
Mitridate, re di Ponto, 2001
Brothers divided by love and loyalties…
…test the king’s (their father’s) love in Mozart’s first opera seria.
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
Tenor
Mitridate

Celena Shafer
Soprano
Ismene

Bejun Mehta
Countertenor
Farnace

Laura Aikin
Soprano
Aspasia

Kathleen Callahan
Soprano
Arbate

Nicolle Foland
Soprano
Sifare

Michael Smallwood
Tenor
Marzio

Kenneth Montgomery
Conductor

Francisco Negrin
Director

Anthony Baker
Scenic & Costume Designer

Allen Hahn
Lighting Designer