Great Barrington, MA — On the Berkshire Opera Festival mainstage this year is a new production of Charles Gounod's FAUST, the story of tragedy and redemption that stands at the summit of French romantic opera. Surging with memorable and timeless music, it has remained one of the world's most popular operas ever since its premiere and is considered Gounod's masterpiece. Based on Goethe's play, the story introduces the original "Faustian bargain"—old Dr. Faust sells his soul to the devil to be young again—but his decision has devastating consequences. 

Conductor and Berkshire Opera Festival Co-Founder Brian Garman says, “BOF enters the realm of French grand opera for the first time with these performances of Faust.  We’re thrilled to be able to do it with the remarkable talents of this internationally-acclaimed cast as we begin our residency at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center.”

Of BOF's new production, Stage Director and BOF Co-Founder Jonathon Loy says: “I’m very excited to produce Faust this summer. Gounod’s romantic music is exquisite, and everyone will be familiar with the tale of the old man, Dr. Faust, who sells his soul to the devil, for a chance to be young and fall in love, just one more time. You won’t be surprised that this deal does not work out so well for the mortal parties involved.”

Three performances of Faust take place at Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, which will be BOF's home for the next several seasons. The organizations have a shared aspiration to bring world-class performing arts to the Berkshires and to formalize that connection through this multi-year commitment.

All artists in the esteemed Faust cast are making their BOF debut. In the title role is tenor Duke Kim, 2021 winner of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition. Kim also performed with Seattle Opera (Il Barbiere di Siviglia) and Pittsburgh Opera (La Traviata) this year, following Glimmerglass last summer (Roméo et Juliette). In the role of Marguerite is Raquel González, whom Opera News called a “true artist," and is a returning member of the Metropolitan Opera's roster. She also sang with Houston Grand Opera (Madama Butterfly) this season, and previously Lyric Opera of Chicago and Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Méphistophélès will be played by Justin Hopkins, whose bass-baritone was described by the Los Angeles Times as "beautifully focused." His recent engagements include La Monnaie, Grand Théâtre de Genève, Bard Music Festival, and Austin Lyric Opera. Jarrett Porter, described by Opera News as "a supple, vibrant lyric baritone" and who will perform in five operas at Oper Frankfurt this year, will play Valentin. In the role of Siébel is Sun-Ly Pierce, who recently wowed audiences and critics in Rodelinda at Hudson Hall. Pierce has been praised by Opera News for her “lush, flexible mezzo-soprano,” and this season she also starred in productions at Houston Grand Opera (Suzuki in Madama Butterfly), Des Moines Metro Opera (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), and made her Metropolitan Opera debut in La Rondine. In the role of Marthe Schwerlein is mezzo-soprano Abbegael Greene, who received a Master's degree in voice performance from Bard College Conservatory. Kyle Dunn, 2024 Apprentice Artist at Sarasota Opera and a graduate of Peabody Institute, sings Wagner.

BOF is pleased to announce the naming of its artistic directorship for William E. Briggs, in honor of his longstanding and transformative support of Berkshire Opera Festival. Briggs, along with partner Donald Usher, has provided both financial and in-kind backing through the years that has been immensely beneficial to the company's operations. Brian Garman, BOF's William E. Briggs Artistic Director and Co-Founder, remarked, "We're so very pleased to name this position for Bill Briggs, whose support has been absolutely critical to BOF's success over the past decade. I am deeply humbled by his generosity, and delighted to count him and Don as friends." In response to this naming, Mr. Briggs commented, “I was intrigued by the idea of bringing opera back to the Berkshires, and very eager to support the vision of these two young entrepreneurs [Garman and co-founder Jonathon Loy]. As BOF continues to expand its programming to include more productions, educational initiatives, and community outreach, my hope is that many others will join me in financially supporting this exceptional organization.”

Berkshire Opera Festival looks forward to its 10th anniversary season in 2025, when the mainstage production will be Verdi’s magnificent La Traviata, starring Vanessa Becerra, Joshua Blue, and Darren Drone. Performances will take place August 23, 26, and 29 at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center.

“Electrifying is an apt word for the dynamic, intentional staging
from director and co-founder Jonathon Loy...
The orchestra under co-founder Brian Garman was lively and expert.”
— Evan Berkowitz, The Berkshire Eagle