Washington National Opera Performs R. Strauss' ELEKTRA, October 29– November 12

Washington National Opera (WNO) will present Richard Strauss' Greek tragedy Elektra, October 29-November 12, 2022 in the Opera House. This new production-last mounted in the 2007-2008 season-is directed by Artistic Director Francesca Zambello in her first staging of the work, and led by Principal Conductor Evan Rogister.

"Strauss' dramatic one-act opera promises 100 minutes of psychological thriller-meets-Greek tragedy. Our internationally acclaimed cast, led by brilliant soprano Christine Goerke, lends the vocal power to hasten the full-tilt action toward its harrowing and soaring finale. The grandness of the adventure is accented by extravagant Greek-inspired costumes by legendary designer Bibhu Mohapatra," says WNO Artistic Director Francesca Zambello.

Grammy and Opera News Award-winner, dramatic soprano Christine Goerke returns to WNO to headline Strauss' masterpiece in what marks her 10th collaboration with Zambello. Goerke "simply owns the title role" of Elektra and has been lauded as "one of the most fearless and formidable dramatic sopranos of the day" (The New York Times). She previously sang the ingénue role of Chrysothemis in WNO's 2008 production of Elektra. Bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green, whose honors include a Grammy and WNO's own Marian Anderson Vocal Award, makes his role debut as Orest, internationally acclaimed tenor Štefan Margita appears as Aegisth, and two great female Strauss interpreters make WNO mainstage debuts. 2020 Opus Klassik Award winner Sara Jakubiak lends her "plush-voiced, impressive soprano" (The New York Times) to Elektra's sister Chrysothemis, and Swedish mezzo-soprano Katarina Dalayman, a leading dramatic soprano for whom Elektra was a signature role, makes her U.S. role debut as the murderous Klytämnestra. The singers and Opera Orchestra are under the baton of WNO Principal Conductor Evan Rogister, known for his "clearly inspired leadership" (Opera News).

Elektra will feature new costumes by Bibhu Mohapatra. An active and acclaimed fashion designer, Mohapatra made his first foray into opera 10 years ago, with Aida at Glimmerglass, before drawing national notice with his designs for WNO's 2021 production of Come Home. Elektra, together with Strauss' Salome, also provide the inspiration for Mohapatra's Fall/Winter 2022 collection and runway show.

Visit WNO's website for complete production details and casting information.

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