David Carlson’s Anna Karenina

Florida Grand Opera. Carnival Center for the Performing Arts From Apr 28th through May 13th, 2007Florida Grand Opera (FGO) presents the world premiere of Anna Karenina, an FGO-commissioned opera from American composer David Carlson, in the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Carnival Center for the Performing Arts. Acclaimed British Stage Director Colin Graham wrote the libretto, and FGO Music Director Stewart Robertson conducts this new production. Anna Karenina follows Carlson’s previous operas, The Midnight Angel and Dream keepers, which have received wide critical acclaim. Anna Karenina was commissioned by Florida Grand Opera to celebrate its long-awaited move into the Ziff Ballet Opera House. Among the cast members are soprano Kelly Caducei as Anna, and Richard Girlish as Brodsky. Anna Karenina will be sung in English with both English and Spanish projected translations. In the opera Anna Karenina, Carlson and Graham tell Tolstoy’s story as the novel does, contrasting tragedy and happiness with the ultimate fates of the characters. In a love story constrained by nineteenth century Russian society, Anna follows conflicting passions to a shattering conclusion. Anna is overwhelmed by her terrible choices and the bitter consequences. Most of the music in Anna Karenina is romantic, yet, with a grittiness that captures the downward spiral of Anna. The opera is an intimate piece flowing in a cinematic fashion. “This world premiere of David Carlson’s new opera Anna Karenina offers a lyrical score, a heartbreaking timeless story, and a superb cast,” said Music Director Stewart Robertson. “Anna is truly an impressive new opera to match a new operatic era.”