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The Abduction from the Seraglio
18 August 2024 - 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
EVENT DESCRIPTION
Opera Hong Kong will present The Abduction from the Seraglio (Die entführung aus dem serail) at Hong Kong City Hall on August 17th and 18th at 7:30 pm. Mozart, who composed 22 operas throughout his life, completed The Abduction from the Seraglio as his first opera when he moved to Vienna. Written in German as a commission from Emperor, Joseph II, this opera magnificently captures the exuberance and allure of youth, marking a significant milestone in his youth.
The Abduction from the Seraglio revolves around the theme of “rescue” featuring a riveting and plot- twisting narrative with vividly portrayed characters. The story follows the Spanish nobleman Belmonte, who, with the help of his servant Pedrillo, journeys to the harem of Bassa Selim in Turkey to rescue his beloved Konstanze and her maid Blonde, both kidnapped by pirates. Set against an exotic backdrop, this opera is light-hearted and humorous, standing as Mozart’s first masterpiece of German comic opera. Premiering in 1782, it was an immediate success and became the most frequently performed opera during Mozart’s lifetime.
Opera Hong Kong will present this comic opera in a semi-staged format. Without relying on elaborate stage designs, the semi-staged opera demands a high level of interpretative skill from the conductor, singers, and musicians, emphasizing the opera’s core — the music itself.
For this production, the renowned German conductor, Michael Koehler will lead the Opera Hong Kong Orchestra and Chorus. Since 2000, Koehler has served as the Music Director and Artistic Director of the Leipzig Philharmonic Orchestra. The production will be directed by Tang Xinxin, who was resident director at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) Beijing. Since relocating to Singapore in 2015, she has produced numerous opera works internationally. Her production of Don Pasquale was nominated as the Best Classical Music Production of 2019 by The Straits Times in Singapore.
This opera is produced by Opera Hong Kong Artistic Director, Warren Mok, the recent awardee of the 18th Hong Kong Arts Development Award for Outstanding Artistic Contribution from the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC). We extend our heartfelt gratitude to HKADC for its unwavering support of opera. Opera Hong Kong has long been dedicated to nurturing opera singers in Hong Kong, providing them with performance opportunities and continuously contributing operatic talents to the world. The cast for this production consists entirely of outstanding young local artists. Tenors Henry Ngan and Chan Yong will portray the leading actor, Belmonte. Sopranos Colette Lam and Yanna Chen will play the female lead, Konstanze. Sopranos Valentina Tao and Vivian Yau will portray the spirited maid, Blonde. Their professional prowess and exceptional performances will bring the semi-staged opera The Abduction from the Seraglio to life for the audience.
Details
- Date:
- 18 August 2024
- Time:
-
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
- Admission:
- $180 – $480
- Event Category:
- Opera
Organiser
- Opera Hong Kong
- Phone
- 52462234
- enquiry@operahongkong.org
- View Organiser Website
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