Don Carlo

About

Directed by former CCM Opera Chair Sandra Bernhard, this production of Don Carlo emphasized the intimate, interpersonal dynamics of the characters against the grand backdrop of the Spanish court. The staging featured a kinetic set of stonework, scrims, grilles, and flown-in banners that transformed fluidly in full view of the audience. Lighting employed dark, foreboding tones to mirror the climate of the Inquisition while remaining focused and lucid. Conductor Richard Buckley led with quick, exciting tempi that kept the musical line taut and theatrical without overwhelming the singers. The direction prioritized authentic connections among the principals, prompting active engagement and reaction to elevate dramatic intensity. The result balanced architectural grandeur with human-scale storytelling, making the opera’s political and emotional stakes feel immediate.