The season continues with a fully staged production of Benjamin Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia, libretto by Ronald Duncan, approached through a current lens. Although based on ancient Roman history, the opera and its content will be explored as it relates to today’s climate, with post-performance discussions that bring the creative team together with audience members in an open format. Set to one of Britten’s most searing and lyrical scores, The Rape of Lucretia offers eight roles suited to young voices, making this challenging piece an excellent vehicle for the burgeoning Merola artists. The opera follows Lucretia, a dedicated spouse who becomes a horrific target in a brutal game of sex and power. This emotionally charged chamber opera that has become a part of the standard operatic repertoire worldwide explores issues that sadly remain starkly relevant today. Maestro Judith Yan returns to Merola to conduct The Rape of Lucretia, while German stage director Jan Eßinger makes his U.S. debut to put his stamp on the production. Equally adept at conducting symphony, opera, and ballet, Maestro Yan has conducted for major companies in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Known for bringing a fresh directorial perspective, Eßinger has helmed dozens of acclaimed productions throughout Europe, notably at the Theater Heidelberg, Opernhaus Zϋrich, Theater Koblenz, Philharmonie de Luxemburg, and many others.