Odyssey Opera Continues Wilde Opera Nights Next Month

Boston's most original and innovative opera company, Odyssey Opera, continues its Wilde Opera Nights series, a season-long exploration of operatic works inspired by the writings and world of Oscar Wilde. For one-night only, Odyssey Opera performs a concert version of Alexander von Zemlinsky's The Dwarf (Der Zwerg), based on Oscar Wilde's tale "The Birthday of the Infanta" (libretto by Georg Klaren). Led by conductor Gil Rose, this 90-minute opera is sung in German with projectEd English translations. Czech tenor Aleš Briscein sings the title role of "The Dwarf"-a return appearance with Odyssey Opera after his lauded performance as Dvo?ak's "Dimitrij."

A parable of innocence and intolerance, The Dwarf opens up a complex world of emotions and drama. "The Birthday of Infanta" is a tragic short story of a hideous, singing dwarf who believes a beautiful young princess is in love with him. When learns the truth and the princess spurns him as mere toy, he falls dead of a broken heart. This tragic short story is often considered to be quasi-autobiographical for both Wilde and Zemlinsky.

Continuing its trademark of performing unjustly neglected operas, Odyssey Opera is thrilled to have discovered such rich territory to explore. "Zemlinsky is a composer who perpetually needs to be re-introduced. His operas are still essentially unknown, at least in the United States," stated Gil Rose, Artistic and General Director of Odyssey Opera. "His intricate and subtle style draws listeners in. 'Der Zwerg' is perhaps his most arresting score."

Zemlinsky (1871-1942), Schoenberg's friend and brother-in-law, and protégé of Mahler, composed two short one-act operas based on works by Wilde. The play A Florentine Tragedy was begun by Wilde in 1893 and left unfinished two years later. It premiered in Berlin in 1908, and was adapted and set by Zemlinsky in 1917.The Dwarf, which followed in 1922 in Cologne, shows significant departures from the original short story. It provides an intriguing example of how a text is artistically received in a different culture and time, as 30 years lie between Wilde's publication and the opera.

Odyssey Opera season provides a forum for sharing Oscar Wilde's dramatic stories, biting humor, and brilliant wit in its season-long concert series, Wilde Opera Nights. The Dwarf marks the third of four performances in the series: The Picture of DorIan Gray by Lowell Lieberman (November 18, 2016), The Importance of Being Earnest by Mario Castelnuevo-Tedesco (March 17-18, 2017), and Patience; or, Bunthorne's Bride by Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert (June 2-3, 2017).

Regarded as one of history's greatest playwrights and authors, Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) is best known for his novel The Picture of DorIan Gray and play The Importance of Being Earnest. His rich understanding of the human condition continues to inspire millions around the world. Despite being one of Ireland's most beloved writers, his personal life was at odds with societal norms of the day and the scandals that followed eclipsed the appreciation of his genius during his lifetime. Wilde's career peaked during the prosperous Victorian Era of the late 19th Century, at a time when his homosexuality was a criminal offense. Subsequent decades have proven Wilde to be one of the great writers of the English language. Opera composers have often been inspired by his world and writings.

About Odyssey Opera
Founded in 2013 by artistic director/conductor Gil Rose, Odyssey Opera presents adventurous and eclectic works that affirm opera as a powerful expression of the human experience. Its world-class artists perform the operatic repertoire from its historic beginnings through lesser-known masterpieces to contemporary new works and commissions in varied formats and venues. Odyssey Opera sets standards of high musical and theatrical excellence and innovative programming to advance the operatic genre beyond the familiar and into undiscovered territory. Odyssey Opera takes its audience on a journey to places they've never been before. odysseyopera.org

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!