originally published: 02/02/2024
(SPRINGFIELD, NJ) -- Brigadoon meets Macbeth in New Jersey Festival Orchestra's February 17th production of Lucia di Lammermoor, Donizetti's spellbinding tale of marriage, madness and murder. Internationally acclaimed guest vocalists join Maestro Wroe and NJFO to present this haunting romantic thriller about a young and fragile woman living in a world of shadows
Based on Scottish novelist Walter Scott’s The Bride of Lammermoor, Donizetti’s opera traces the struggles of a young woman caught in a feud between her own family and that of the Ravenswoods, forced by her brother to marry for money.
The original setting is the Lammermuir Hills of Scotland (Lammermoor) in the 17th century. Lincoln Center’s renowned Stage Director Beth Greenberg cleverly brings the action up to the present day.
The haunting and brooding music masterfully conveys the woman's isolation and instability as she falls into insanity. Indeed, Lucia di Lammermoor features one of the most famous moments in all of opera—the iconic “ mad scene,” a musical portrayal of the heroine’s downward spiral and emotional roller coaster, captured in stunning soprano virtuosity.
The extraordinary Mexican soprano Alejandra Sandoval, who has taken leading roles of the classical repertoire in venues from Guanajuato to Beijing, will take on the iconic title role.
Tenor Benjamin Werley stars as Edgardo, Lucia’s secret lover from the Ravenswood family. Praised as having a “gleaming, flexible tenor” (Opera News), this Met. Opera National Council semi-finalist has performed leading roles with renowned opera companies throughout the US.
Metropolitan Opera baritone SeungHyeon Baek, quickly gaining recognition as an artist of significant talent and applauded for his “full, generous baritone voice” and “rich artistry” features as Enrico, Lucia’s controlling brother.
Metropolitan Opera bass Valerian Ruminski, whose bold and powerful vocal lyricism and remarkable coloratura have garnered him many international accolades, sings the role of the chaplain.
Alyce Daubenspeck protrays Alisa, Lucia's handmaid. With a propensity for big, complex characters, the talents of mezzo-soprano and dramatic actress Daubenspeck have been moving audiences both nationally and internationally.
Stage director Beth Greenberg is renowned for her work with the New York City Opera. Her productions have been seen worldwide as well as throughout the US.
"We are thrilled and honored to be joined by such a super star cast,” said NJFO Music Director David Wroe. “These singers have already graced the stages of some of the most magnificent concert halls and opera houses across the world. I predict that there will not be dry eye in the house!”
Sung in Italian with English supertitles, Lucia di Lammermoor, has been made possible through the generous support from the NJ State Council on the Arts and The Joseph T. DeAlessandro Memorial Foundation.
If you go:
New Jersey Festival Orchestra presents Gaetano Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor. Saturday, February 17th at 7:00pm at Renaissance Church, 639 Mountain Ave, Springfield, NJ. For tickets and information go to https://www.njfestivalorchestra.org/concerts or call 908 232 9400.
The New Jersey Festival Orchestra is a premier, fully professional, symphony orchestra. Founded in Westfield in 1983, NJ Festival Orchestra has grown to become one of New Jersey’s largest professional orchestras, having a presence throughout many cultural communities of New Jersey, and appearing as far afield as Carnegie Hall on a regular basis.
The name New Jersey Festival Orchestra reflects an ongoing celebration of the diversity of music and the creation of experiences that stretch the boundaries of traditional classical performances.
NJFO programs include classics from the orchestral repertory as well as offerings that showcase the fusion of fine arts and popular culture. This unique and dynamic approach to programming further brings classical music to life and creates an ongoing 'festival' of compelling presentations worthy of their name.
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