| Yves Abel Takes Up Baton for "Castor et Pollux" |
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"Castor et Pollux"Opéra Français de New YorkPresented by the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) Conducted by Yves Abel May 17 & 19, 8 pm Florence Gould Hall 55 East 59th Street bet. Park and Madison Aves. Tickets are $50 and $40 for students and FIAF members Call (212) 355-6160 for more information or visit fiaf.org  A stark and daring staging of the opera uses vocal stars of the new generation, conceptual dance and provocative set and costume design. Yves Abel, music director of OFNY, makes his only New York appearance this season conducting the performances of this masterwork from the French Baroque period. A stark and daring staging by Jean-Philippe Clarac and Olivier Deleouil, co-artistic directors of OFNY, moves through time and space—from Athens, Greece to Astoria, Queens—breathing modern life into ancient mythology. In an intimate production featuring vocal stars of the new generation, conceptual dance, and provocative set and costume design, the twins Castor and Pollux take us to Hell and back as they struggle to trade fates in the ultimate story of rivalry and redemption.  Famed conductor Yves Abel, musical director of Opera Francaise de New York, makes his only in-town appearance this season with "Castor et Pollux." Yves Abel has established himself as one of his generation's most compelling conductors in both the operatic and symphonic repertories. Long recognized for his work in the bel canto and French repertories, he is now increasingly sought after as a specialist in the works of Verdi and Mozart. He is currently Principal Guest Conductor of Deutsche Oper Berlin, where he has led new productions of Simon Boccanegra and Don Pasquale, as well as performances of "Le nozze di Figaro," "La traviata," "Werther," and "Dialogues des Carmélites." Opéra Français de New York's "Castor et Pollux" is performed in French with English supertitles. Leadership support for OFNY's 2006/2007 season is provided by The Florence Gould Foundation. Additional support is provided by FIAF and Works & Process at the Guggenheim. This program is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency. American Airlines is the official airline of FIAF. FIAF (French Institute Alliance Française), founded in 1898, is the leading French cultural center in the United States and is dedicated to providing an innovative cultural and educational meeting ground for exchange between French-speaking and American communities by creating appealing and accessible experiences for New Yorkers. |
