GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL -
AGRIPPINA2000
JULY - 24, 25, & 26 2009
OAKLAND OPERA THEATER
RETURNS WITH HANDEL’S
“AGRIPPINA2000”
Oakland Opera Theater, applauded by critics and audiences for its intimately staged, professionally produced performances of 20th and 21st century operas, will present audiences with the most ancient and yet the most modern opera they have ever performed: George Frideric Handel's AGRIPPINA2000 July 24th, 25th (8:00PM) and 26th (2:00PM) 2009 at the Oakland Metro Operahouse, 630 3rd Street (three blocks from Jack London Square). For tickets ($22 advance; $28 at the door) and information the public may call 510-763-1146 or visit www.oaklandopera.org.
ADVANCE TICKETS
SINGER BIOS
The OAKLAND OPERA THEATER will present a postmodern view of Handel's ancient political farce, AGRIPPINA2000. Vincenzo Grimani's original libretto, which tells the story of Agrippina, the mother of Nero, and her plot to install her son as emperor of Rome, is reset in a fusion of multiple time periods. AGRIPPINA2000 is an absurdist opera that creates a world so full of conflicting anachronisms that it becomes a unique stylistic environment. It's a Pythonesque opera- comique that simultaneously parodies multiple historical locations, including Venice in the 18th century where it was premiered, Nero's Roman Empire and Washington DC during the 2000 presidential elections. This freeform chronological juxtaposition is not confined to the text, but pervades the updated orchestration which marries Handel's baroque da capo arias to the thick, massive sounds of amplified classical instruments such as distortion drenched electric cello and violin. The score, reset for four musicians, will engender a sound that's half string quartet, half power trio. AGRIPPINA2000 is being created in collaboration with renowned filmmaker Ethan Hoerneman, whose unique chaotic style of projected imagery evokes the absurdist animation of Terry Gilliam.
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GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL
The Ultimate Baroque Composer
Sex. Power. Intrigue. The Oakland Opera will present a new production of the lusty "Agrippina'; Handel's Wild Roman Romp on this, it's 300th anniversary. Composed for the 1709 Venice Carnevale, the opera tells the story of Agrippina, the mother of Nero, as she plots the downfall of the Roman Emperor Claudius and the installation of her son as emperor. Grimani's libretto, considered one of the best that Handel set, is an "anti-heroic satirical comedy", full of topical political allusions. George Frideric Handel is famous for his operas, oratorios, and concerti grossi. He was born in Germany, trained in Italy, and spent most of his life in England. His works include Messiah, Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks. He was strongly influenced by the techniques of the great composers of the Italian Baroque era, as well as the English composer Henry Purcell.
ADVANCE TICKETS
AGRIPPINA2000 CAST
Sepideh Moafi - Agrippina
Christa Pfeiffer - Nero
Andrew Chung - Pallas
Sara Couden - Narcissus
Igor Vieira - Ottone
Jennifer Ashworth - Poppea
John Bischoff - Claudius
Deirdre McClure - Conductor
Tom Dean - Director
Skye Atman - Assistant Music Director
Mia Steadman - Production Manager
Kristen Brown - Stage Manager
Ethan Hoerneman - Film Maker
Jo Vincent Parks - Assistant Director
THE OAKLAND OPERA
For the last 22 years the OAKLAND OPERA THEATER has been creating new opera. From brand new operas created specifically for the Oakland East Bay Community such as WHITE DARKNESS (2005) and Mary Watkins' DARK RIVER (2009), to modern classics like Glass's AKHNATEN and Anthony Davis' X, THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MALCOLM X. Please consider making a donation today, to help us continue our mission of presenting new opera and providing affordable performance space, THE OAKLAND METRO OPERAHOUSE, to our community. THE OAKLAND OPERA is a 501 (C)(3) organization, and any donations are fully tax deductible.
