Opera Sustenida Presents Stephanie DeCiantis singing Senta’s Ballade from Der fliegende Holländer, Suzanne Yeo - piano

In Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer (The Flying Dutchman), Senta sits among the women of the village, spinning as they sing. She begins her ballad, recounting the legend of the cursed Dutchman doomed to sail until redeemed by a woman’s faithful love. As she sings, her fascination with the tale becomes clear—she feels destined to be the one who saves him. The ballade is both a haunting story and a revelation of Senta’s own obsession, foreshadowing the tragic choices she will make.

Stephanie DeCiantis, soprano
Ivan Jovanovic, piano

In Verdi’s Aida, the princess Aida has been taken captive and serves at the Egyptian court. She secretly loves the warrior Radamès, who has just been chosen to lead the army into battle. In her aria “Ritorna vincitor!” (“Return victorious!”), Aida joins the people’s cry for his victory—then is overcome with torment. If Radamès triumphs, her family and homeland will fall; if her side prevails, she risks losing the man she loves. Pulled between duty and passion, she collapses under the weight of her divided heart.

Composed in 1969, this symphony is a haunting exploration of death and mortality, setting the poetry of several poets to music. The soprano and bass soloists alternate in expressing themes of life, love, and the inescapable nature of death, all conveyed through Shostakovich's intense and emotionally charged score.