|
J. David Jackson
- Conductor - |
Lighting up the opera stage this June is one of Germany's most beloved folk tales, Der Freischutz. Carl Maria von Weber's romantic opera of dashing heroes and supernatural villains continues to enchant lifelong enthusiasts and attract new fans with its melodic score. The famous scene in the haunted Wolf’s Glen has never been equaled for its ghostly atmosphere. Performed by the Metropolitan Opera of Bangkok, with internationally renowned Maestro J. David Jackson conducting, Der Freischutz is sure to be an evening leaving audiences humming the Huntsman's Chorus.
|
|
Aude Priya |
Sophie Tanapura |
The action takes place in the long-ago Kingdom of Bohemia and involves a legend of six charmed bullets and a seventh, controlled by the devil. In his eagerness to win a marksmanship contest our young hero, the huntsman Max (sung by tenor Sirichai Charoenkitthanakul) makes an unwitting pact with the forces of darkness. Agathe, sung by guest French soprano Aude Priya, may only marry Max if he can prove his skill in marksmanship. Agathe’s young cousin Annchen is sung by soprano Pachisawat Sophie Tanapura. The treacherous hunter Casper, sung by Piyawat Pantana, persuades Max to cast the magic bullets to be used in the contest. Caspar, whose soul is in thrall to the devil, hopes to save himself by substituting Max in his place. The last bullet, the “Free Shot” or Freischutz, will determine the fate of the young lovers.
|
Sirichai Charoenkitthanakul |
Leading us through this magical tale is Maestro Jackson, whose extensive operatic repertoire extends from early Baroque to contemporary. Trained as a pianist and violinist, he made his conducting debut in Brussels' Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in 1997 with Don Pasquale, and has since won high praise in Europe and America with his first-rate conducting and love for music. He has conducted Così fan Tutte, Die Zauberflöte and Der Schauspieldirektor/Primo la music, poi le parole on highly successful tours throughout Belgium, in addition to leading numerous opera productions at such places as the Glyndebourne Festival (Euryanthe and Betrothal in a Monastery), the Monte Carlo Opera (Tristan and Isolde) and the Wolf Trap Festival in Washington D.C. (L’Italiana in Algeri).
Now in his eighth season at New York’s Metropolitan Opera as staff conductor, Mo. Jackson made his Met Opera debut with Hänsel und Gretel in 2001. Other credits there include prestigious productions of Rodelinda with Renee Fleming and David Daniels, Il Barbiere di Siviglia with Juan Diego Flores, Die Fledermaus with Sondra Radvanovsky, Lucia di Lammermoor with Marcelo Alvarez, La Traviata with Ruth Ann Swenson, and Idomeneo with Placido Domingo.
Creating an opera community in Bangkok has long been the dream of Sophie Tanapura, who founded the Metropolitan Opera of Bangkok four years ago. Her passion for music and drama naturally culminated in an opera company, and through the M.O.B.’s voice studio she has helped local Thai singers develop into commanding voices on stage. All productions are performed with Thai dialogue and English subtitles. This approach, together with marvelously creative stage directing, makes opera easily accessible and readily enjoyed by the entire public.
The performance will be held June 12 - 13, 2009.
At Thailand Cultural Center. Don't Miss!!
Follow us 
