Cory McGee as Don Giovanni and Renee Richardson as Donna Anna in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.” Photo courtesy of Wolf Trap Opera Company.
Wolf Trap Opera’s one-night only production of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” featured vocal talent of the highest caliber in a memorable performance of some of opera’s best-loved music. It was directed by John de los Santos and conducted under the baton of Stephanie Rhodes Russell. An opera in two acts, Mozart’s masterpiece is based on the legend of Don Juan, with libretto by Lorenzo da Ponte.
…featured vocal talent of the highest caliber in a memorable performance…
Following the lush overture, Donna Anna (Renée Richardson, Soprano) is seen running from Don Giovanni (Cory McGee, Bass) who has attempted to assault her and shortly thereafter kills her father, Il Commendatore (Eric Lindsey, Bass) in a dual when he arrives to defend his daughter’s honor. One of opera’s most notorious womanizers, Don Giovanni’s conscience is undisturbed by such brutality, and he simply moves on to his next conquest. As the tale unfolds, he seems to escape punishment while reveling in unrestrained debauchery, but Don Giovanni’s rakish reign is up when an other-worldly force steps in to deliver justice.
Notable performances included Zerlina’s (Denis Vélez, Soprano) charming and sincere “Batti, batti, o bel Masetto,” (“Beat oh beat me, handsome Masetto”), Leporello’s (Andrew Gilstrap, Bass-Baritone) humorous “Madamina, il catalogo e questo,” (“My dear lady, this is the catalogue”), and Donna Elvira’s (Tiffany Townsend, Soprano) thrilling “Mi tradi quell’alma ingrata” (“That ungrateful soul betrayed me”).
Oana Botez’s sumptuous costumes added an aristocratic flair to Scenic Designer Kristen Robinson’s Medieval-style stone fortress that opened to reveal a luxurious interior inhabited by Don Giovanni, and ultimately, the larger-than-life statue of Il Commendatore.
A sublime score and a timeless tale, “Don Giovanni” has resonated with audiences through the centuries because its themes—the narcissistic predator, victims left in his wake, the hope that justice will be done—are universal. This production carried on that tradition with a new generation of singers, nurtured by programs such as the Wolf Trap Opera that invest in young talent, ensuring the future of great opera for years to come.
Running time: Three hours with one 15-minute intermission.
“Don Giovanni” was performed on August 11, 2023 at the Filene Center, 1551 Trap Road Vienna, Virginia 22182. For information about upcoming performances at Wolf Trap, click here.
