Samson et Dalila

Frank Porretta Michelle DeYoung Greer Grimsley

Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 6 pm at Lisner Auditorium

A cast of globetrotting opera stars takes the lead in Saint-Saëns’s biblical opera of lust, treachery, and revenge. When Hebrew leader Samson (Frank Porretta) slays the Philistine governor, the High Priest of Dagon (Greer Grimsley) sets in motion a subtle plan to undo the strongman. The lynchpin in the scheme is Dalila (Michelle DeYoung), whose seductive set of pipes ensnares Samson during the unforgettable aria Printemps Qui Commence. The story would ring true even if it weren’t thousands of years old, emphasizing such eternal themes as the burden of loyalty, the fickleness of the heart, and the importance of trusting your hairstylist.

Although this marks the first WCO appearance of all three leads, each arrives bearing the laurels of an acclaimed career. The perfectly villainous bass-baritone Grimsley is known internationally for his intensity and commanding voice; DeYoung has appeared on Grammy-winning recordings; and Jovanovich has been praised by Opera News for making a “burly Samson in voice and bearing” - at Pittsburgh Opera’s recent production of Samson et Dalila.

Concert opera puts the art form’s music front and center, with no sets, costumes, and rarely even a prop to distract the eye, with the exception of Isolde’s irreplaceable teddy bear. WCO has staged more than 40 operas in this format since its founding in 1986, with a special emphasis on rarely performed pieces. Conducted by WCO’s Antony Walker.

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