Isabel Leonard will create the role of Ada in the world premiere of Cold Mountain this summer at Santa Fe Opera, with music by Jennifer Higdon and a libretto by Gene Scheer. The work is based on the Civil War-era novel of the same name, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Charles Frazier. The principal cast includes Nathan Gunn as Inman, Emily Fons as Ruby, and Jay Hunter-Morris as Teague, with Miguel Harth-Bedoya leading the Santa Fe Opera Orchestra. Leonard Foglia directs this Robert Brill-designed production, with costumes by David C. Woolard. Performances take place August 1, 5, 14, 17, 22 & 24; please note the majority of these dates are now sold out. Ms. Leonard will also sign copies of her latest release, Preludios, at the Santa Fe Opera Shop on August 15 at 6:30pm.

Enjoy the following YouTube playlist from Santa Fe Opera, which features an in-depth interview with Isabel as well as footage from the Guggenheim Works and Process Event featuring Cold Mountain. She can also be seen next season reprising her role as Ada, February 5, 7, 10, 12 & 14 at Opera Philadelphia.

Image: Eddie Moore/Albuquerque Journal