Philly's orchestra and opera to coproduce "Salome"

Next season's previously announced performance of Salome, Richard Strauss' erotically charged biblical opera based on Oscar Wilde's play, will be a coproduction of Opera Philadelphia and Philadelphia Orchestra, the two groups announced Monday.

It is the first in a series of anticipated collaborations between the organizations, though leaders could not say exactly where the sharing of resources might lead.

"This one's all about getting something started," said Opera Philadelphia general director David B. Devan. "Let's keep investment levels modest, but do something really spectacular."

Salome, scheduled for two performances in May 2014 in Verizon Hall, will be done neither as a concert opera nor in the usual fully staged format, but in a state in between - a demi-staged production. Director Kevin Newbury and designer Victoria "Vita" Tzykun have been engaged to create a presentation with the large orchestra on stage and singers in costumes, and with lighting and "sculptural pieces integrated into the hall's architecture."

Concepts are not expected before September, but design elements, as well as some singers, could end up out in the hall.

Devan said the great value of projects like this - "Let's call it a theatrical mashup," he said - is the ability to bring in singers who, unable to commit to the five weeks necessary for regular productions, would otherwise not be heard here.

What this isn't, he said, is the first step in any kind of consolidation of the two organizations.

"That's not where this is going. I can say emphatically there is no intent for the Philadelphia Orchestra to be the pit band for Opera Philadelphia. We have worked with our orchestra over the last number of years, and I think they are playing at their all-time best. We are now able to consider repertoire expansion that 10 years ago we would not have been able to think about on a quality basis."

Any further projects with the orchestra would be in addition to the opera's regular offerings, Devan said.

The two performances of Strauss' one-act opera - May 8 and 10 - will cost an extra $250,000 above and beyond the regular expenses of the orchestra, singers, rent, and stage crew, said orchestra president Allison B. Vulgamore. All costs considered, the project total is estimated at $900,000 to $1 million. Each company will raise $125,000 to cover the costs not already accounted for in the budget.

A third performance is not planned.

"We're looking, and if a third possibility opens up, I'd be delighted," said Vulgamore. "But to be direct, we didn't sell out [a 2012 concert version of Strauss'] Elektra. . . . I'd love nothing better than to be forced to think about a third performance, or to put screens in the lobby or other areas, if we have demand."

Yannick Nézet-Séguin will conduct a cast that includes soprano Camilla Nylund in the title role, mezzo Birgit Remmert as Herodias, tenor John Mac Master as Herod, and bass-baritone Alan Held as Jochanaan.

The director for Salome was chosen by Opera Philadelphia, the principal singers by the orchestra, and rest of the cast in partnership, Devan said.

Though the Philadelphia Orchestra has a strong historical relationship with Strauss and his works - he guest conducted the orchestra in 1904, when  he was composing Salome, and Wolfgang Sawallisch made Strauss a regular part of the repertoire - this production marks the first time the ensemble has performed his first important opera.