Q&A with the Artists of #AlcinaDC
As part of its 2017–2018 season, Washington National Opera (WNO) presents Handel’s magical opera Alcina — a mesmerizing tale of a sorceress skilled in the art of seduction who falls prey to the enchantment of love. Conducted by Jane Glover and directed by Anne Bogart, WNO delivers a new, bold, and creative production at the Kennedy Center. We spoke with a few of the stars of the show, including Angela Meade, as well as a few of the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists in the main cast and in the Young Artist performance on November 18. The artists discuss Handel’s opera, their favorite scenes, and some of their favorite artists in the show.
Meet Angela Meade.
“Easily the most talked-about soprano of her generation” (Opera News), Meade stars in #AlcinaDC in the title role of Alcina, the gorgeous sorceress who uses her charms to curse her conquests. Fresh from her lead roles in Norma and Adriana Lecouvreur this season, the megawatt soprano discusses her favorite scene and Handel’s music.
What is your favorite scene in the opera?
AM: My favorite scene in the opera is probably “Ah, mio cor” because we finally see Alcina for who she really is.
How do Handel’s music and the story of Alcina speak to a modern audience? Why should people come see this opera?
AM: It speaks to modern audiences in the aspect of how we create an illusion of our perfect lives via social media — and a lot of times the reality isn’t the same as the online presence.
Meet Rexford Tester.
A recent alumnus of WNO’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, Tester rounds out the main cast as Morgana’s lover Oronte. The talented tenor talks returning to WNO with #AlcinaDC and the work’s enduring appeal.
Having recently completed the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, how does it feel to be returning to Washington National Opera?
RT: Returning as a principal artist at Washington National Opera feels like a homecoming. Reuniting with old friends and meeting all of the new members has been so much fun. This company is very special to me and to be able to come back and make art with them once again, and with this incredible opera, is such an honor.
How do Handel’s music and the story of Alcina speak to a modern audience? Why should people come see this opera?
RT: Handel may have written this opera long ago, but the music and the story could not be more relevant today. Throughout the entirety of the opera, one can hear and feel the deep longing for love that I think every human being possesses. We long for companionship and human contact, even if we don’t realize it at times, and this opera explores that. This production really exposes the joys and the struggles of love and what it means to love and be loved.
Meet Daniela Mack.
After singing in some of the most famous opera houses in the world, Mack returns to WNO as Bradamante, Ruggiero’s daring fiancée who must free her beloved from Alcina’s sorcery. Mack discusses #AlcinaDC and her most memorable performances.
What is the most memorable moment of live performance you have experienced, either as a performer or as a spectator?
DM: I have a very vivid memory of attending my first opera when I was 7 years old. It was Verdi’s La Traviata, and I was completely captivated by the soaring music, the beautiful costumes and sets, and the spectacle of the whole thing… I think that’s when I fell in love with live theater.
What is your favorite scene in Alcina?
DM: As a singer, I enjoy Bradamante’s rage aria, “Vorrei vendicarmi,” because of its electric and unrelenting pace. It is incredibly fun and exhilarating to sing. But the most beautiful moment, in my opinion, comes in Ruggiero’s “Verdi prati.” It is one of those special moments when time seems to stand still and we enjoy the perfect marriage of beauty of tone and vulnerability. It’s magic!
Meet Arnold Geis.
As one of this season’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists, Geis makes his WNO debut as Oronte in the Young Artist performance of #AlcinaDC. He discusses his admiration for Meade and the modern audience’s reaction to Handel’s story.
How do Handel’s music and the story of Alcina speak to a modern audience? Why should people come see this opera?
The way that our director [Anne Bogart] presents this work is very relevant. The audience will enjoy an updated look at Alcina the enchantress. The goal with this production is to define and present the inward battles all of humanity has with love, life, death, and free will. The stage is set up to present the inner workings of each character’s mind. Every aria takes the audience on a journey through the inner struggles each character goes through.
Is there a member of the Alcina cast whose performance you particularly admire?
Angela Meade has always been a favorite of mine. First off, we are from neighboring towns in Washington State — Centralia and Chehalis. Second, we had the same teacher in undergrad at the University of Southern California. And third, every time I have seen her perform or shared the stage with her, she’s blown me away with the mastery she has over her instrument.
Meet Michael Adams.
Adams returns for his second season with WNO as a Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist, where he sings Melisso, Ruggiero’s tutor and guardian, in #AlcinaDC. Here, he talks returning to the WNO — and to this role.
This is not the first time you have played Melisso, having performed the role at the Grand Théâtre de Genève in 2016. What is it like to return to the role less than two years later?
Roles are always interesting to return to. Generally, they are easier to sing and when diving into the text, you always catch things that never occurred to you. In a Handel opera, there are infinite ways you can play characters and their relationships with one another.
How do Handel’s music and the story of Alcina speak to a modern audience? Why should people come see this opera?
Though there is a lot of magic and fantasy involved in the story of Alcina, it involves people who are blinded by a curse and forget their loved ones and even lose their own identity. In remembering true love, they are empowered to overcome obstacles and triumph over evil — lots of great themes that are applicable to our lives.
Don’t miss these incredible artists and more in #AlcinaDC at the Kennedy Center, Nov. 4–19, with a special Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Performance on Nov. 18.
Production photos by Scott Suchman.
