Work of the Week – Gerald Barry: Salome

A fresh perspective: On March 15, 2025, Theater Magdeburg will present the highly anticipated world premiere of Salome, the new opera by Irish composer Gerald Barry. Under the musical direction of Jérôme Kuhn and staged by Julien Chavaz, this production promises a bold and unique take on Oscar Wilde’s infamous play. The title role will be performed by American soprano Alison Scherzer.

A Salome Unlike Any Other

Mention Salome, and most people immediately think of Richard Strauss’s celebrated opera. However, Gerald Barry’s Salometakes a completely different approach. Wilde’s 1891 play is a dark tale of desire, power, and destruction, but Barry transforms this world into a grotesque spectacle filled with absurd twists and razor-sharp contrasts. Where Strauss bathed the story in lush orchestral textures, Barry employs sudden breaks, ironic exaggerations, and a musical language that challenges expectations.

From Excess to Grotesque – Barry’s Musical Language

Gerald Barry is renowned for his bold, humorous, and unpredictable musical style. In Salome, language barriers are shattered: the Magdeburg production features English, French, and German. Barry’s score highlights the surreal elements of the story, making this Salomeunlike any before—far removed from Strauss’s sensual melodies and sweeping orchestration.

A Delayed Debut – The Journey to the Stage

Salomewas originally scheduled for its world premiere in Los Angeles in 2021, but the pandemic postponed these plans. Now, at last, Magdeburg hosts its long-awaited premiere, promising audiences an opera that redefines one of Wilde’s most notorious works.

Your Feedback

What do you think of Gerald Barry’s Salomeor our introduction to this work? We’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to share your feedback and comments!

Further Information

Composer Profile – Gerald Barry

Work page for Salome on the Schott website

Performance page at Theater Magdeburg

_{photo : Frances Marshall}