Santa Fe Opera Guild News:
The Santa Fe Opera Guild presents Der Rosenkavalier: “An Old-fashioned Viennese Waltz, Sweet Yet Saucy” featuring presenter Desirée Mays, 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, March at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 107 W. Barcelona Road in Santa Fe.
Dr. Bernadette Snider, the Guild’s President said, “We are pleased to welcome Desirée Mays as the second presenter in our Lecture Series this year. Ms. Mays brings a wealth of knowledge about opera to her presentations and we are looking forward to hearing her insights on Der Rosenkavalier.”
Der Rosenkavalier: “An old-fashioned Viennese waltz, sweet yet saucy.” Thus, Hugo von Hofmannstal described his idea for a new opera to Richard Strauss following their dramatic Elektra. Desirée Mays will discuss the intriguing collaboration between the Viennese poet, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, and the Bavarian musician Richard Strauss with musical examples.
Der Rosenkavalier, a social commentary on life in 18th century Vienna, waltzes along in ¾ time in moods of farce, idealism, and parody, with elements of bittersweet memories of the past. The transgender shenanigans of Octavian, the mezzo-soprano in a travesti role, switch hilariously throughout from Mariandel, the maid, to the Knight of the Silver Rose. At the heart of the opera Strauss presents one of his most beloved characters, the Marschallin, who gracefully loves, learns, and poignantly muses on fleeting time and the fragility of life.
Then, as now, Europe was ready for comedy, for a treatise on love young and old, bombastic, and romantic set to glorious music.
Desirée Mays Bio
Desiree Mays, international speaker on opera, lecturer at Santa Fe Opera’s Cantina for 20 years, author of the Opera Unveiled series, and radio producer, brings to her audiences the stories, music interpretation and insights into the world of opera. Her upcoming presentations include the Triangle Wagner Society of Raleigh/Durham, and the Puccini Society of Dallas.
Registration for the Event
Registration for Der Rosenkavalier: “An Old-fashioned Viennese Waltz, Sweet Yet Saucy at https://bit.ly/49abUhB
About The Santa Fe Opera Guild:
The Santa Fe Opera Guild is one of the five Guilds of the Santa Fe Opera, whose mission is to support the work and goals of the Community Engagement Department of the Santa Fe Opera through volunteering, fundraising, and community activities. The Santa Fe Opera Guild (SFOG) is under the direction of an all-volunteer Board of Directors and is operated under the non-profit umbrella of The Guilds of the Santa Fe Opera, Inc., a 501c3.
What We Do:
Everything we do is with our members in mind. With the help of our dedicated volunteers, we offer both educational and social events throughout the year. Our events are designed for both the opera-curious and seasoned aficionados. We welcome everyone with an interest in opera and camaraderie to join us.
