Leon Botstein Champions the Revival of Meyerbeer’s “Le Prophète”

Leon Botstein, the esteemed president of Bard College and music director of the American Symphony Orchestra, is at the forefront of a noteworthy operatic revival. Botstein has brought Giacomo Meyerbeer’s grand opera, “Le Prophète,” back to the American stage, a significant event that ended the opera’s long hiatus since the late 1970s.

The production opened recently at Bard’s SummerScape festival, an event founded by Botstein in 2003 to spotlight lesser-known and underperformed works. The festival’s 900-seat Sosnoff Theater served as the perfect venue for this ambitious project. Botstein’s dedication to musical scholarship and his innovative programming choices continue to shape the festival’s unique identity.

“Le Prophète,” originally set in the 16th century, has been reimagined for modern audiences by director Christian Räth. The opera explores themes of demagoguery and religious fanaticism, making it eerily relevant in today’s sociopolitical climate. Räth notes that the opera “rings a lot of bells for today,” underscoring its contemporary resonance.

Botstein’s commitment to historical accuracy is evident in his collaboration with musicologist Mark Everist. Together, they restored the 11-minute overture that Meyerbeer had initially cut. However, due to practical constraints, the third-act ballet was omitted from the production. Instead, excerpts from the ballet were presented in the theater’s lobby during intermissions.

The cast is led by tenor Robert Watson as Jean, mezzo-soprano Jennifer Feinstein as Fidès, and soprano Amina Edris as Berthe. Botstein himself conducts the American Symphony Orchestra, bringing his characteristic vigor and understanding to Meyerbeer’s intricate score. This production, like many others under Botstein’s baton, serves as a platform for emerging talents in the opera world.

Leon Botstein’s efforts in reviving “Le Prophète” are a testament to his enduring impact on the classical music scene. His work ensures that audiences have the opportunity to experience operatic works that are rarely performed. As he continues to challenge prevailing norms, Botstein’s contributions remain invaluable to the world of opera and beyond.

Leon Botstein, the esteemed president of Bard College and music director of the American Symphony Orchestra, is at the forefront of a noteworthy operatic revival. Botstein has brought Giacomo Meyerbeer’s grand opera, “Le Prophète,” back to the American stage, a significant event that ended the opera’s long hiatus since the late 1970s. The production opened…