Acis and Galatea

by George Frideric Handel

October 30 - November 8, 2020

Encore March 5-14, 2021

"Treat yourself to the total escape of Haymarket’s Acis and Galatea."

- The Chicago Reader

“An early 18th century opera found a new home in 21st century technology”

- Chicago Tribune

"The singing was consistently stellar and served Handel’s delightful score superbly."

- Chicago Classical Review

"A superb document of a Handel opera."

- Chicago Tribune

Love Springs Eternal in Handel’s Acis and Galatea

Haymarket launches its tenth anniversary season with one of Handel’s most beloved and enduring works, Acis and Galatea. The shepherd Acis and the sea nymph Galatea are blissfully happy until the jealous cyclops Polyphemus catches sight of them. In a fit of rage he crushes Acis under a giant boulder, killing him and breaking Galatea’s heart. She transforms her beloved shepherd into a stream so that she can splash in its waters for eternity. This compact masterpiece weds a colorful libretto to a sublime score for ninety minutes of sheer musical bliss. Written for the virtuoso musicians of a English country estate, Acis and Galatea works its magic with only a handful of singers and a small chamber ensemble of essential instruments.

Michael St. Peter, “a discovery” (Chicago Classical Review), returns to Haymarket following his triumphant debut in Lampe’s The Dragon of Wantley to sing the role of Acis. Chicago’s own “bright, alluring soprano” (Chicago Tribune) Kimberly Jones returns to Haymarket as the sea nymph Galatea. David Govertsen will bring “height and a thrilling bass” (Chicago Stage Style) to the iconic role of the giant cyclops Polyphemus. Kaitlin Foley brings her "superb blend of vocal gleam and fiery dramatic involvement" (Chicago Classical Review) to the role of Damon. Ensemble to include Kaitlin Foley, Mallory Harding, Ryan Townsend Strand, Jianghai Ho, and Dorian McCall. 

10th-Anniversary Season Presented in HD

Filmed performance available Oct 30 - Nov 8, 2020.

Premiere: October 30, 2020, 7:30pm
followed by a virtual Opening Night Party

Streaming available: October 30 - November 8, 2020

Encore available: March 5-14, 2021

Thanks to our Production Sponsors:

Lead Sponsors: Amata Offices, Resolution Studios, Garry Grasinski, M. Scott Anderson, Richard Jamerson and Susan Rozendaal, Greg O’Leary and Patricia Kenney, Lynne and Ralph Schatz, Marjorie Stinespring, Pam and Doug Walter

Supporting Sponsors: Jerry and Pat Fuller, Sarah Harding and Mark Ouwleen, Axel Kunzmann and Bruce Nelson, Edward T. Mack, David Rice, Suzanne L. Wagner, Michael and Jessica Young 

"The Haymarket team treasures the culture and aesthetics of the Age of Enlightenment, so regardless of how modern the approach is this time, you can be sure — the beauty of the period will be there."

- Polina Lyapustina for Operawire