Monday, May 24, 2010, 7:30 p.m.
Kennedy Center Terrace Theater
Washington, DC

Pre-performance discussion with music led by
Opera Lafayette Artistic Director Ryan Brown
6:00 p.m.



Single tickets are also available from the Kennedy Center Box Office and
InstantCharge, (202) 467-4600 or kennedy-center.org. All tickets are $60. Students receive 50% off..

Sancho Pança is the opening performance of the 2010 Washington Early Music Festival, celebrating
the music of France. Please visit earlymusicdc.org for more information about the
Washington Early Music Festival performances.

Philidor's Sancho Pança, Gouverneur dans l'Isle de Baratariais is an opéra bouffon in which a cast of hilarious commedia dell'Arte-inspired characters plots to cure Sancho of his delusions of grandeur. This semi-stage performance features baritone Darren Perry in the title role, an original script by Nick Olcott based on the comedy by Poinsinet, and stage direction by Catherine Turocy. Sung in French with English surtitles and dialogue.

Come early to enjoy a discussion of Philidor's accomplishments as the most successful and influential composer of early opéras-comiques, the premier chess player in Europe, and the author of the treatise Analyse des échecs (1749). American chess author, teacher and coach Bruce Pandolfini (portrayed by Ben Kingsley in the film Searching for Bobby Fisher) will speak on Philidor’s contributions to the chess community, and Opera Lafayette Artistic Director and violinist Ryan Brown will join principal players of the Opera Lafayette Orchestra to perform excerpts from Philidor's L'art de la modulation (1775). Free admission with performance ticket.