While I am gazing at murky images of Rhinemaidens and giant gods, I also am taking advantage of the weather in sunny California. I write from Fresno, where we are preparing a production of “Faust.” So please pardon if I have a bit of whiplash!
- Mario Venzago
I wanted to take this opportunity to say how fortunate we are to have Mario Venzago conducting our collaborative production of “Das Rheingold.” Because of his leadership of the Indianapolis Symphony, you may think of him as only a symphonic conductor. You may not know that in addition to leading a number of prominent symphony orchestras, he also has served as music director of the Graz (Austria), Heidelberg and Lucerne opera companies. Born in Zurich, he is a natural German-speaker and has an affinity for Wagner. So you are in for a treat as you witness his Indiana opera conducting premiere.
Mario introduced himself to me following an opera just after he arrived in Indianapolis. He expressed his pleasure that his new home had such a quality opera company, and suggested that sometime we collaborate on a production. Now, several years later, that idea is coming to fruition. “Das Rheingold” was actually his recommendation for our joint project. He was familiar with the opera and also wanted a relatively short program. (Rheingold is Wagner’s shortest opera.) This turned out to be most fortunate for Indianapolis Opera. Not long afterward we found that we were going use a quasi-virtual set for “Tosca.” We brought Joachim in to direct, and he introduced us to the possibilities of this technology. His stage direction was admired by both singers and audience.
- Joachim Schamberger
Knowing that the orchestra would be onstage for this production, thereby precluding a normal set, but also desiring to offer more than a traditional “concert” version of the opera, we thought of a talented young German director with impressive experience at creating “virtual” sets. His name is Joachim Schamberger. Joachim has relatives living in Indianapolis, and during one of his visits he called to introduce himself and his portfolio.
So now flash forward to the introduction of Maestro Venzago and Director Schamberger, both German speakers and steeped in Germanic music and lore. They hit it off instantly, both personally and artistically. Having artistic leadership intimate with both the language and the cultural aspects of the opera suggests ringing performances. Having listened as they discussed artistic issues, I can’t tell you how very much I am looking forward to them!
Next week, more about Joachim’s wonderful set design.
Wish you were here!
Jim
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