Faust in Houston
On October 30, November 1, 7, 13 and 15, Matthew Polenzani stars as the title role of Gounod’s Faust at Houston Grand Opera.
Temptation, redemption, and the price of desire take center stage in this work, staged by David McVicar. Reimagined as a tormented composer in Belle Époque Paris, the title character makes a fateful pact with Mephistopheles: his soul in exchange for youth and sensual pleasure. After Faust sets his sights on the pure-hearted Marguerite, his passion leads to her ruin—but also her salvation.
Matthew is joined on stage by Pretty Yende as Marguerite, Ildebrando D’Arcangelo as Mephistopheles, Sean Michael Plumb as Valentin and Sun-Ly Pierce as Siebel. Giacomo Sagripanti conducts.
Additionally, on November 9 he sings a recital with pianist Ken Noda at La Maison Française at the French Embassy in Washington, DC.
The program opens with Schubert’s Schwanengesang, whose title evokes the legendary swan’s last song before death, moves through landscapes of longing, loss, and transcendence. It will be followed by a selection of songs and arias by Cilea, Pizzetti, Leoncavallo, Donizetti, and Tosti.