From the General Director | Hercules

DEAR FRIENDS:

Welcome to Hercules and the return of The English Concert to Omaha. If you attended their performance of Handel’s Giulio Cesare last year, you know to expect world-class musicianship and theatricality in this semi-staged interpretation of another great work by Handel.

Without sets and costumes, the singers and orchestra give unencumbered performances that embody a range of emotions, notably the intense feelings of jealousy that drive the plot of Hercules. Here, Handel is ahead of his time with the character of Dejanira who descends
from paranoia into full-blown psychosis, a precursor to the operatic “mad scene” trope. It is a tour-de-force for a mezzo-soprano, and I know you will be compelled by Ann Hallenberg’s portrayal.

It was a genuine pleasure to experience Omaha’s response to The English Concert last year, and I am gratified by your enthusiasm for their return this year and in 2027. Thank you for believing in artistic excellence, and for welcoming this international orchestra to our community with such generosity of spirit.

In addition to The English Concert’s performance of Handel’s Alessandro on April 30, 2027, our 26/27 Season includes a solo performance by baritone and composer Will Liverman, a lush traditional production of Puccini’s La bohème, a new opera for audiences of all ages called The Pigeon Keeper, and the Opera Omaha premiere of Ariadne auf Naxos by Richard Strauss.

We perform across the city next year with shows at Stinson Park, Slowdown, The Rose, The Holland Center, and the Orpheum. Tickets are on sale now—you don’t want to miss this diverse season of audience favorites, new works, new-to-Omaha works, and year three of our series with The English Concert.

There’s still more to come this season, including our gala with star bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green on Friday, March 27 at Steelhouse Omaha, performances of Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle on April 24 and 25 at the Holland Center with the Omaha Symphony, and the next installment of the Family Opera Series, UnShakeable, from June 5-7 at the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center. Join us and be part of Omaha’s rich cultural life.

With heartfelt thanks for your support and friendship,
Allison Swenson
GENERAL DIRECTOR