SAMSON AND DELILAH at San Diego Opera

The Bible’s Samson and Delilah return to our stage in a production described by the North County Times as “…one of the most memorable San Diego Opera productions of the past decade (with) stunning and gargantuan sets, vivid lighting, gorgeous costumes, an erotic ballet and a seeming cast of thousands…” Physically strong though he is, Samson cannot repel the advances of the seductive Delilah. Urged on by the High Priest of Dagon, she makes him reveal the source of his strength, his hair, which she cuts, rendering him powerless. Captured, blinded, Samson calls on God for forgiveness, destroying the temple and all within it, including the treacherous Delilah.

Clifton Forbis returns as Samson, whose “…brilliant voice and acting (as Samson) conveyed the inner torment" (SignOnSanDiego). Mezzo-soprano Nadia Krasteva, described by the Chicago Tribune as having “…rich, smoky colors and earthy sensuality (in) her voice” makes her role debut as Delilah with Tómas Tómasson as the scheming High Priest. San Diego’s own Karen Keltner conducts the sinuous and melodic score and Lesley Koenig directs this thrilling production.