Strauss's maniacal masterpiece gets its electrifying Alberta premiere
Greek mythology is known for its severely dysfunctional families — stories of revenge, anger, and fatal mistakes that are designed to show us the worst of human nature as a 'how not to live your life' guide. German composer Strauss takes the most dysfunctional of them all, the house of Atreus, and crafts his spine-chilling Elektra.
Get ready for the roller coaster ride of your life at the Alberta premiere of opera's greatest psychological thriller, starring soprano Elizabeth Blancke-Biggs, who is renowned for her portrayal of Strauss's tormented protagonists. Elektra really is one of those pieces you have to experience live to believe!
Soaring, brazen, iconic: the music of Richard Strauss
Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was undoubtedly one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. As a bridge between the late Romantic and modernist periods, Strauss's music was both radical and risky.
Before composing Elektra, Strauss had already shot to widespread fame with Salome, an opera Edmonton audiences saw previously in fall 2013. Also well known is Strauss's influence on cinematic music; the background scores in most fantasy epics honour his rich, hair-raising composition style. The best example is Strauss's 1896 symphonic tone poem Also Sprach Zarathustra, which we recognize as the theme music for 2001: A Space Odyssey.
With Elektra, Strauss went bigger and bolder, creating a massive score that both fuels and mirrors its protagonist's psychological excesses. Elektra showcases Strauss at his peak, as a musical genius who specializes in producing powerful, rapturous sound.
"It is any conductor's dream to work on Elektra" — Alexander Prior
This March, 24-year-old British conducting sensation Alexander Prior makes his Edmonton Opera debut with Elektra, a piece he describes as "intense, visceral, and immediate."
We recently had the chance to chat with Prior about this exciting opera, and why he looks forward to sharing it with Edmonton audiences.
You'll enjoy his insights on the music and theatrics of Strauss's epic masterpiece!
Single tickets and season tickets are now available!
You can now buy single tickets to our thrilling 2016/17 operas — Turandot, Cinderella, and Elektra! Head to our website to purchase the best seats at the best prices, starting at only $40! Season tickets to all three operas are also available starting at just $99.
You may call our box office at 780.429.1000, Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or drop by in person at 15230 128 Ave. to get your tickets!
Opera Brunch
Before seeing each production at the Jubilee, you can enjoy a delectable Sunday Opera Brunch at the Royal Glenora Club, accompanied by performances from the cast of the upcoming show!
Brunch season tickets are on sale now for all three brunches: adults $240, child $90. Single tickets are also available: adults $85, child $35.
Coming up: Turandot Opera Brunch
Sunday, October 2 at 11 am • Royal Glenora Club • Adult $85, child $35
Turandot Opera 101
Want to know all the exciting background to Puccini's Turandot before you go see it at the Jubilee? Opera 101 is back with host Stephan Bonfield!
Join us at this complimentary event to discuss the music, history, and scandals surrounding Puccini's final opera. Special guest Dr. Daniel Fried, associate professor in the UofA East Asian Studies department, will share his insights on Puccini's use of Chinese literature and music in Turandot!
Wednesday, October 5 at 7 pm • CKUA
Free admission (please RSVP on Eventbrite)
Drinks and refreshments available for purchase (cash or credit card accepted)
Italian Centre is 10!
Celebrate your beloved South side Italian Centre's birthday this Saturday, September 10!
Come down to the South side location for an Italian-style party that features, you guessed it, a musical surprise from Edmonton Opera at noon!
Saturday, September 10 • Italian Centre South location • 5028 104A St • Special performance from Edmonton Opera at Noon • Free admission
World Suicide Prevention Day Concert — Mysterious Barricades
13 cities. 18 hours. A nationally live-streamed event. On Saturday, September 10, tune in as artists from across the country perform in an effort to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health support.
This free concert is organized by Edmonton's Elizabeth Turnbull, who teaches at the UofA Voice Department and will be seen in our upcoming production of Elektra. The concert also features many artists you may recognize from Edmonton Opera productions, such as Sally Dibblee (The Merry Widow), Jamie McLennan (Barber of Seville, Eugene Onegin), Jason Howard (Mary Stuart), and many more!
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Our box office has moved! Visit us at our new location at 15230 128 Ave
Edmonton Opera box office | 15230 128 Ave., Edmonton AB T5V 1A8
Turandot photo by Reed Hummell for Nashville Opera
