La Calisto

University Opera presents La Calisto, a 17th century opera by Francesco Cavalli and Giovanni Faustini that lay dormant for centuries after its troubled premiere before being revived in the 20th century. The story is drawn from myth in Ovid’s Metamorphoses, with plenty of bad behavior by gods and goddesses presenting an opportunity to consider themes of consent, power and morality. The music will be performed by an ensemble using period instruments. Shows at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17-18 and 21 and 2 p.m., Nov. 19.

media release: $30 Reserved Seating; $25 Seniors; $10 Students

University Opera presents La Calisto 

November 17 at 7:30 pm

November 18 at 7:30 pm

November 19 at 2 pm

November 21 at 7:30 pm

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Inspired by the myth of Calisto from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Francesco Cavalli’s Baroque opera La Calisto explores themes of gender and power, sex and consent, revenge and justice, mortality and morality. With a lot of comedy thrown in.

Through Cavalli’s expressive score, the gods are brought down to earth, both figuratively and literally. Here they let it all hang out and prove that they are every bit as lustful, pernicious, and simple-minded as mortal human beings.

Jove is in love with Calisto, a devoted follower of the goddess Diana. On advice from Mercury, he disguises himself as Diana and successfully seduces Calisto. Jove’s wife, Juno, takes revenge, turning Calisto into a bear. But Jove manages to save Calisto by transforming her into a constellation, Ursa Major. Along the way, Diana falls in love with the beautiful shepherd Endymion and various hijinks are provided by Linfea, another follower of Diana, and a trio of satyrs.

The production, featuring an ensemble of period instruments – harpischords, theorbo, baroque guitar, baroque harp, organ, and baroque strings – will create an authentic sound world characteristic of the seventeenth century.

At 12:30pm on Sunday, November 19 in Music Hall, prior to the performance of La Calisto, University Opera will host a panel featuring Christa Patton, music director for the production; Margaret Butler, associate professor of musicology, UW-Madison; Olivia Gacka, Ph.D., dramaturg for the production and Ph.D. candidate in interdisciplinary theater studies, UW-Madison; and David Ronis, director of University Opera. The panel members will discuss Cavalli and  La Calisto, 17th century Italian opera, Italian prosody of the era, and specifics about the UW-Madison production.