Full disclosure: Pelléas & Mélisande can be an intimidating opera for some folks to get a handle on. There aren't any stand out arias, the characters' motivations are sometimes ambiguous, and most of the action happens in the orchestra rather than on the stage. (If you're familiar with Debussy's stunning orchestral showpieces, like "La Mer" or "Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun," you'll know how exquisitely detailed his orchestral scoring is.) So we figured the best way to give you a little Pelléas 101 would be through a mini-series with Maestro James Conlon, who'll conduct LAO's upcoming performances.
In a series of three informative 30-minute conversations, our beloved Music Director delves into the mysteries of this elusive--but incredibly gorgeous--Debussy masterpiece (which happens to be one of his top five favorite operas).
