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Ariadne auf Naxos at West Edge Opera

Jason Victor Serinus on October 28, 2011
West Edge Opera: Ariadne auf Naxos by Richard Strauss

Tragedy and comedy vie for attention in Richard Strauss’ technically demanding, gorgeous score and Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s fascinating play-within-a-play libretto. Given that Berkeley West Edge Opera’s tag line for their season, “the intersection of pop and classical,” seems calculated to raise more than a few eyebrows, it will be interesting to see what Artistic Director Mark Streshinsky and Music Director Jonathan Khuner have in store. With a cast that includes the wonderful Marie Plette as Ariadne and Buffy Baggott as the Composer, and recent San Francisco Conservatory grad Emma McNairy as the high-flying Zerbinetta, the production may have just what it takes to transport us from the isle of Naxos to the garden of delight.