Bluebeard’s Castle: One of the boldest Wichita Symphony productions in its history

(Wichita, KS) The Wichita Symphony is pleased to announce one of the boldest, most ambitious, and most audacious concert productions in its 71-year history. Prepare for one of the most brilliant inter-disciplinary performances ever experienced at the WSO. The stage will be majestic with the combination of two internationally distinguished opera stars, the large-scale works of art of world renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, and a 20th-century musical masterpiece performed by the incomparable Wichita Symphony under the baton of its Music Director Daniel Hege.

The musical masterpiece is Béla Bartók’s hour-long, one-act opera, Bluebeard’s Castle. Native Kansan, Wichita State alumnus and faculty member, and distinguished operatic bass and veteran of the world’s greatest stages, Samuel Ramey sings the title role. He is joined by mezzo-soprano Irina Mishura, a star of the Metropolitan Opera and other leading opera companies, singing the role of Bluebeard’s wife, Judith.

Illuminating the dark secrets of Bluebeard’s Castle, the set includes six artworks by artist Dale Chihuly. These magnificent sculptures are only shown in concert with Bela Bartok’s one-hour opera, Bluebeard’s Castle. The Wichita Symphony is only the fifth American orchestra to present the production with these masterpieces, and the only orchestra to present it with the world-renowned Samuel Ramey next to Chihuly’s artwork.

Performances of Bluebeard’s Castle will take place on Friday evening, March 13, at 8pm, and again on Sunday afternoon, March 15, at 3pm in the Century II Concert Hall. These performances were previously included as part of the Symphony’s Classical subscription series. Also to be heard at the beginning of the program will be a performance of Mozart’s popular Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.

Chihuly is credited with revolutionizing the Studio Glass movement and elevating the perception of the glass medium from the realm of craft to fine art. He is renowned for his ambitious architectural installations around the world, in historic cities, museums and gardens. Chihuly’s work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide, including the famous Confetti Chandelier and Persian Seaform Installation at the Wichita Art Museum. One of the most comprehensive collections of Chihuly glass in the world resides down Interstate 35 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

One of the most heralded bass and bass-baritones on opera and concert stages of the past three decades, Sam Ramey recently relocated with his family to Wichita to join the faculty at his alma mater, the Wichita State University School of Music. With astounding versatility and impressive breadth of repertoire marking a long, heralded career, Ramey enjoys a special affinity for Bluebeard’s Castle. He recorded it on the Sony label with Eva Marton, and Adam Fischer conducting the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra.

For these performances in Wichita, Ramey will be joined by the renowned mezzo-soprano Irina Mishura. She made her MET debut in 2000 as Dalila in Samson and Dalila opposite Placido Domingo, and since then has sung numerous roles at the MET, including Princess Eboli in Don Carlo, and the role of Carmen.

Béla Bartók composed Bluebeard’s Castle in 1911. Following some revisions, it premiered in May 1918. It’s a dark tale reminiscent of stories by the Brothers Grimm and Edgar Allen Poe. The opera is approximately one hour long in a single act performed without intermission. The mood of the piece is reflective of the dark period that decade experienced.

The 2014-2015 season marks Daniel Hege’s fifth as Music Director and Conductor of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra. Hege has been widely recognized as one of America’s finest young conductors, earning critical acclaim for his fresh interpretations of the standard repertoire and for his commitment to creative programming.

Tickets for Bluuebeard’s Castle are available by calling (316) 267-5259, or by visiting the symphony online at www.wichitasymphony.org. Prices range from $30 to $80. The subject matter of Bluebeard’s Castle may not be suitable for young children.

The Gayly – March 13, 2015 @ 11:15am.