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The Louisville Orchestra and Kentucky Opera come together for an electrifying performance of Salome, Richard Strauss’s shocking, intense, and unforgettable one-act opera. This collaboration unites orchestral power and operatic storytelling to present the work at full dramatic and musical scale.
Salome, Richard Strauss’s one-act opera based on Oscar Wilde’s play of the same name, is a stark and uncompromising psychological drama that explores desire, power, manipulation, and the corruption of innocence. Compact in form but overwhelming in impact, the opera unfolds with relentless intensity, driven by one of the most vivid and demanding scores in the repertoire.
The story centers on Salome, King Herod’s teenage stepdaughter, whose fascination with the imprisoned prophet Jokanaan grows into obsession. When Jokanaan rejects her advances and condemns the corruption of the court, Salome’s desire turns dark, setting the stage for an act of vengeance that propels the opera toward its shocking conclusion. Strauss’s music amplifies every psychological turn, using dense orchestration and extreme contrasts to heighten the drama.
Performed semi-staged in Whitney Hall, this collaboration between Kentucky Opera and the Louisville Orchestra brings the full weight of Strauss’s score to the forefront, placing the orchestra and singers at the center of the experience. Conducted by Teddy Abrams and directed by Ben Robinson, Salome offers opera audiences a direct, visceral encounter with one of the most provocative works of the twentieth century.
FAQs
At most of our venues, if you arrive after the concert has begun, an usher will seat you at an appropriate time, such as during applause or intermission. At the Kentucky Center, monitors located in the lobby allow you to follow the performance while you wait.
Concert length varies, but we recommend planning for about two hours. Digital programs include the specific music run-time, which can give you a better idea of the concert length. Please note that music run-time only covers the pieces being performed and does not account for speaking between pieces, applause, etc.
At The Kentucky Center, Old Forester Paristown Hall, and The Louisville Palace, you will go through security checkpoints upon entry. Expect to pass through a metal detector, and note that all bags may be searched. Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside. Check each venue's Visitors Guide for more details:
- The Kentucky Center and Old Forester Paristown Hall - View Visitors Guide
- The Louisville Palace - View Visitors Guide
For events at outdoor or alternate venues, please check your email for "Know Before You Go" information, sent to the email of the ticket purchaser. For further questions, contact our Patron Services team at 502.587.8681.
Come as yourself! There’s no dress code, so wear what makes you feel comfortable. You’ll see everything from business and cocktail attire to casual and creative styles.
We ask all audience members to silence their phones before the performance begins. Photos and videos are prohibited, as light from screens can be distracting.
Snacks and drinks are sometimes available for purchase before the concert and during intermission. Alcoholic beverages are available for guests 21+ with a valid ID. We recommend dining before the show; check out our interactive map for nearby hotels, restaurants, and parking options.
Parking is available for purchase at all partner venues. For convenience, use our interactive map for parking recommendations as well as nearby hotels and restaurants.
Join us for free pre-concert talks before each Coffee and Classics Series concert, hosted by WUOL. These engaging talks often feature composers, conductors, or musicians from the program, who share fascinating details and insights about the music you're about to experience.
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