Barihunk duo in The Picture of Dorian Gray

Thomas Meglioranza and Jeremy Ayres Fisher

Odyssey Opera and the Boston Modern Orchestra Project will present Lowell Liebermann's The Picture of Dorian Gray in a semi-staged version. The opera will feature Thomas Meglioranza in the role of Lord Henry Wotton and Jeremy Ayres Fisher in the small role of the Gamekeeper. Lord Wotton is a witty and urbane nobleman, who critcizes the moralism and hypocrisy of Victorian socitey. His philosophy of New Hedonism plays a big part in Dorian Gray's development.

The opera is one of two by Liebermann and is based on Oscar Wilde's novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. It had its premiere at the Monte Carlo Opera in 1996 in a co-production with Opera Pacific, but the American premiere was canceled due to company's financial problems. The subsequent American premiere took place on February 5, 1999 at the Florentine Opera in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Trailer for Dorian Gray at Odyssey Opera:

The story revolves around the wealthy and attractive Dorian Gray, who has gained immortality by having his soul trapped within a painting. He is well known for his extravagance and debauchery. The picture of Dorian Gray not only took on the ravages of Dorian’s age, but also became the physical manifestation of his evil deeds - a heinous portrait of his true self.

The performance is on Friday, November 18, 2016 at Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory and will include a pre-concert talk with Lowell Liebermann one hour prior to concert. Tickets are available online.