Independent Opera Company Presents Daphne by R. Strauss
Independent Opera Company continues its 2024-2025 season with Daphne, rarely performed opera by German composer R. Strauss.
This gem of an opera was created in the very challenging and turbulent times of late 1930s, when Hitler and Nazi ideology already took over the Germany and
the Führer was preparing to take over the world. Daphne with it's reach, beautiful score and the story loosely based on Greek mythology seems as some kind of a respite
and an attempt of escaping to the alternative realm of fairytale and beauty. However, we can also look at it as some kind of protest, if subtle to the oppressive regime.
The opera was subtitled by the composer as "Bucolic Tragedy in One Act". It tells the story of a country girl Daphne, who is living a simple life and is deeply connected to
her community and nature. Two men are trying to woo her, one is her childhood friend Leukippos and another, god Apollo himself. The rivalry between the mortal and god leads
to the death of innocent Leukippos; however, Apollo, full of remorse, as an attempt to make amends with Daphne grants her wish to connect with nature even more. Thus, Daphne is transformed to a beautiful tree.
Strauss himself considered Daphne one of his highest musical achievements, and its been said that he repeatedly played the opera's finale on piano for his personal enjoyment.
Daphne's story seems ancient, and yet it resonates with truly up to date themes, such as women's independence and Enviromental issues.
Independent Opera Company performance of Daphne will be the Los Angeles premiere of this opera. It will be presented fully staged, with professional costumes, piano accompaniment and sung by some of the LA best professionals. Theresa Patten-Koeckert is a Stage Director and Galina Barskaya is Artistic/Music Director. The opera will be performed in German with English supertitles.
It will take place in the beautiful historic La Cañada Congregational Church 1200 Foothill Blvd, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 on March 21st and 22nd at 7:30 pm.