Opera Preview: Parsifal

Blue Hill, Maine - Richard Wagner's opera Parsifal comes to the Grand in Ellsworth on Saturday, March 2nd, by live simulcast from the Metropolitan Opera in New York. To help music lovers prepare for this event, the Bagaduce Music Lending Library and Friends of the Blue Hill Public Library will join together to introduce and study this theatrical journey at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 1st, at the Blue Hill Public Library.

Jonas Kaufmann stars in the title role in Francois Girard's new production of Wagner's final masterpiece about the innocent who finds wisdom. His fellow Wagnerian luminaries include Katarina Dalayman as the mysterious Kundry, Peter Mattei as the ailing Amfortas. Evgeny Nitikin as the wicked Klingsor and Rene Pape as the noble knight Gurnemanz. Daniele Gatti conducts.

Local opera enthusiasts Linda Lesko and David Porter will summarize the plot, introduce the music and offer some ideas of special ways to enjoy the Saturday simulcast. All are welcome, no previous opera knowledge is needed, and admission is free. For more information, call the library at 374-5515.