Bluebeard's Castle with sets by Dale Chihuly

presented by the Virginia Arts Festival

A spectacle of sight and sound; a haunting story with psychological twists and turns! Stunning glass sculptures by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly take visual enchantment to new heights. Béla Bartók's Bluebeard's Castle is the murderous tale of Bluebeard and his new wife Judith's introduction to his lurid past. Bartók envisioned seven doors, behind each a secret to be revealed — and in this stunning production the seven doors are towering works of glass and light by Chihuly. This groundbreaking production of Bartók's only opera, first staged by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra to sold- out houses and performed here by the acclaimed Virginia Symphony Orchestra, employs Chihuly's vision to riveting effect. "Spectacular... Chihuly's striking sculptures, lighted from above to achieve a brilliant glow and saturated hues, gave fantastic shape to what Judith found behind the first six doors...eliciting gasps and murmurs from the audience" (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel).

Co-presented with Virginia Symphony Orchestra and The Chrysler Museum of Art.