This Thanksgiving weekend, the esteemed Boston Early Music Festival (BEMF) Chamber Opera Series is set to unveil a new and captivating rendition of Georg Philipp Telemann's opera, "Don Quichotte." This exciting production promises to bring Cervantes's iconic tale of the eccentric knight to vivid life through a combination of beautiful costumes, exquisite Baroque dance, and enchanting music.
The premiere will take place over several performances, starting on Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1, in Boston. Following these dates, a concert version will take place on December 3 at the Morgan Library & Museum in New York City, culminating in a final staged representative on December 7 at the historic Troy Savings Bank Music Hall in Troy, NY. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual presentation will be made available from December 15 to December 29, ensuring that the production's magic reaches a wider audience.
The opera narrates the adventures of the misguided knight Don Quixote and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza. In this festive serenata, their journey leads them to the idyllic wedding of the wealthy Comacho and the beautiful Quiteria. However, the joyful celebration is soon threatened by Quiteria's childhood sweetheart, Basilio, igniting a series of humorous and dramatic events.
The production involves an impressive lineup of talented individuals including the GRAMMY-winning musical directors Paul O'Dette and Stephen Stubbs. Their artistic collaboration with internationally acclaimed director Gilbert Blin, along with concertmaster Robert Mealy and choreographer Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière, promises an impactful transfer of this classic work to the stage. The lead role of Don Quixote will be portrayed by German bass-baritone Christian Immler, noted for his exceptional technical and musical skills. He will be joined by renowned tenor Jason McStoots, who will take on the role of Sancho Panza. The ensemble comprises the acclaimed BEMF Vocal Chamber Ensembles and the BEMF Dance Company, further enhancing the presentation's artistic richness.
Tickets for the performances in Boston range from $30 to $130, while virtual tickets are priced at $25. New York City performance tickets and those for the Troy show can be purchased through their respective websites, making it easier for patrons to secure seats for this much-anticipated event.
The Boston Early Music Festival has established itself as a leader in presenting early music and Baroque opera in North America. With a diverse program lineup that includes not only opera but also award-winning recordings and an annual concert series, it has earned recognition for producing groundbreaking works, further solidifying its reputation as the world's leading festival of early music.
Mark your calendars for a weekend of unforgettable performances filled with charisma, culture, and classical music as BEMF presents Telemann's" Don Quichotte" this Thanksgiving weekend. Join in celebrating a timeless tale, beautifully interpreted through the lens of Baroque artistry. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit
BEMF.org.