At the age of 14, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart wrote the opera \u201cMitridate, re di Ponto,\u201d a story focusing on love and political betrayal in the ancient kingdom of Pontus.<\/p>\n
Opera Philadelphia will be performing this rarely staged show to kick off it\u2019s 2026-27 season Sept. 9, 10 and 13 at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s exciting to be able to introduce audiences to a Mozart opera that nobody knows,\u201d said director Emma Griffin, who likens the story to the HBO hit \u201cSuccession.\u201d<\/p>\n
The story focuses on a family dynamic that could be as true now as it was during its 1770 premier.<\/p>\n
King Mitridate left his betrothed, Princess Aspasia, in the care of his two sons, Farnace and Sifare before leaving for war. The sons hold opposing political views: Farnace supports the Romans, while Sifare fights alongside his father. Meanwhile, each son has fallen in love with Aspasia, though Aspasia only returns Sifare\u2019s feelings.<\/p>\n
The new production stars celebrated tenor Lawrence Brownlee as the titular king, with general director and countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo as his \u201cbad\u201d son Farnace and soprano Meredith Wohlgemuth as the younger son, Sifare. Soprano Lauren Snouffer portrays Aspasia, the woman all three love.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m thrilled to return to Opera Philadelphia to take on the title role of Mitridate for the second time,\u201d Brownlee said in a statement. \u201cIt\u2019s a remarkable work, and I\u2019m excited to rediscover it with such a phenomenal cast. This production is especially meaningful to me because it reflects the unique partnership I share with the company. As a member of the Board of Directors, I have the privilege of performing alongside our General Director, Anthony Roth Costanzo, under the leadership of our Music Director, my dear friend and colleague Corrado Rovaris. Collaborations like this embody the spirit of Opera Philadelphia and make the experience all the more special.\u201d<\/p>\n