Salonen Conducts Bluebeard’s Castle

Feb 6-8, 2025
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Overview

Audience FavoriteA taut and gripping thriller, Bartók’s one-act opera follows Duke Bluebeard and his newest wife Judith as she opens the seven doors of his castle and discovers increasingly disturbing sights. Opera stars Christian Van Horn and Ekaterina Gubanova bring to life these ill-fated characters. Juxtaposed with this macabre folktale is Beethoven’s joyful Second Symphony.

Sung in Hungarian with English supertitles.

Bluebeard’s Castle by arrangement with Boosey & Hawkes, publisher and copyright owner.


Three reasons why you should get your tickets today
  • Acclaimed conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen: Known for his innovative interpretations and dynamic style, “Salonen is, at his core, simply an excellent conductor” (The New York Times).
  • World-class singers: In 2018, Christian Van Horn joined an elite group as the third ever bass-baritone to win the coveted Richard Tucker Award. Ekaterina Gubanova’s “gleaming mezzo-soprano carries thanks to its clarity, and its fiery quality lends fascinating color to all of her singing” (New York Classical Review).
  • Rare performance of Bluebeard’s Castle: Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle is a rarely performed masterpiece, and this season offers a unique opportunity to experience this haunting one-act opera live. The opera’s rich, atmospheric score and psychological depth make it a thrilling addition to the concert repertoire.
  • Venue
    Symphony Center
  • Price Range
    $45-$250
  • Length
    2 hours 10 minutes
  • Preconcert Conversation
    Daniel Schlosberg
Schedule
Program
Beethoven

Symphony No. 2

Bartók (libretto by Béla Balázs)

Bluebeard’s Castle

Extras

Enhance your concert experience.

Preconcert Dining

Enhance your concert experience by dining at the Thomas Club, offering a prix fixe menu featuring traditional American fare for a seamless preconcert dining experience. Reservations | Learn more and view the menu


Preconcert Conversation

Explore the music in a free preconcert conversation featuring Daniel Schlosberg in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. The talk will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.


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