Opera Club
The Opera Club invites everyone to come watch Richard Strauss’ last opera (from 1942) “Capriccio” on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 1:30 p.m. in the Learning Center of Clubhouse 3. Club member Janice Berliner will introduce this opera, which places the audience in a Noel Coward environment to answer the question: “What is more important—music or poetry?”
Act 1 presents Countess Madeleine (sung by Renee Fleming), a recent widow, who is in her drawing room being dually courted by Olivier, a poet who has written a sonnet in her honor, and Flamand, a composer who has set his rival’s sonnet to music. Also present is La Roche, a theater director who is directing Madeleine’s brother, the Count, and an actress, Charon, in the next room. La Roche re-enters the drawing room to demand a change in script from the writer, Olivier, causing Madeleine to postpone her choice of suitors until 11 a.m. the next day, and orders a chocolate drink for all.
In Act 2, Madeleine’s brother, the Count, enters to profess he is falling in love with his co-star Charon. In turn, Madeleine professes her inability to choose a suitor. All the actors enter from the adjoining room to present a dancing and singing program during the chocolate refreshments. Discussion focuses on the question—words or music?—and as the Count escorts his fellow actors off to Paris, Madeleine is forced to face her decision.
The production is in German with English subtitles. Attendees may wear masks. No dues or fees are collected. For more information, contact Margaret Gillon at MargaretGi@yahoo.com or call her at 562-370-3844.
