A re-telling of the classical myth from a distinctly feminist perspective, John Blow’s Venus & Adonis is the earliest surviving English opera. Combining elements of the English masque and the French tragedie lyrique, it was performed “for the entertainment of the King” in 1683 and later revised for a second production. For this modern premiere of the second version, produced in collaboration with the Purcell Society, Stainer & Bell, and the National Centre for Early Music, York (UK), Magnificat will be joined for this concert production by members of the San Francisco Girls Chorus. The cast includes Catherine Webster (Venus), José Lemos (Cupid) and Peter Becker (Adonis).
- Venue: St. Patrick's Seminary
- Date: Fri October 8, 2010 8:00pm
- City: Menlo Park
- Price Range: $12 to $35
- Tickets: (800) 595-4849
Sat October 9, 2010 8:00pm
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Sun October 10, 2010 4:00pm
St. Mark's Lutheran Church
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Program
John Blow
Venus and Adonis
Performers
Magnificat
Warren Stewart, director
Catherine Webster
Venus
José Lemos
Cupid
Peter Becker
Adonis
More About This Event
SFCV Previews
September 28, 2010
Three-hundred-plus years is a long time to wait for a second performance, especially if the work in question is, according to Warren Stewart, director of Magnificat Baroque, “an exceptional piece” from a time when English opera was flourishing. The good news is that the upcoming performances of John Blow’s Venus and Adonis (2nd version) vest-pocket opera should prove it was well worth the wait.
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