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ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO – Opens Tonight At SF Opera

Soprano Mary Dunleavy to star as “Constanze”
Special Family Pricing for October 17 and 23 Performances

By Seán Martinfield
Sentinel Editor and Publisher
Photo by Lynn Imanaka

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail (The Abduction from the Seraglio), opens tonight at the War Memorial Opera House. The work will have six subsequent performances concluding October 23rd. A sparkling comedy featuring an internationally renowned cast, this production is led by soprano Mary Dunleavy heads an international cast with tenor Matthew Polenzani as the young lovers “Constanze” and “Belmonte”.  A co-production with Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Abduction is directed by Chas Rader-Shieber and marks the U.S. operatic debut of conductor Cornelius Meister. Many will recognize the opera’s significant presence in the 1984 film, Amadeus. The Emperor of Austria – who commissions the opera from Mozart – later claims the work has “too many notes”. Die Entführung aus dem Serail tells the story of “Pasha Selim”, the women he kidnaps for his harem, and the two young men who plot the rescue of their sweethearts.  The production employs English for conversation and – as was originally agreed in His Majesty’s presence – the singing will be in German.

MARY DUNLEAVY (as “Constanze”). Photo, Cory Weaver

Last seen at San Francisco Opera as Gilda in 2006’s Rigoletto, American soprano Mary Dunleavy returns to the Company as “Constanze”, a beautiful aristocrat who is betrothed to the noble Belmonte. After being captured by pirates along with her servant “Blonde”, Constanze is sold into the Pasha’s harem.  Soprano Anna Christy sings Blonde, her interpretation of which has previously been described as “a delight of feisty energy and sweet, sharp vocalism.” Matthew Polenzani, winner of Metropolitan Opera’s 2008 Beverly Sills Artist Award, returns to San Francisco Opera to sing “Belmonte”, Constanze’s loyal fiancé who bungles a plan for her escape.

MARY DUNLEAVY and MATTHEW POLENZANI. Photo, Cory Weaver

Belmonte’s servant and Blonde’s sweetheart “Pedrillo” is performed by current Adler Fellow Andrew Bidlack, who also will sing “Ruiz” this season in Verdi’s Il Trovatore. Bass Peter Rose sings “Osmin”, Pasha Selim’s servant who is charged with guarding the female captives and whose advances on Blonde are consistently rejected. Having previously performed “Osmin” at Hamburg State Opera, Rose will reprise the role this season in Munich. The speaking role of the Pasha, whose heart is eventually softened by the pleas of his prisoners, is performed by Bay Area actor Charles Shaw Robinson.

Anna Christy (Blonde) and the Pasha’s guards. Photo, Cory Weaver

Young German conductor Cornelius Meister makes his highly anticipated United States operatic debut with this production of Die Entführung aus dem Serail.  Chief conductor of the Heidelberg Philharmonic Orchestra and recently announced chief conductor and artistic director of the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Meister has led numerous operas and orchestras throughout Europe since his 2002 conducting debut. San Francisco Opera Assistant Music Director Giuseppe Finzi conducts the final two performances in his first appearances since assuming his new position with the Company.  Finzi was last seen conducting 2008’s The Elixir of Love for Families and San Francisco Opera’s 2009 concert at the Stern Grove Festival.

The Saturday, October 17th, 2 p.m. matinee and Friday, October 23rd, 8 p.m. evening performances of The Abduction from the Seraglio are being offered at a special family discount of 50% off for adults and 75% off for children. With children’s tickets starting as low as $13.75, this reduced-price ticket offer allows families to introduce young people to the magic of world-class opera at an affordable cost. This offer is available online only and is recommended for children ages 10 and up.  Visit Mozart Family Opera for tickets and information.

Following the Opening Night performance, The Abduction from the Seraglio is scheduled for September 23 (7:30 p.m.), September 26 (8 p.m.), September 29 (8 p.m.), October 2 (8 p.m.), October 11 (2 p.m.), October 17 (2 p.m.), and October 23 (8 p.m.), 2009.

Matthew Polenzani (Belmonte) and Andrew Bidlack (Pedrillo). Photo, Terrence McCarthy

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