2025-26 Season > Mozart’s Idomeneo

Boston Baroque proudly presents its first-ever production of Mozart’s Idomeneo, a deeply moving opera exploring the tragic conflict between duty and love. King Idomeneo, having vowed to sacrifice the first living being he encounters after surviving a storm, faces a heartrending choice when that being turns out to be his own son, Idamante.

This fully-staged production features a stellar cast, including David Portillo as Idomeneo, Hera Hyesang Park as Ilia, Valerie Eickhoff as Idamante, and Wendy Bryn Harmer as Elettra. Under the direction of conductor David Bates, the performance brings to life Mozart’s rich orchestration, dramatic intensity, and lyrical beauty.

The opera will be performed at Boston’s Emerson Paramount Center, a beautifully restored 1930s movie palace located in the vibrant Theater District. The elegant Robert J. Orchard Stage, with its intimate 572-seat capacity and art deco design, offers an immersive atmosphere that perfectly complements the emotional depth and grandeur of Mozart’s masterpiece. Join us for this historic first presentation of Idomeneo by Boston Baroque, where myth, music, and heartfelt drama combine in an unforgettable operatic experience.

Estimated Run Time
3 HRS | One 20-Minute Intermission

Location
Robert J. Orchard Stage at the Paramount Center | 559 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111

CAST

SYNOPSIS

Mozart’s Idomeneo is a high-stakes tale of gods, love, and sacrifice set in the aftermath of the Trojan War.
As King Idomeneo sails home to Crete, a violent storm threatens to destroy his fleet. In desperation, he makes a solemn vow to Neptune: if spared, he will sacrifice the first soul he sees on shore. But fate is cruel—because the first person he encounters is his own son, Idamante.

While Idomeneo wrestles with an unspeakable decision, tensions on the island simmer. Idamante, unaware of the vow, is deeply in love with Ilia, a Trojan princess taken captive during the war. Ilia’s feelings are just as strong, but complicated by loyalty to her fallen homeland. Watching from the shadows is Elettra, the fiery and volatile daughter of Agamemnon, who burns with jealousy and obsession for Idamante.

As the gods grow impatient and a supernatural threat looms over Crete, Idomeneo’s secret begins to unravel. What follows is a whirlwind of political unrest, romantic turmoil, and divine wrath, brought to life through Mozart’s astonishing score.

With sweeping choruses, dramatic confrontations, and some of the most beautiful music Mozart ever wrote, Idomeneo is a rarely performed masterpiece that combines ancient myth with raw human emotion. Expect high drama, soaring vocals, and the thrill of watching destinies unravel onstage.

COMPOSER