LA Opera will present Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring, with James Conlon conducting the production directed by Paul Curran, opening at 7:30pm on Saturday, February 25th, and running for a total of six performances through Saturday, March 17.
The announcement was made by LA Opera’s general director Placido Domingo, who said: “Since its earliest years, LA Opera has been a major proponent of the operas of Benjamin Britten. Albert Herring, a charming comedy, is one of his most popular operas, and I am very happy to have this delightful work return to our repertoire for the first time in 20 years.”
First performed in 1947, Albert Herring takes place in the English countryside, where Albert, a meek mama’s boy, reluctantly becomes his village’s first May King when no maidens of sufficient virtue can be found. After his friends ply him with liquid courage at the coronation ceremony, Albert discovers the nerve to assert himself for the first time in his life.
The production features the fast-rising young tenor Alek Shrader, who will make his LA Opera debut as Albert, a role he recently performed to great acclaim in Santa Fe. This will be his first local appearance since his 2010 Los Angeles Philharmonic debut singing the title role in Bernstein’s Candide at the Hollywood Bowl. The role of Lady Billows will be shared by Scottish soprano Janis Kelly (five performances: February 25-March 11) and American soprano Christine Brewer (two performances: March 14-17), both making their first appearances with LA Opera. The cast also includes baritone Liam Bonner as Sid, mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack as Nancy, mezzo-soprano Jane Bunnell as Mrs. Herring and mezzo-soprano Ronnita Nicole Miller as Florence.
Albert Herring will be conducted by James Conlon, LA Opera’s Richard Seaver Music Director. Director Paul Curran will make his LA Opera debut staging a production that he originally created in 2010 for the Santa Fe Opera. The scenery and costumes are designed by Kevin Knight and the lighting designer is Rick Fisher.
Performance dates and times at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90012:
Saturday, February 25 at 7:30pm
Saturday, March 3 at 7:30pm
Thursday, March 8 at 7:30pm
Sunday, March 11 at 2pm
Wednesday, March 14 at 7:30pm
Saturday, March 17 at 2pm
Tickets range from $20 to $270 and can be purchased at the LA Opera Box Office at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, by phone at (213) 972-8001 or online at www.laopera.com. For disability access, call (213) 972-0777 or email laopera@laopera.com.
[adrotate group=”8″]
