Salome at San Diego Opera

Salome’s disturbing obsession with John the Baptist drives her to make a shocking request: the head of the Prophet as a reward for performing the sensuous Dance of the Seven Veils. Based on Oscar Wilde’s dramatic adaptation of the biblical story of Salome and her lecherous stepfather, the dysfunctional and dangerous court of King Herod is brought to searing life through Richard Strauss’ seductive music. This chillingly erotic story still has the power to shock audiences more than 100 years after its premiere.

Every role makes extraordinary vocal and dramatic demands on the artists, and our remarkable cast will be riveting. Salome, lost in her own world of wantonness and sensuality, will be sung by last season’s brilliant Turandot, Lise Lindstrom, with Greer Grimsley as the noble John the Baptist. Allan Glassman and debut artist, soprano Irina Mishura, round out the cast in this stunning opener to our 2012 International Season!