Lincoln in the Bardo

Workshop Presentation with Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and Chautauqua Opera Conservatory

The Metropolitan Opera has commissioned composer Missy Mazzoli and librettist Royce Vavrek to create an operatic adaptation of George Saunders’ wildly imaginative, Booker Prize-winning novel Lincoln in the Bardo. Chautauqua Opera Company partners with The Metropolitan Opera for a two-week orchestral workshop, using the combined forces of the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, the company’s 16 Young Artists, and 18 singers from the Chautauqua Opera Conservatory to realize Mazzoli’s bold and sparkling score. Celebrated soprano Christine Goerke joins the cast to sing the role of The Reverend, which has been written specifically for her. The workshop culminates with a public reading of excerpts from the opera.  This first ever presentation with orchestra will be performed on the stage of Norton Hall, and will be followed by a discussion with Mazzoli, Vavrek and Saunders. 

Missy Mazzoli – Composer
Royce Vavrek – Librettist
George Saunders – Author
Steven Osgood – Conductor

CAST
Christine Goerke – The Reverend
Joel Balzun – Lincoln
Emily Finke – Willie
Carlos Ahrens – Bevins
Seoyong Lee – Vollman
Victoria Lawal – Mrs. Hodge / Ensemble
Havens/Ensemble – Lwazi Hlati
Rosamund Dyer – Mrs. Baron / Ensemble
Robert Feng – Mr. Baron / Ensemble
Antonio Domino – Doodling Pennsylvanian / Ensemble
Joel Clemens – Ginger Chap / Ensemble
Kathiana Dargenson – Litzie / Ensemble
Cara Bender – Reverend (Cover) / Ensemble
Eric Botto – Lieutenant Stone / Ensemble
Lindsey Weissman – Ensemble
Erik Tofte – Ensemble

Friday, July 11, 2025
3:15 p.m. • Norton Hall
Ticket Price: $25