Sunday, September 4, 2022 @ 2:30pm – 5:00pm (PDT)

In Ariadne auf Naxos, Richard Strauss tosses the warring parties of high concept and lowbrow comedy into the same blender, with results that are both hilarious and touching. In this lively opera-within-an-opera, we witness a clash of bristling egos, egregious demands upon sensitive artistic temperaments, outrageous flirtations, callow compromises to commerce, trampled expectations, tragic heartbreak, emotional awakenings, and spiritual rebirth. (And that's just the first act!)

Opera fans know Naxos as a title that's famously challenging for the leads. The signature arias of Zerbinetta's "Großmächtige Prinzessin" ("High and mighty princess"), Ariadne's "Es gibt ein Reich" ("There is a kingdom") and Harlequin's "Lieben, Hassen, Hoffen, Zagen" ("Love, hate, hope, fear") are sure to inspire great performances from our guest artists and delight the audience with a dizzying spectrum of emotions.

Don't be another tragic Ariadne! It might be a long time before an opportunity this good comes to your island again!