Live at the Met: Samson et Dalila at Fredonia Opera House
9 Church Street, Fredonia, NY 14063
Sacred, scandalous, and irresistibly alluring, Saint-Saëns’s spectacular take on the biblical hero of legendary strength and the seductive Philistine whose beauty overpowers him returns in the Met’s larger-than-life production. Featuring a massive orchestra and chorus and some of opera’s most spellbinding tunes, this masterpiece of French grand opera is a feast for the eyes and ears. Giacomo Sagripanti conducts an electrifying cast led by the formidable star pairing of mezzo-soprano Aigul Akhmetshina and tenor Clay Hilley.
Call 716-679-1891 for information or visit www.fredopera.org
Tickets: $20, $18 (Opera House Members), $10 (Students)
The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a 390-seat restored Vaudeville theater that offers a wide range of programming including live music, theater, dance and an independent cinema series. The Opera House also presents live high-definition satellite broadcasts of opera productions from the renowned Metropolitan Opera in NYC, live theatre from the National Theatre, in London, and various special concerts and programs from various arenas and theatres around the globe.
A landmark fixture on Fredonia’s Barker Commons, the Opera House was saved from destruction in the early 1980s when the Fredonia Preservation Society (which came into existence in response to the threatened demolition) and a corps of committed volunteers undertook what was to become a nine-year restoration of the theater. At a cost of more than $1 million and with more than 30,000 volunteer hours, the Opera House was returned to its splendor and has operated year-round continually since its grand reopening in November 1994.
The recipient of a New York State Historic Preservation Award, the Opera House combines turn-of-the-century beauty and charm with modern comforts. In fact, many individuals and organizations find the Opera House an ideal venue and rent it for events, conferences, meetings and even weddings. For information on events, tours or rentals, contact the Fredonia Opera House at 716-679-0891 or visit www.fredopera.org.