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.
Jessye Norman
as Ariadne / Primadonna
Kathleen Battle
as Zerbinetta
Tatiana Troyanos
as Composer
James King
as Bacchus / Tenor
Franz Ferdinand Nentwig
as Music Master
Stephen Dickson
as Harlekin
Anthony Laciura
as Brighella
Allan Glassman
as Scaramuccio
Artur Korn
as Truffaldin
Joseph Frank
as Dancing Master
Barbara Bonney
as Najade
Gweneth Bean
as Dryade
