Lorin Maazel Bids Adiós To Spain With "1984"

Preparations are under way in Valencia for the El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía production of Lorin Maazel's 1984. The performances mark the final concerts for the maestro whose contract ends this season. The opera was originally commissioned by August Everding at the Bavarian State Opera in 1999. Unfortunately he passed away and the premiere of the work was delayed until 2005 when it opened at the Royal Opera House - Covent Garden. The opera was revived in 2008 for La Scala in Milan and is available on DVD from Decca. Based on George Orwell's Nineteen Eight-Four, the

Maestro (and Composer) Maazel

opera libretto is by J.D. McClatchy and Thomas Meehan. The production is directed by Robert Lepage. Opening night will be February 23 with additional performances on March 1, 4 and 6. Complete cast list is after the jump. [Source, Source, Source]