Pittsburgh Opera Presents Richard Strauss's SALOME

Pittsburgh Opera continues its 78th season with Richard Strauss's powerful Salome, at the Benedum Center November 5th-13th.

First performed in 1905, Salome was originally censored in Vienna, banned in London, and even protested in New York. However, now it's considered a classic. Salome helped reinforce Strauss's reputation as "the greatest genius of the age".

Based on the play by Oscar Wilde, Salome reimagines the biblical story of King Herod, his stepdaughter Salome and John the Baptist - Jochanaan. Salome provides one interpretation of why exactly Salome forced Herod to give her John the Baptist's severed head on a silver platter.

We are thrilled that the title role of Salome will be sung by the international star soprano Patricia Racette, who sang the role to critical acclaim last year, including the famous, seductive "Dance of the Seven Veils". The dance is being choreographed by Michele de la Reza of Attack Theatre.

Pittsburgh Opera has not performed Salome since 2001, and is performing a different production that the company now owns. The production is 'traditional'- meaning that the sets and costumes make it look like the biblical era in which it takes place.

Two-time Grammy winner Nmon Ford makes his Pittsburgh Opera debut as Jochanaan. Robert Brubaker plays King Herod and Michaela Martens is Herodias.

Music Director AnTony Walker conducts.

Salome features a superlative cast, including four stars making their Pittsburgh Opera debuts:

• Patricia Racette (Salome) - Patricia Racette makes her long-awaitEd Pittsburgh Opera debut. Known as "one of the great singing actresses of our time," soprano Racette is a mainstay at The Metropolitan Opera and San Francisco Opera. She regularly performs in major opera houses around the world.
• Nmon Ford (Jochanaan) -"Matinee-idol handsome, with a rich and supple baritone capable of both power and subtlety. He radiates star quality," testifies the Hollywood Reporter. Ford has performed throughout the country, as well as in France and Italy. He was a featured soloist on the Grammy Award winning Transmigrations (Telarc) and Songs of Innocence and of Experience (Naxos).
• Robert Brubaker (King Herod) - Originally from near Lancaster, PA, Brubaker is now a leading tenor in opera companies throughout the United States and Europe, and is "praised for the clarity and power of his voice and the impact of his acting." His performance as Herod at the famous Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona was called "without vocal defect."
• Michaela Martens (Herodias) - A "passionate and sympathetic vocal actress" according to The Boston Globe, Michaela Martins performs around the world in places such as Toyko, Switzerland, England, and Germany. Her performance in this role with the Santa Fe Opera drew considerable praise.

On stage November 5, 8, 11 & 13, Salome is retains the power and emotion that made it a classic. Tickets start at just $12 and are available online.

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