Catapult Opera will present the American stage premiere of Stradella’s “San Giovanni Battista,” in co-production with Washington D.C.’s In Series.

The showcase, set for June 11 – 13, 2025 at The Space at Irondale in Brooklyn, NY, will be conducted by Neal Goren and directed by Timothy Nelson. The wok explores the story of Salome and John the Baptist, which would be most famously portrayed in Strauss’ “Salome.”

“Like Oscar Wilde, Stradella sees the story as a family drama, and a horrible one at that,” said Nelson per an official press release. “It’s diabolical, intoxicating, and coils in on itself like a snake. Though factually impossible, it’s hard not to believe that Stradella’s ‘San Giovanni Battista’ wasn’t a precursor and source of inspiration for the 20th century play and opera: Stradella’s approach is so similarly nihilistic, but with equal amounts of irresistibility as Strauss’ opera.”

For this production, countertenor Randall Scotting, Raven McMillon, and Patrick Bessenbacher will star in the production.

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