BEMF Chamber Opera Series
Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 8pm
New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall
Free pre-concert talk at 7pm with the BEMF opera directors
with Handel expert and MIT Professor Ellen T. Harris
Tickets: Sold out
George Frideric Handel's Acis and Galatea
The original 1718 chamber version
Proclaimed “the highlight of local opera presentations,” the Boston Early Music Festival’s stunning period productions of Baroque operas have become a must-see event for opera lovers from around the world. In its second annual Chamber Opera Series, BEMF presents the original 1718 chamber version of Handel’s beloved pastoral opera Acis and Galatea, led by musical directors Paul O’Dette and Stephen Stubbs, stage director Gilbert Blin, and costume designer Anna Watkins.
The story depicts the love affair between the nymph Galatea and the shepherd Acis, who must endure a long separation. When they are finally reunited, their happiness is dashed by the jealous monster Polyphemus, who is in love with Galatea and kills Acis. As Galatea laments the loss of her lover, she uses her divine powers to transform Acis into an everlasting fountain.
Tenor Aaron Sheehan and soprano Teresa Wakim will appear in the title roles, accompanied by the three-time Grammy-nominated Boston Early Music Festival Chamber Ensemble.
Paul O’Dette & Stephen Stubbs, Musical Directors
Gilbert Blin, Stage Director
Anna Watkins, Costume Designer
Robert Mealy, Orchestra Leader
Kathleen Fay, Executive Producer
Darren Brannon, Associate Producer
Melinda Sullivan, Assistant to the Stage Director
Aaron Sheehan, Acis
Teresa Wakim, Galatea*
Jason McStoots, Damon
Douglas Williams, Polyphemus
Zachary Wilder, Coridon
* Due to illness, Amanda Forsythe was unable to perform in BEMF's performance of Handel's Acis and Galatea and was replaced by her understudy Teresa Wakim.
