
Fidelio 2014
There’s a hero in all of us…
Beethoven’s only opera is a testament to the human spirit and a test of musicianship for soloists, chorus and orchestra. The story of the unjustly imprisoned Florestan and his wife Leonore, who battles a tyrant to win his release, Fidelio finds the super-hero in all of us.
Synopsis
Act I
Marzelline, Rocco’s daughter, struggles with Jaquino, her former boyfriend and a prison employee, who still loves her. She has fallen in love with “Fidelio”, whose meticulous work has gained Rocco’s admiration, and Rocco pushes for their engagement, setting a wedding date after Pizarro’s imminent visit. Rocco, considering their bleak surroundings, says that it will take more than love to make a go of it-money must be made. Leonore asks if she might help Rocco with the secret prisoners, and he agrees to ask Pizarro’s permission, as this work is taking a toll on him. Talk turns to one particular prisoner, who Rocco says has been there two years and is near death. Leonore senses that this might be Florestan.
Pizarro arrives, orders soldiers to watch the road, and reads his dispatches. Among them is a letter alerting him to the imminent arrival of his commanding officer, Fernando, and urging him to dispose of prisoners who pose a threat to his safety. Pizarro orders Rocco to dig a grave in one particular cell, where he himself will murder the prisoner. Leonore summons courage and hope to face off her enemy and reach her husband, then learns from Rocco that Pizarro will allow her to help Rocco with the secret prisoner. She encourages Rocco to let the prisoners into the courtyard for some air. Rocco complies, incurring the stunned gratitude of the prisoners but also Pizarro’s rage.
Artists

Alex Penda
Soprano
Leonore

Paul Groves
Tenor
Florestan

Greer Grimsley
Bass-baritone
Don Pizarro

Manfred Hemm
Bass
Rocoo

Devon Guthrie
Soprano
Marzelline

Evan Hughes
Bass-baritone
Don Fernando

Joshua Dennis
Tenor
Jaquino

Joseph Dennis
Tenor
Prisoner

Patrick Guetti
Bass
Prisoner

Harry Bicket
Conductor

Stephen Wadsworth
Director

Charlie Corcoran
Scenic Designer

Camille Assaf
Costume Designer

Duane Schuler
Lighting Designer

Susanne Sheston
Chorus Director