What to expect at a baroque opera

Sunday, February 5, 2023 by Alix Evans | performance

On Feb 17, 18, and 19, I'll be performing in Peabody Opera's production of John Blow's "Venus and Adonis."  This opera dates to the baroque era, and as such is a little bit different than what people typically think about when they think of opera.  So what's different and special about this opera?  Lots of stuff!

First and foremost, this is a student opera - and in fact many operas during the baroque era were written to be performed at schools!  This production features a mix of graduate and undergraduate voice students and instrumentalists.

If you come on Friday or Saturday, you'll see one undergraduate student in particular performing the role of a very chaotic neutral Cupid ("But mother, teach me to destroy all them as scorn your wanton boy!").  This student is a countertenor, or male soprano.  Contrary to popular myth, women did perform on the operatic stage during the baroque era, but the sound of male sopranos was extremely popular.  Stay tuned for another post about the history of male sopranos in the future - it's its own big, fascinating, and grisly topic.  (But there's nothing grisly about this particular countertenor - he's lovely!)

This opera is fairly short, with no intermission, and has instrumental dance numbers between the scenes, which don't necessarily relate to the action on the stage.  This was quite common during the baroque era.

The singers are accompanied by a small ensemble playing historical instruments.  You'll notice all of the strings are gut-strung, the violins and violas lack chin rests and the cello lacks an end pin.  Our music director Adam Pearl will be conducting from the harpsichord.  And all of this will happen on stage with the actors.  During the baroque era, the orchestra had not yet descended into an orchestral pit, so you'll get a good look at these cool historical instruments!

I will be singing alto in the chorus, and performing the role of "huntsman," singing a rousing solo about a "mighty boar" who's terrorizing a bunch of good doggos (with very interesting names!).  Tickets are on sale now!