The life and death of Spanish poet Federico García Lorca, as told through his muse Margarita Xirgu, take center stage in this Saturday’s opera at 1 p.m. on WHRO-FM.
The Metropolitan Opera presents “Ainadamar,” the acclaimed opera by Argentine composer Osvaldo Golijov, with a libretto by David Henry Hwang, translated into Spanish by the composer himself.
Filled with passion and the essence of flamenco, this opera brings to life the story of actress and singer Margarita Xirgu, the muse and close friend of García Lorca, who was murdered by the fascist regime for his beliefs and his homosexuality. Soprano Angel Blue portrays Xirgu, who reminisces about her time with Lorca, played by mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack, while sharing her memories with her student Nuria, performed by soprano Elena Villalón. Completing the cast is flamenco singer Alfredo Tejada as fascist politician Ramón Ruiz Alonso.
Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya leads the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in this dynamic interpretation of Golijov’s powerful and expressive score. Tune in this Saturday at 1 p.m. on WHRO-FM or listen online, and discover a unique work that transcends genres, bridging the gap between operatic tradition and the expressive richness of flamenco.
