To facilitate casting, the role of Pearl, Hester's daughter, is written as a non-singing role, though she remains a crucial dramatic presence.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Composer Lori Laitman and librettist David Mason approached the challenges of adapting Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel for opera from a 21st-century perspective.
Composition History
Lori Laitman's opera, The Scarlet Letter, was commissioned by The University of Central Arkansas through Robert Holden and the UCA Opera Program.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Librettist David Mason aimed to bring out 'the moral texture of the book, or human law vs. the law of nature and life' in The Scarlet Letter.
Compositional Technique
Laitman's opera uses varied woodwinds in the orchestra to shade the general flavor of melodic lines, especially for characters like Chillingworth.
Performer Biography
Ari Pelto, the conductor, was named Opera Colorado's first-ever Music Director in 2015, where he conducted acclaimed performances including the world premiere of Lori Laitman's The Scarlet Letter.
Recording & Production
This recording of The Scarlet Letter is a world premiere recording, captured live in May 2016 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver, Colorado.
