Toronto’s indie opera darling Against The Grain Theatre (AtG) has announced details for their upcoming production of Gustav Holst’s opera Sāvitri.
An opera for our times: If you’re not familiar with Sāvitri, you’re not alone. Written in 1916, Sāvitri is a rarely heard chamber opera by Holst.
It chronicles a face-off between an Indian princess and the God of Death who wants to take her husband. Filmed in Prince Edward County, the opera features Indo-Canadian soprano, Meher Pavri as Sāvitri; rising star Armenian-Canadian bass-baritone Vartan Gabrilian as Yama, God of Death; and tenor Andrew Haji as Satyavān.
“Sāvitri spoke to me because not only is the lead a strong woman, but she saves her husband in this story. I love that there’s an empowered woman at the centre of Sāvitri,” said Director Miriam Khalil.
Sophomore jitters?
Sāvitri marks the second production following Messiah/Complex, which was one of the best cultural events of the year. It gained the attention of international media, turning it intoCanada’s first COVID-era opera hit. The pressure is on to see if they can do it again.
Here’s a taste:
Sāvitri opens June 23, 8 p.m. ET, with on-demand-viewing through July 11. Details HERE.
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