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Mitridate, re di Ponto, 2001

July 14 - August 23, 2001

Brothers divided by love and loyalties…

…test the king’s (their father’s) love in Mozart’s first opera seria.

Music By
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Libretto By
Vittorio Amedeo Cigna-Santi

Synopsis

Act I

Mitridate is the King of Pontus, an Hellenic kingdom on the Black Sea. He and his army have battled the invading Romans, but have been defeated and Mitridate is presumed dead. He had left his betrothed, Aspasia, in the care of his two sons, Sifare and Farnace, whose political loyalties are divided; Sifare fought alongside his father, but Farnace supported the Romans. Both sons have fallen in love with Aspasia. She seeks Sifare’s help in avoiding unwelcome advances from Farnace, suggesting that she might indeed be attracted to Sifare. Mitridate unexpectedly returns, bringing Farnace’s fiancée, lsmene, an East Indian princess. Mitridate insists on an immediate marriage between Farnace and Ismene until he learns of Farnace’s dual treachery – coveting his own fiancée, Aspasia, and conspiring with the enemy. He vows bloody vengeance.

Artists

Donald Kaasch headshot

Donald Kaasch

Tenor

Mitridate

Celena Shafer headshot

Celena Shafer

Soprano

Ismene

Bejun Mehta headshot

Bejun Mehta

Countertenor

Farnace

Laura Aikin headshot

Laura Aikin

Soprano

Aspasia

Kathleen Callahan headshot

Kathleen Callahan

Soprano

Arbate

Nicolle Foland headshot

Nicolle Foland

Soprano

Sifare

Michael Smallwood headshot

Michael Smallwood

Tenor

Marzio

Kenneth Montgomery headshot

Kenneth Montgomery

Conductor

Francisco Negrin headshot

Francisco Negrin

Director

Anthony Baker headshot

Anthony Baker

Scenic & Costume Designer

Allen Hahn headshot

Allen Hahn

Lighting Designer