From Strauss to Stravinsky, the classic arts scene in New York is never quiet. Here is just a sampling of some of the classic arts events happening this week.
Richard Strauss’ Arabella opens at the Metropolitan Opera November 10. The sixth and final collaboration of Strauss with librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal, the opera concerns the complicated engagements of Arabella and her sister Zdenka, who, for financial reasons, has been raised by her parents as a boy using the name Zdenko. Sopranos Rachel Willis-Sørensen and Louise Alder star as Arabella and Zdenka/Zdenko. Baritone Tomasz Konieczny and tenor Pavol Breslik play Mandryka and Matteo, rival suitors for Arabella's hand, the latter aided by Arabella's "brother," who is secretly in love with him herself.
La Fille du Régiment plays its final performance at the Met November 12, starring soprano Erin Morley, tenor Lawrence Brownlee, and Emmy winner Sandra Oh in her Met debut. The opéra comique follows Marie (Morley), a foundling child who was raised by a regiment of soldiers. When her aunt, the Marquise of Berkenfeld, discovers Marie, she is appalled to see the military manners with which her niece has been brought up. The Marquise whisks Marie away to teach her how to be a lady, preparing her for an arranged marriage with the son of the Duchess of Krakenthorp (Oh). Comedy ensues as Marie does not take to upper-class life, while her chosen family in the regiment attempt to rescue her.
Violinist Nicola Benedetti joins the New York Philharmonic November 13-16 to perform a jazz-influenced concerto written for her by composer and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. David Robertson conducts the program, which includes Stravinsky’s Petrushka, and the world premiere of Caroline Mallonee’s Lakeside Game, a New York Philharmonic commission.
The American Symphony Orchestra and the Bard Festival Chorale will perform Luigi Cherubini’s Requiem in C minor and Peter Cornelius’ Stabat Mater in an evening of religious works at St. Bartholomew’s Church November 13. Leon Botstein will conduct the concert, which will feature soprano Wendy Bryn Hammer, mezzo-soprano Krysty Swann, tenor Eric Taylor, and bass Harold Wilson as the soloists.
Pianist Beatrice Rana will give a recital at Carnegie Hall November 12, performing Prokofiev’s Piano Sonata No. 6, Debussy’s second book of etudes, and selections from Romeo and Juliet and The Nutcracker by Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky respectively. Carnegie Hall will also host performances this week from the Maxwell Quartet (November 14), pianist Dan Tepfer (November 15), and the Met Orchestra Chamber Ensemble (November 16).
Mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke will give a recital at the Park Avenue Armory November 13 and 15, with pianist Myra Huang. The program, titled “Of Thee I Sing,” will feature songs by American composers, ranging from classical composers like Charles Ives, Samuel Barber, and Aaron Copland, to Broadway songwriters including John Kander, Stephen Sondheim, and George Gershwin.
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