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
Timothy Cheung, piano

“Vieni! t’affretta!... Or tutti, sorgete”
Lady Macbeth’s Act I scena and aria from Macbeth

After reading Macbeth’s account of the witches’ prophecy, Lady Macbeth resolves to propel her husband toward the Scottish throne. When she learns that King Duncan will spend the night in their castle, ambition becomes a murderous plan.

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.