One of opera’s most strikingly theatrical and grandly scaled masterpieces, Benjamin Britten’s Billy Budd, tells the story of the persecution and destruction of a pure-hearted young sailor by a predatory master-at-arms. From rollicking sea shanties to bombastic choral episodes, Britten’s searing opera roars to life in a spectacular new production featuring baritone Craig Verm in the title role. Based on Herman Melville’s classic American tale, adapted by English novelist E.M. Forster, Billy Budd transforms a British “man o’ war” into a crucible for human faith and error. David Neely conducts, while Kristine McIntyre serves as guest Stage Director.
Iowa Public Radio’s 2017 Opera in October series continues with another brilliant performance by the Des Moines Metro Opera. We’ll broadcast Britten’s Billy Budd on Saturday, October 21st at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 22nd at 3:00 p.m.
