IDOMENEO
by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Production/Director: Brad Dalton
Set Designer: Steven Kemp
Lighting Designer: Christopher Ostrom
Costume Designer: Johann Stegmeir
presented at Opera San Jose, 2011
“Philanthropist David Packard injects a passion for Mozart and nearly $4 million into Opera San Jose’s stunning new production of ‘Idomeneo.’ It is a jaw-dropping, must-see evening of opera. This marathon is an exhilarating spectacle that is ever more glowing. At the end, the audience leapt to its feet. Go!” – Richard Scheinin, The Mercury News
“Opera San Jose produces a spectacular ‘Idomeneo.’ Director Brad Dalton maintained a graceful flow of the 73-member cast, the largest in the history of the company. This remarkable production is part of a partnership that will enhance the cultural richness of our region as well as benefit the local opera company’s reputation.” – Mort Levine, The Mercury News
“Opera San Jose made its very first ‘Idomeneo’ a truly lavish affair. The great thing is, the money went not into showy elegance but to elegant authenticity.” – Michael J. Vaughn, Operaville
“Dalton cleverly casts a non-speaking actor as Neptune who haunts the stage when Idomeneo sings about his fateful choices, keeping the focus on the central conflict of the story. I was also taken with the large and elaborate three-story temple used in the third act that gave the finale the grandeur it needed.”– Outwestarts.blogspots.com
“Arguably the most extravagant production ever at Opera San Jose, ‘Idomeneo’ is overwhelming audiences with its impact at the California Theatre. ‘Idomeneo’ is a hit of a spectacle, backed by some extraordinary singers and strong stage direction. Director Brad Dalton brought plausibility and energy to the scenes. This is a one-time ‘Idomeneo’ to treasure. It is another headline-making production for Opera San Jose, after Brad Dalton directed last season’s ‘Anna Karenina.’” – D. Rane Danubian, artssf.com
“Such an excellent production in the California Theatre is a rare and special experience for audiences.” – Thomas Busse, San Francisco Classical Voice
“With its excellent execution by a talented cast of singers and dancers, Opera San Jose has done an exquisite job in bringing ‘Idomeneo’ to the Bay Area.” – Paria Amini, Mode Bay Area
“This blockbuster ‘Idomeneo’ has drawn opera-lovers from as far away as New York to attend this spectacular opener for Opera San Jose. This opera seria has become a lively and compelling human drama, vividly evoking the glory of ancient Greece. The artistic team brought this huge production to exceptional excellence, with major responsibility going to director Brad Dalton. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime operatic experience.” – Susan Steinberg, Chair of The Department of English at USF
“Brad Dalton’s stage direction, so impressive in past productions at Opera San Jose, once again kept the action moving. There were plenty of visual details onstage to alleviate the long running time. Particularly memorable was the temple sacrifice scene; there was really nothing missing in this production. Bravo to all!” – Beeri Moalem, San Jose Classical Music Examiner
“Director Brad Dalton moved his performers through the opera with deft efficiency.” – Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle
