"Samson et Dalila" Brings Crescendo to Union Avenue Opera's 32nd Festival Season
Legendary heroes, dangerous temptation, and one of opera's most glorious Romantic scores come together as Union Avenue Opera closes its acclaimed 32nd Festival Season with the company premiere of Camille Saint-Saëns' Samson et Dalila, with four performances August 14, 15, 21, and 22.
Set against the Israelites' struggle for freedom, Samson et Dalila tells the story of the legendary strongman whose greatest weakness becomes the instrument of his downfall. Torn between his calling and his love for Dalila, Samson's journey unfolds through soaring melodies, intimate beauty, and an ending of extraordinary power. Featuring one of opera's most beloved love duets, the exhilarating "Bacchanale," and a score overflowing with unforgettable melodies, Samson et Dalila offers audiences an evening of passion, betrayal, and redemption that has captivated audiences for generations.
UAO Founding Artistic Director Scott Schoonover
"One of the things that makes Samson et Dalila so extraordinary is the writing for the principal voices," said UAO Founding Artistic Director Scott Schoonover. "Saint-Saëns gives Samson and Dalila some of the most passionate and emotionally expressive music in all of opera. Jonny Kaufman and Melody Wilson have exactly the kind of voices that allow this score to soar."
The production brings Saint-Saëns' sweeping masterpiece to Union Avenue Opera's intimate venue under the direction of Kathryn Frady with Scott Schoonover conducting the Union Avenue Opera Orchestra and Chorus.
Leading the cast are tenor Jonny Kaufman as Samson, returning after his acclaimed performance as Canio in last summer’s Pagliacci, and mezzo-soprano Melody Wilson as Dalila. A familiar favorite with UAO audiences, Wilson has appeared in a variety of roles including Mrs. Miller in Doubt, Fenena in Nabucco, and Amneris in Aida. The cast also features Eliam Ramos in his UAO debut as the High Priest, alongside returning artists Fitzgerald St. Louis and Jacob Lassetter, both of whom appeared in last summer's Salome.
Jonny Kaufman as Samson at Union Avenue Opera / Photo by Dan Donovan
Director Kathryn Frady's production reimagines the familiar story of Samson and Dalila through the lens of power and its consequences. "This production explores Samson and Dalila not as a story of good versus evil, but as a world shaped by power," Frady said. "How it is built, how it seduces, and how it ultimately collapses. We've created a world that feels simultaneously constructed and unstable, where the environment itself reflects the systems shaping the characters."
Melody Wilson as Dalila at Union Avenue Opera. Photo Dan Donovan
"Our venue becomes part of the storytelling," Schoonover said. "The voices of the chorus surround the audience, and the intimacy of the space allows every emotion to feel immediate. It's an experience that simply can't be replicated in a larger theater. If you love Romantic, gorgeous choral music, you won't want to miss this opera."
Performed in French with English supertitles, Samson et Dalila is an accessible and emotionally compelling experience for both seasoned opera lovers and first-time audiences, showcasing the beauty, power, and dramatic intensity that have made it a masterpiece of the French repertoire.
SAMSON ET DALILA AT A GLANCE
August 14, 15, 21, 22
Music: Camille Saint-Saëns
Libretto: Ferdinand Lemaire
Presented in French with English supertitles
Performances begin at 8:00 PM
All productions are accompanied by a full orchestra, members of the AFM-Local 2-197
Friday night “Know Before You Go” lecture series with Dr. Jeffrey Heyl at 7:00PM
Critics have praised Union Avenue Opera's 32nd Festival Season as "gorgeous," "compelling, emotionally grounded," "simply perfection," and "far and away the best." Samson et Dalila promises a finale worthy of that acclaim. As critic Steve Callahan urged audiences earlier this summer, "Run, don't walk..." The same advice holds true for Samson et Dalila. With only four performances, audiences have a limited opportunity to experience this epic season finale.
Tickets and Additional Information
Single tickets range from $25 to $60, and are available online at unionavenueopera.org or by calling 314-361-2881. Discounts are available for seniors (65+), military/educators, young audiences (under 18), and groups of 10 or more. Student Rush tickets are available at the door with a valid ID ($15 cash, $20 card).
All performances take place at Union Avenue Opera’s home in Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 N. Union Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108. Free parking is available behind the venue, with additional street parking nearby.
About Union Avenue Opera
Since 1995, Union Avenue Opera has been a cornerstone of the St. Louis arts community, known for its intimate productions, outstanding musicianship, and commitment to emerging artists. UAO presents opera in its original languages with English supertitles, offering powerful performances that connect across generations and backgrounds.
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