The Santa Fe Opera has unveiled a series of updates regarding the casting for its highly anticipated 2023 season. The announcement includes changes and additions to the lineup of talented performers.
Soprano Leah Hawkins, who was initially slated for the title role on certain dates, will now be taking on additional performances on June 30, July 5, and 8. She will be stepping in for Angel Blue, who had to withdraw due to her touring commitments with The Metropolitan Opera. However, fans can still catch Blue in four performances from July 14 to August 7. The company also highlighted bass-baritone Dale Travis, who will portray the Sacristan, and young singer Kai Edgar, making his Santa Fe Opera debut as the Shepherd Boy. Additionally, three Apprentice singers—Spencer Hamlin (Spoletta), Ben Brady (Sciarrone), and Dylan Gregg (Jailer)—will also be making their company debuts.
In the production of "The Flying Dutchman," Chad Shelton will be replacing Richard Trey Smagur in the role of Erik, making his own debut with the company. Another Apprentice singer, Gretchen Krupp, will take on the role of Mary.
For "Rusalka," mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis will assume the role of Ježibaba, stepping in for Michaela Martens. Several Apprentice artists will be making their company debuts, including Ilanah Lobel-Torres (First Wood Sprite), Lydia Grindatto (Second Wood Sprite), Meridian Prall (Third Wood Sprite), Jordan Loyd (Gamekeeper), Spencer Reichman (Hunter). The role of the Kitchen Girl will be shared by Apprentice singers Kaylee Nichols and Tessa Fackelmann.
In the production of "Pelléas et Mélisande," Ain Anger has withdrawn and will be replaced by Raymond Aceto as Arkel. Former Apprentice singer Zachary Nelson will join the cast as Golaud, taking over for Gihoon Kim, and Kai Edgar will perform as Yniold. Furthermore, Ben Brady will assume the roles of the Physician and Arkel, while three other Apprentice singers will make their company debuts: Emma Rose Sorenson (Geneviève on August 18), Brandon Bell (the Shepherd), and Sam Dhobhany (Physician on August 18).
"Orfeo" will feature bass James Creswell as Caronte, baritone Blake Denson as Plutone, and second-year Apprentice singer Amber Norelai as Euridice. Christian Simmons, a recent winner of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition and a first-year Apprentice singer, will make his debut with the company in the role of Apollo. Other Apprentice debuts include Caitlin Aloia (Proserpina), Lucy Evans (La Ninfa through August 16, La Messaggera on August 24), Meridian Prall (La Ninfa on August 24), Philippe L'Esperance (First Pastore), Brandon Bell (Second Pastore), and Luke Elmer (Third Pastore).
The Santa Fe Opera will run from June 30 to August 26, 2023, offering audiences a rich and diverse season filled with exceptional talent.
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