Salome

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Ross Zentner

A person embracing a severed head.

Amanda Majeski in the Madison Opera production of "Salome," 2022.

Based on a play by Oscar Wilde, Richard Strauss' opera adaptation of Salome was a sensation when it debuted in 1905 — and a scandal, initially banned in London and Vienna and canceled after one performance at the Met in New York City. It will also be Madison Opera's first production of a work by Strauss, featuring Amanda Majeski (a singer at the 2021 Opera in the Park concert) in the title role. Sung in German with projected English translation, the performances are at 8 p.m. on Nov. 4 and 2:30 p.m., Nov. 6.

media release: A scandalous dance and a shocking kiss. Madison Opera opens its 62^nd season with Richard Strauss’ Salome on Friday, November 4 at 8pm and Sunday, November 6 at 2:30pm in Overture Hall at the Overture Center for the Arts. Starring internationally acclaimed soprano Amanda Majeski in the title role, this will be the company’s first production of a Strauss opera.

Religion and desire collide in this extraordinary one-act work. Salome tells of the biblical princess Salome, the stepdaughter of King Herod, who becomes obsessed with his prisoner Jochanaan (John the Baptist). After a banquet one night, Herod promises Salome anything she wants if she will dance for him. She does so, and then asks for a violent favor in return.

Based on Oscar Wilde’s 1893 play, Strauss’ opera shocked the public when it premiered in 1905.  While swiftly performed around the world, it was initially banned in London and Vienna, and cancelled after one performance at the Metropolitan Opera in 1907.  It has since taken its place as an acclaimed masterpiece, one that maintains its grip on audiences, uniting music and drama to a shattering end.

“Salome is genuinely thrilling,” says Kathryn Smith, Madison Opera’s General Director.  “The intensity of the music and the tension of the drama combine into a spectacular whole. Salome is an immense undertaking for a company of our size, and we have a stunning cast of performers that will make it an operatic experience like no other.”

Amanda Majeski stars as Salome, returning to Madison Opera after her debut in Opera in the Park 2021. The Wisconsin-based soprano has sung leading roles with the Paris Opera, Royal Opera Covent Garden, Teatro Real Madrid, and the Metropolitan Opera, winning acclaim as an interpreter of Mozart, Strauss, Wagner, and Handel. Opera News described her as having “just the type of glowing soprano voice with which Strauss had a lifelong love affair.”

Craig Irvin debuts as the imprisoned Jochanaan, who rebuffs Salome to a deadly result. Dennis Petersen debuts as King Herod, a role he has sung with San Francisco Opera and Minnesota Opera. Wisconsin resident Lauren Decker debuts as Herodias, Salome’s mother. Chaz’men Williams-Ali debuts as Narraboth, a soldier in love with Salome. The balance of the large Salome cast features both favorite Madison Opera artists and debuts: George Abbott III, David Blalock, Alan Dunbar, Robert A. Goderich, David Guzmán, Sam Handley, Lindsey Meekhof, Quinn Middleman, Evan Mitchell, Pedro Valdez, Ryan White, and Andrew Wilkowske.

Returning after her acclaimed Madison Opera debut directing Rusalka, Keturah Stickann directs, as well as choreographing the famous “Dance of the Seven Veils”.

John DeMain conducts the Madison Symphony Orchestra, with the largest forces ever put in the Overture Hall orchestra pit to play Strauss’ extraordinary score. The opera will be sung in German, with projected English translations.

Madison Opera’s production of Salome is sponsored by Kay & Martin Barrett, Martha & Charles Casey, Patricia & Stephen Lucas, Thomas Terry, Fran Klos, David Myers, Thompson Investment Management and Capitol Lakes.