André Grétry’s opera comique Richard the Lionheart May 18, 2011

The American Classical Orchestra, the New York based period orchestra directed by Thomas Crawford, brings André Grétry’s opera comique Richard the Lionheart to New York for its first modern staging on Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 at the New York Society for Ethical Culture (Note: curtain 8pm). A pre-concert lecture will be given by Mr. Crawford at 7:00pm.

Directed by Cynthia Edwards and including Molly Davey as Laurette, as well as nine other promising young singers, The ACO’s production will be the first in modern times. It includes costumes, instrumental ballet interludes, and an 18th century orchestra, whose instruments - with the muted timbre of gut strings, wooden flutes, leather-skinned tympani, and early brasses - are ideal to bring this music to life. The opera will have dialogue in English, and the arias will be sung in French.

Richard the Lionheart, generally recognized as Grétry’s masterpiece, was one of the most well-known of the French opera comiques, and tells the legend of the capture and subsequent rescue of crusader King Richard I. Beloved throughout France, the opera gained quick popularity after its 1784 premiere due to its memorable melodies, chivalry and battle scenes.

Official Website: http://americanclassicalorchestra.org/calendar.shtml