Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Samson and Dalila Opera

Tonight we kicked off the Dallas Opera 2017-2018 season with Samson and Dalila.  It is the Biblical tale of the Nazarite judge for Israel and his down fall at the hands of the Philistine woman. 

In this telling, Dalila is friendly with the Philistine leaders, the enemies of the Hebrews. High Priest of Dagon is a Philistine who plots with Dalila the overthrow of Samson. Abimelech, Governor of Gaza is a Philistine whom Samson kills in Act 1. Leading to the Philistines desire to be rid of Samson. 

The lead portraying Samson is one of our favorite baritones who recently portrayed Tristan in Tristan und Isolde.  Dalila was played by  Grammy-award winning mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina, making her debut at the Dallas Opera. 

The big finale at the Temple of Dagon brought down the house, literally, with the coolest special effects I've seen at the opera!  

Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me.
Please, God, strengthen me just once more"  Judges 16:28

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