Ester

An oratorio in two parts by Alessandro Stradella

Friday, March 28, 2025 | Gannon Concert Hall, DePaul University, Chicago

Haymarket Opera Company launches its 15th anniversary season with the Chicago premiere of Alessandro Stradella’s 1673 oratorio Ester. Haymarket’s one-night-only performance of this hidden treasure of the 17th century will feature a virtuosic vocal cast and the evocative timbres of a period-instrument ensemble.

Ester

Music by Alessandro Stradella
Libretto by Lelio Orsini

Friday, March 28, 2025 at 7:30pm

Pre-concert lecture presented by Louise K. Stein at 6:45pm
Performance length: 2 hours, including one 20-minute intermission

Gannon Concert Hall
Holtschneider Performance Center at DePaul University
2330 N. Halsted Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

About the performance

“Entrancing” (Chicago Tribune) soprano Kimberly McCord sings the Jewish queen Esther (Ester), who learns of a nefarious plot by Haman (Aman), the ruthless advisor to King Ahasuerus, sung by “golden-toned” (The New Yorker) bass-baritone Christian Pursell. “Exquisite” (Opera News) countertenor Ryan Belongie portrays the role of Esther’s cousin Mordecai (Mardocheo), whose defiant refusal to bow before Haman ignites Haman’s plot to murder all the Jews of the land in retribution. Guided and inspired by the Celestial Voice (Speranza Celeste), sung by the “luminous” (The Guardian) soprano Emily Birsan, Esther resolves to save her people and reveal Haman’s treachery. “Darkly sonorous” bass Anthony Reed makes his Haymarket debut as King Ahasuerus (Assuero), who must decide the fate of the Hebrew people. 

“Superb baroque cellist” (EarRelevant) and HOC founder Craig Trompeter leads an instrumental ensemble featuring members of the acclaimed Haymarket Opera Orchestra of 17th-century period instruments: violinists Jeri-Lou Zike and Martin Davids, harpsichordist Michael Beattie, organist Jacob Reed, and theorbist Brandon Acker.

A queen’s courage and a villain’s fall—Stradella’s Ester will sweep you away with its dramatic music and riveting tale of danger and bravery!

Tickets

Order your tickets online, in person, or by phone through the DePaul University School of Music box office.

If you need ticketing assistance, please contact the DePaul University School of Music box office by email (musicboxoffice@depaul.edu) or by phone (773-325-5200). The box office is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–3pm.

Early-bird ticket pricing

Purchase tickets now to take advantage of early-bird prices for this performance. Due to limited seating and high demand at the Gannon Concert Hall, this special pricing will end February 28.

Featuring

The Cast

Ester: Kimberly McCord, soprano

Aman: Christian Pursell, bass-baritone

Speranza Celeste: Emily Birsan, soprano

Mardocheo: Ryan Belongie, countertenor

Assuero: Anthony Reed, bass

The Instrumental Ensemble

Craig Trompeter, leader & cello

Jeri-Lou Zike, violin I

Martin Davids, violin II

Michael Beattie, harpsichord

Jacob Reed, organ

Brandon Acker, theorbo 

Performance Support

Stage manager: Shelby Krarup

Surtitle translator: Alessandra Visconti

Surtitle creator: Hannah Zizza Stanfield

Surtitle operator: Cameron Steuart

Pre-concert lecturer: Louise K. Stein

Program note author: Louise K. Stein

Ushers: The Saints

Synopsis

In the opulent courts of ancient Persia, Queen Esther (Ester), who has concealed her Jewish faith, learns of a nefarious plot devised by King Ahasuerus’s (Assuero) bloodthirsty advisor Haman (Aman). Fueled by hatred for Esther’s cousin Mordecai (Mardocheo), Haman has convinced Ahasuerus to issue a decree that would lead to the annihilation of all Jews within the empire. As the date of execution approaches, Mordecai urges Esther to intervene, reminding her that her royal position may be the key to saving her people. Esther, torn between fear for her life and her grave responsibility, is guided by the mysterious Celestial Voice (Speranza Celeste), which encourages her to trust in divine providence and to take action. Despite the risk of approaching the king without being summoned, a crime punishable by death, Esther bravely enters his presence and reveals her own Jewish identity. She exposes Haman’s treachery and pleads for the salvation of her people. Moved by her courage and love, Ahasuerus reverses his decree, condemning Haman to death. The oratorio culminates in a jubilant celebration of deliverance as the Jewish people are saved and Haman’s wicked plans are thwarted in a triumph of justice, faith, and divine intervention.

About the composer

Alessandro Stradella was a captivating figure of 17th-century Italy, known for his virtuosity as a prolific composer as well as a singer and violinist. Born in 1639, his life was marked by both brilliance and scandal. His musical output encompasses more than 300 operas, oratorios, cantatas, and instrumental works, and his compositions are renowned for their emotional depth, dramatic intensity, and bold harmonic choices. Stradella’s music blends the grandeur of the Baroque era with an expressive lyricism that captivated audiences of his time. His life was as dramatic as his music, punctuated by run-ins with the law and rumors of a tumultuous love life, among other indiscretions. Stradella was mysteriously murdered in Genoa in 1682, reportedly the victim of a violent attack orchestrated by a jealous lover or a powerful nobleman, leaving his death shrouded in intrigue.

Stradella’s music is renowned for its dramatic power and intensity. In Ester, he contrasts soaring arias and dramatic ensembles to heighten the stakes of the biblical story while painting powerful characters with a compelling musical palette. Moral teaching, vocal virtuosity, and sinuous melodies are combined, in a work that expresses a plethora of affects and emotions—from Esther’s sorrow to Haman’s malevolence.

Concert Sponsors & Support

Lead Production Sponsors: Amata Office Suites, Lynn Donaldson and Cameron Avery, Axel Kunzmann and Bruce Nelson, Gregory O'Leary and Patricia Kenney, Candace Rudmose, Lynne and Ralph Schatz, Marjorie Stinespring, Pam and Doug Walter, Michael and Jessica Young

Supporting Production Sponsors: Debbie Crimmins and Paul Goerss, Patricia P. and Jerome E. Fuller Charitable Fund, Dorothy and John Gardner, Byron Harrison and Brian Klinksiek, Karen Patricia Smith, Grant Upson

Foundation support: The Paul M. Angell Foundation, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The Lemont Fund at The Chicago Community Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Illinois Arts Council Agency, Helen and Curtis Pinnell Foundation, and the Walder Foundation

If you are interested in becoming a production sponsor, please contact general director Chase Hopkins at chase@haymarketopera.org.

If you require access support to fully participate or have any questions about accessibility, please contact us at info@haymarketopera.org. To ensure the best experience, please try to contact us at your earliest convenience.