Whenever someone mentions the word “opera,” what usually comes to mind are works in Italian, French, German or some other European language because of the form’s well-established traditions in those countries.
It’s easy to forget there is also a long history of operas in English, dating back to at least Henry Purcell’s “Dido and Aeneas” in 1678. Don’t expect to find that work on any area line-ups this summer, but three other highly varied English-language works, each from a different decade in the 20th century, do highlight regional opera schedules.
According to statistics provided by Opera America, “Susannah” ranks as the third most-produced American opera since 1991 by the service organization’s professional member companies. Central City Opera on July 5 will unveil a revival of its 1997 production of the work. (303-292-6700 or .)
Premiered by the New York City Opera in 1956, this opera by Carlisle Floyd is a retelling of the Apocryphal biblical tale of Susannah and the Elders set in rural Tennessee. Lyrical arias merge with folk-like tunes and hymns.
The Santa Fe Opera is presenting its first production of Benjamin Britten’s 1960 masterpiece, “Billy Budd,” with seven performances beginning July 12. (800-280-4654 or .)
An adaptation of Herman Melville’s 1891 novella, it is a haunting tale of a sailor falsely accused of fomenting mutiny aboard the “Indomitable” by Claggart, the ship’s menacing master-at-arms, and sentenced to hang.
Many opera experts consider John Adams’ “Nixon in China,” which the Houston Grand Opera premiered in 1987, to be the most important American opera of the latter quarter of the 20th century. It takes the minimalist tradition of Philip Glass and others in complex new directions.
Opera Colorado is presenting its version of a much-lauded new production that debuted four years ago in St. Louis, with four performances opening June 7. Marin Alsop will conduct Denver’s presentation, which will be recorded for release on the Naxos label. (303-357-2787 or .)
Here’s a look at other notable operatic offerings this summer:
“La Cenerentola (Cinderella),” by Gioachino Rossini, July 8, 10 and 13, Wheeler Opera House, Aspen. The Aspen Opera Theater Center plans an updated production of this familiar work, moving Cinderella’s home to a trailer park, complete with pink flamingos and Astroturf. (970-925-9042 or .)
“La Boheme,”by Giacomo Puccini, July 9, Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival. Few if any operas are more popular than this familiar tale of Bohemian love in Paris. The Philadelphia Orchestra will present a concert version of the classic, with Rossen Milanov conducting. (877-812-5700 or .)“Adriana Mater,” by Kaija Saariaho, July 26 and 30 and Aug. 8 and 12, Santa Fe Opera. After the company’s triumphant presentation in 2002 of Saariaho’s stirring “L’Amour de Loin,” anticipation has been running high for this American premiere of her subsequent opera.
