tenor / Bacchus), Thomas Allen (Music Master), Nathan Gunn (Harlequin), Lisa Larsson (Naiad), Barry Banks (Brighella), Dean Robinson (Lackey), Robin Leggate (Scaramuccio), Jeremy White (Truffaldino), John Graham-Hall (Dancing Master), Alice Coote (Dryad), Edgaras Montvidas (Officer), Rachel Nicholls (Echo), D'Arcy Bleiker (Wigmaster), Christoph Quest (Major Domo)

Creatives/Company

Music: Strauss
Lyrics: Hofmannsthal
Company: Royal Opera
Director: Christof Loy
Design: Herbert Murauer
Lighting: Jennifer Tipton