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San Francisco Opera: HEART OF A SOLDIER on September 8th at 1 pm

Rick Rescorla was a British-born adventurer who fought in Vietnam before settling in NY as head of security for Morgan Stanley in the World Trade Center. On September 11, 2001, his extraordinary courage and calmness in a crisis paid off: Rescorla led all of the 2,700 people under his care to safety—literally singing them down the stairs—before heading back into the burning building for one last check. He never emerged.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the devastating terrorist attacks, San Francisco Opera presented the world premiere of Heart of a Soldier, which tells the dramatic story of Rescorla’s extraordinary life. WRTI is proud to present this unique opera a year later.

The opera features a dynamic and soulful score by Christopher Theofanidis, “one of the world’s most sought-after living composers” (Seattle Times). Baritone Thomas Hampson, renowned for his “clarion power and burnished tone” (Los Angeles Times), sings the role of Rick Rescorla in this story of enduring friendship and late-found love. Tenor William Burden is Daniel J. Hill, Rescorla’s best friend and fellow soldier, and soprano Melody Moore portrays Susan, Rescorla’s wife and soul mate. Saturday, September 8th, 1 to 3:30 pm

Click and then Scroll Down this page for Synopsis and Articles

Christopher Theofanidis: HEART OF A SOLDIER (In English)
LIBRETTO: Donna Di Novelli

CAST:

Rick Rescorla: Thomas Hampson
Daniel J. Hill: William Burden
Susan Rescorla: Melody Moore
Juliet, Barbara: Nadine Sierra
Cyril: Henry Phipps
Imam: Mohannad Mchallah
Tom, Ted:  Michael Sumuel
Lolita, Bridesmaid: Susannah Biller
Pat, Ann: Sara Gartland
Kathy, Bridesmaid: Maya Lahyani
Omaha, Robert: Ta'u Pupu'a
Dexter, Dex: Daniel Snyder
Joseph, Joe: Trevor Scheunemann
Sam, Wesley: Wayne Tigges
Buddy Koa: The Golden Retriever
CONDUCTOR: Patrick Summers
San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus

**Production contains adult language and themes.