SALOME | Grand Théâtre de Genève

SALOME | Grand Théâtre de Genève

As you all know, my heart belongs to Verdi and any composer whose name ends in “-i,” but every once in a while, I like to step out of my comfort zone. With the Grand Théâtre de Genève just a stone’s throw from home, I decided it was high time I gave Salomé a try. After all, the best way to truly discover an opera is by diving in headfirst: going to the theater, switching off the outside world, and surrendering to the music and the story. No phone ringing, no cat scratching at the door, no noisy neighbor doing renovations—just you and the magic of the stage. It’s like being in the cinema, but better.

What’s the Story of Salomé?

For those of you unfamiliar with Richard Strauss’s Salomé, here’s a quick and fun summary. Based on Oscar Wilde’s play, it’s a spicy, scandalous tale of obsession, power, and a healthy dose of weirdness. Salomé, the stepdaughter of King Herod, becomes fascinated with the imprisoned prophet Jochanaan (John the Baptist). She’s got a bit of a thing for him, but he’s having none of it. In a dramatic twist, Salomé agrees to perform the infamous Dance of the Seven Veils for Herod in exchange for a grisly reward: Jochanaan’s head on a silver platter. The opera climaxes with Salomé’s chilling solo, where she sings to the severed head in a scene so intense it’ll leave you stunned.

First Impressions and Highlights

I won’t lie—at first, I wasn’t entirely sold. The music felt overwhelming, and it took me a little while to settle into Strauss’s sound world. But as the opera unfolded, I began to appreciate its intensity and brilliance. Certain moments truly stood out, especially the Dance of the Seven Veils, which is just as captivating and provocative as its reputation suggests. And the final 15 minutes? Wow. Salomé’s solo with the giant severed head (a striking centerpiece in the modern staging) was absolutely wild. It’s a moment of pure theatrical electricity that makes the entire evening worth it.

The Staging and Costume

The production itself was an intriguing one. The static, modern set—a sleek penthouse apartment that evoked a New York City bachelor pad—added a contemporary edge to the ancient tale. It’s not the traditional biblical aesthetic, but it worked surprisingly well, giving the story a gritty, almost voyeuristic quality. And the costumes? Impeccable. They felt fresh, stylish, and well-suited to this updated vision of the opera.

A Note on Geneva’s Audience

I can’t help but mention the elephant in the room: the Grand Théâtre de Genève continues to struggle with ticket sales. It’s surprising, considering Geneva has such a passionate audience for opera. Is it the choice of repertoire? The productions? Something isn’t clicking, though there are exceptions. Case in point: La Traviata in June is already nearly sold out! When you pair a big-name opera with a stellar cast, the seats fill up. It’s proof that when you give the audience what they crave, they show up.

Should You See Salomé?

Absolutely. While it’s not your typical feel-good night at the opera, Salomé is an unforgettable experience. The production is bold, the music is gripping, and the story will stay with you long after the curtain falls. Whether you’re a Strauss fan or just curious about this provocative masterpiece, it’s well worth a visit to the Grand Théâtre de Genève. Plus, with such a strong and striking staging, it’s a chance to see something daring and different.

So, grab your tickets, immerse yourself in Strauss’s world, and enjoy an evening of opera that’s as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.

CASTING

Conducteur : Jukka-Pekka Saraste

Salomé, fille d’Hérodias – Olesya Golovneva

Jochanaan, le prophète – Gábor Bretz

Herodes, tétrarque de Judée – John Daszak

Herodias, femme d’Herodes – Tanja Ariane Baumgartner

Narraboth – Matthew Newlin

Le page d’Herodias – Ena Pongrac

Premier soldat – Mark Kurmanbayev

Deuxième soldat – Nicolai Elsberg

Premier Juif – Michael J. Scott

Deuxième Juif – Alexander Kravets

Troisième Juif – Vincent Ordonneau

Quatrième Juif – Emanuel Tomljenović

Cinquième Juif – Mark Kurmanbayev

Premier Nazaréen – Nicolai Elsberg

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