After much anticipation, Opera Atelier‘s production of Handel’s The Resurrection is finally premiering on May 27 at 7 P.M. for online streaming.
Originally set to be released in April 2020, Opera Atelier pivoted the production for film, an exciting shift which will be available for digital streaming until June 10 after the initial release.
Stepping into the lead roles are soprano Carla Huhtanen as the Angel, bass-baritone Douglas Williams as Lucifer, tenor Colin Ainsworth as St. John the Evangelist, soprano Meghan Lindsay as Mary Magdalene and soprano Allyson McHardy as Cleophas.
Staged and filmed at St. Lawrence Hall, the all-star cast will be accompanied by Tafelmusik conducted by David Fallis, and the Artists of Atelier Ballet choreographed by Jeanette Lajeunesse Zingg, to bring to life Handel’s first acknowledged operatic masterpiece.
“We are thrilled with the opportunity to mount and film one of the most remarkable accounts of Christ’s resurrection,” said Opera Atelier Founding Co-Artistic Director Marshall Pynkoski. “Handel’s expansive vision for this story of victorious rebirth is widely considered one of his greatest works.”
Conductor David Fallis leading the principal cast of Opera Atelier’s production of Handel’s The Resurrection in a recording session in Koerner Hall. Photo courtesy of Opera Atelier.
Handel’s The Resurrection follows the story of Christ’s resurrection in two different spheres – the celestial realm where the Angel disputes Lucifer’s claim to victory, and the earthly realm where Mary Magdalene, Mary Cleophas, and St. John the Evangelist, struggle to come to terms with the stark reality of Christ’s death.
This Canadian premiere of the iconic story will feature a multi-level set by Gerard Gauci with staging and designing enhanced by film director Marcel Canzona who will be realizing the production for film.
“Not only is the production a feast for the senses — from the impressive set design to the complex choreography to the exquisite score — it is a moving tribute to the universal story of sacrifice and redemption, as embodied by a heroic protagonist,” said Pynkoski.
Tickets and more information for Handel’s The Resurrection can be found here https://www.operaatelier.com/season-and-tickets/2020-2021-season/handel-the-resurrection-opera-atelier.
