Opera Preview: lecture on Ariadne auf Naxos on Thursday

On Thursday, April 16 from 7-8:30pm, speaker Norm Hollingshead will speak on the Strauss opera Ariadne auf Naxos at the Shoreline Library large meeting room, 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline 98155.

Opera Preview: Ariadne auf Naxos by Richard Strauss (1864-1949) 

With "Ariadne auf Naxos" in 1916 Richard Strauss and his librettist, Hugo von Hofmannstahl followed up on the success of their "Der Rosenkavelier" (1911) with an opera with a crazy plot. 

Who would think of forcing a comic troupe of "Commedia del'Arte" performers and a group of "opera seria" singers to perform their two very different works simultaneously? Yet, amazingly, instead of a shambles, this enforced collaboration emerges as both touching and hilarious, thanks to some of the most delicious music Strauss ever wrote. 

These free lectures, provided to increase enjoyment and appreciation of Seattle Opera productions, will feature speaker Norm Hollingshead with recorded musical excerpts. Questions - contact Norm, 206.329.6269. Sponsored by the Friends of the Shoreline Library.