Masterworks II

SFSO’s premiere of Candide follows in the manner of Lonny Price’s 2004 production for the New York Philharmonic, made popular through the PBS series “Great Performances.” This semi-staged concert version of Bernstein’s acclaimed masterpiece is played out with the orchestra, a dynamic cast of actor-vocalists, minimal sets and costumes, and a chorus performing altogether on stage.    

Experience Candide’s riotous journey as he embarks on a whirlwind adventure pursuing “the best of all possible worlds.”  Teeming with humor, unexpected twists, and profound philosophical reflections, Bernstein’s iconic music, adapted from Voltaire’s famed Enlightenment-era novella, sets the backdrop for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter and existential musings. An equal opportunity offender, Candide spares no one. Everything and everyone is fair game in this irreverent satire. 

From the over-the-top heights of Cunegonde’s “Glitter and Be Gay” and the rarely heard comedic duet “We Are Women” to the stirring depths of Candide’s introspective ponderings, audiences will enjoy a provocative perspective on life’s absurdities and the enduring pursuit of optimism.