Beatrice and Benedict

The HGO premiere staging of Beatrice and Benedict will open under the HGO directorial debut of Robin Tebbutt, former staff director for the Welsh National Opera and Glyndebourne Opera Festival. Regarded as "elegant, unaffected, and charming" by Opera News, HGO Studio alumna Joyce DiDonato (HGO’s La Cenerentola 2007) returns as the sharp-witted and sarcastic Beatrice. The role of Benedict will be sung by HGO Studio alumnus Norman Reinhardt (HGO’s Marriage of Figaro 2006). HGO Studio alumni Ryan McKinny and Liam Bonner (HGO’s Billy Budd 2007) return to HGO as Benedict’s conspiring friends Don Pedro and Claudio. Ailish Tynan makes her HGO debut as Hero, the lovestruck daughter of Leonato and Leann Sandel-Pantaleo makes her HGO debut as Beatrice’s lady in waiting, Ursula. Sets and costumes are designed by Tony Award-winning American designer Michael Yeargan. Michael Hofstetter will conduct the Houston Grand Opera Orchestra and Chorus in his HGO debut.