While still without a permanent home, West Edge Opera is presenting a semi-staged concert version of Samuel Barber’s Vanessa on the Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Thrust Stage, Sept. 21 and 22.
West Edge Music Director Jonathan Khuner will conduct, Artistic Director Mark Streshinsky is responsible for the production — he is well used to making the most of small spaces, witness his Legend of the Ring.
Soprano Marie Plette sings the title role of Vanessa, with tenor Jonathan Boyd as Anatol. Mezzo-soprano Malin Fritz is the Old Baroness and bass-baritone Philip Skinner is the Doctor. The production introduces young mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz as Erika.
Composed in 1956-57 to an original English libretto by composer Gian-Carlo Menotti (Barber’s life partner), Vanessa premiered at the Metropolitan Opera in January 1958. It was an unqualified success with the audience and it won Barber the Pulitzer Prize that same year. Although not often performed in recent years, it is considered an authentic American masterpiece, and excerpts such as “Under the Willow Tree” and “Must the Winter Come So Soon” have become popular concert pieces.
It has been said to have been inspired by Isak Dinesen’s Seven Gothic Tales, though not taken directly from any of the short stories, but more likely inspired by the atmosphere of Dinesen’s tales. It is the story of two women who yearn for a love that is immortal. One is in denial; the other accepts her fate. Barber’s score is noted for its great beauty — moments of disquieting intimacy alternate with ferocious lyrical passion.