Calendar
WASHINGTON OPERA: Fidelio - POSTPONED DUE TO PANDEMIC
Place & Time
Opera House, Kennedy Center
2700 F St NW
Washington DC USA
October 24, 2020
7:00 PM
Program

FIDELIO

Only her love can set him free.

Music by Ludwig van Beethoven / Libretto by Joseph von Sonnleithner

Oct. 24 & 30, Nov. 1m, 4, 7 & 9 (2020) in the Opera House
In German with Projected English Titles
Composed 1805–1814

Co-Production with Indiana University

In a secret underground cell, political prisoner Florestan suffers under tyrant prison governor Don Pizarro. But a light in the darkness is breaking: Leonore, Florestan’s wife, has disguised herself as male guard Fidelio for the ultimate undercover mission. By infiltrating the very system that oppresses her husband, can she be the voice that overthrows it?

In celebration of 250 years since Beethoven’s birth, we launch the new season with his only opera, last staged by WNO in the Opera House more than 30 years ago. Beethoven premiered this story of resistance, freedom, and dissent during a time of complete European upheaval. If his “Ode to Joy” declares the universal triumph of peace over war, then his Fidelio is an inspiring ode to love’s transcendent power over tyranny.

Additional Information

CAST

Leonore/Fidelio
Elza van den Heever*

Florestan
Brandon Jovanovich (Oct. 24, 30, Nov. 1m, 4, 7)
Clay Hilley (Nov. 9)

Don Pizarro
Brian Mulligan

Rocco
Ryan Speedo Green*

Jaquino
Joshua Blue†

Don Fernando
Eric Owens

Conductor
Robert Spano*

Director
Francesca Zambello

Associate Director
Garnett Bruce

Set Designer
Peter Davison

Costume Designer
Anita Yavich

Lighting Designer
Mark McCullough

† Alumnus of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program
* WNO Mainstage Debut

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