July 31-August 6, 2003

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Dialogues of the Carmelites

opera

The outdoor amphitheater behind Fairmount Park's atmospheric Hermitage Mansion hosts Delaware Valley Opera Company's production of Francis Poulenc's Dialogues of the Carmelites, which grippingly explores issues of faith (personal and religious), female friendship and political terror on the background of actual events in 1794. Working with Monteverdi, Verdi and Mussorgsky as models, Poulenc created a unique kind of opera; the final scene is among the most riveting and powerful scenes in all music theater. Since its premiere in 1957 the opera's wonderful leading roles have attracted great artists from Regíne Crespin and Leontyne Price to Frederica von Stade. Here local singers Haley Conrad, Maria Barnet and Lisa Thomas head the bill, with musical direction from Marja Kaisla and staging by Jim Wiest. (It's sung in English, as per Poulenc's specifications.) You are encouraged to bring a picnic, lawn chairs and flashlights to add to your enjoyment.

Dialogues of the Carmelites, Sat, Aug. 2, Thu., Aug. 7 and Sat., Aug. 9, 8 p.m., $15, Delaware Valley Opera Company, Hermitage Mansion, Hermit Ln. and Henry Ave., 215-725-4171.

—David Shengold