Opera Philadelphia presents ‘The Seasons,’ a climate change-themed performance featuring Vivaldi’s music.

Opera Philadelphia’s latest production, The Seasons, which premiered on Friday at Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater, promises an engaging exploration of climate change through a unique operatic lens. This ambitious work expands on Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, envisaging a future where traditional seasons may no longer exist.

Unlike what some may perceive as a typical “granola opera,” The Seasons presents a complex narrative intertwining Vivaldi’s spirited compositions with a pressing environmental message. The production spotlights not only Vivaldi’s famed four-violin concertos but also delves into lesser-known arias from his numerous operas. This strategic shift enhances the work’s thematic depth, allowing for a richer exploration of climate-related issues.

While the libretto penned by playwright Sarah Ruhl strives to capture the urgency of our time, the inherent vigor of Vivaldi’s rhythms delivers a more immediate visceral response to the themes of climate crisis. This dynamic transformation of artistic focus is noteworthy, particularly given Ruhl’s previous acclaim for her play Eurydice, which continues to resonate as a landmark work of modern theater.

Vivaldi’s operatic works, long-considered hidden gems in the composer’s repertoire, have garnered renewed interest in recent decades. The integration of these arias into The Seasons serves as a significant contribution to the operatic landscape in Philadelphia, diversifying the local cultural experience.

The presentation introduces a central character resembling a newscaster, who periodically reminds the audience of the alarming realities of climate change. Other characters on stage, ranging from a poet to a choreographer, serve as sociological proxies navigating their own troubled narratives amid broader environmental themes. Notably, their artistic pursuits do not always cohesively tie back into the central message, creating moments that feel disjointed.

Under the overall direction of Zack Winokur, the choreography crafted by Pam Tanowitz brings an engaging visual element to Vivaldi’s compositions, enhanced by evocative multimedia staging which captures the essence of natural phenomena amidst the climate crisis.

The opera concludes on an uplifting note with a children’s chorus, featuring members from the Commonwealth Youth Choir and Philadelphia Youth Choral Ensemble. This powerful ending evokes hope, reminding audiences of the responsibilities the younger generation will bear in addressing the ecological challenges left behind.

While The Seasons boasts notable high points, it also reveals areas in need of refinement, particularly in its lyrical content and the seamless integration of various production elements. The choreography, while conceptually strong, saw inconsistency from Act I to Act II, suggesting a need for further development.

Despite these challenges, the performers delivered commendable interpretations of Vivaldi’s works, supported by the adept leadership of conductor Corrado Rovaris, who brought a baroque sensibility to the music. The singers displayed impressive technical abilities, enhancing the experience even amidst some uncertainties in overall execution.

As The Seasons continues its run, currently sold out for its scheduled performances on December 20 and 21, it stands as a significant testament to Opera Philadelphia’s commitment to addressing critical contemporary issues through the power of opera.

For more information about future productions, visit the Opera Philadelphia website.