April 30, 2011

Enjoy Richard Strauss’ 1912 “opera-within-an-opera,” performed at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts by the Canadian Opera Company. Ariadne auf Naxos features Adrianne Pieczonka as princess Ariadne and Richard Margison as the god Bacchus.

A fascinating opera, the story is split between the Greek island of Naxos, and the story of the staging of the opera in Vienna. As two groups of very different musicians arrive at the home of “the richest man in Vienna,” ready to perform two very different musical productions, preparations are complicated when the Major-domo decides that both performances must take place simultaneously. The resulting opera is a combination of the original performances (a burlesque show and a serious opera).

Today’s performance starts at 4:30pm. Tickets range from $62.00 + tax to $281.00 + tax. To purchase tickets, visit the Canadian Opera Company’s website.