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Salome is a dark and provocative opera centered on the biblical story of King Herod's stepdaughter and her obsessive desire for John the Baptist (Jochanaan). Captivated by Jochanaan's purity and resistance, Salome becomes consumed by her longing to possess him. When Jochanaan rejects her advances, Salome manipulates Herod into granting her a gruesome request as her reward for performing the sensual "Dance of the Seven Veils" for him. The opera culminates in a shocking and tragic finale as Salome's desires lead to her own demise. Richard Strauss’ lush, dramatic score heightens the tension and psychological intensity of this gripping tale.

Salome is presented in German with projected English supertitles.
Friday, August 15, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 16, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Friday, August 22, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 23, 2025 - 8:00 pm

Internationally acclaimed pianist Thomas Pandolfi takes the stage for a powerful afternoon of music — from the romantic beauty of Chopin, to the fiery brilliance of Liszt, to the bold rhythms of Gershwin.

With his unmatched artistry and emotional depth, Pandolfi delivers a recital that’s as breathtaking as it is unforgettable.

Salome is a dark and provocative opera centered on the biblical story of King Herod's stepdaughter and her obsessive desire for John the Baptist (Jochanaan). Captivated by Jochanaan's purity and resistance, Salome becomes consumed by her longing to possess him. When Jochanaan rejects her advances, Salome manipulates Herod into granting her a gruesome request as her reward for performing the sensual "Dance of the Seven Veils" for him. The opera culminates in a shocking and tragic finale as Salome's desires lead to her own demise. Richard Strauss’ lush, dramatic score heightens the tension and psychological intensity of this gripping tale.

Salome is presented in German with projected English supertitles.
Friday, August 15, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 16, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Friday, August 22, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 23, 2025 - 8:00 pm

Salome is a dark and provocative opera centered on the biblical story of King Herod's stepdaughter and her obsessive desire for John the Baptist (Jochanaan). Captivated by Jochanaan's purity and resistance, Salome becomes consumed by her longing to possess him. When Jochanaan rejects her advances, Salome manipulates Herod into granting her a gruesome request as her reward for performing the sensual "Dance of the Seven Veils" for him. The opera culminates in a shocking and tragic finale as Salome's desires lead to her own demise. Richard Strauss’ lush, dramatic score heightens the tension and psychological intensity of this gripping tale.

Salome is presented in German with projected English supertitles.
Friday, August 15, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 16, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Friday, August 22, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 23, 2025 - 8:00 pm

Salome is a dark and provocative opera centered on the biblical story of King Herod's stepdaughter and her obsessive desire for John the Baptist (Jochanaan). Captivated by Jochanaan's purity and resistance, Salome becomes consumed by her longing to possess him. When Jochanaan rejects her advances, Salome manipulates Herod into granting her a gruesome request as her reward for performing the sensual "Dance of the Seven Veils" for him. The opera culminates in a shocking and tragic finale as Salome's desires lead to her own demise. Richard Strauss’ lush, dramatic score heightens the tension and psychological intensity of this gripping tale.

Salome is presented in German with projected English supertitles.
Friday, August 15, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 16, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Friday, August 22, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 23, 2025 - 8:00 pm

Salome is a dark and provocative opera centered on the biblical story of King Herod's stepdaughter and her obsessive desire for John the Baptist (Jochanaan). Captivated by Jochanaan's purity and resistance, Salome becomes consumed by her longing to possess him. When Jochanaan rejects her advances, Salome manipulates Herod into granting her a gruesome request as her reward for performing the sensual "Dance of the Seven Veils" for him. The opera culminates in a shocking and tragic finale as Salome's desires lead to her own demise. Richard Strauss’ lush, dramatic score heightens the tension and psychological intensity of this gripping tale.

Salome is presented in German with projected English supertitles.
Friday, August 15, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 16, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Friday, August 22, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 23, 2025 - 8:00 pm

Salome is a dark and provocative opera centered on the biblical story of King Herod's stepdaughter and her obsessive desire for John the Baptist (Jochanaan). Captivated by Jochanaan's purity and resistance, Salome becomes consumed by her longing to possess him. When Jochanaan rejects her advances, Salome manipulates Herod into granting her a gruesome request as her reward for performing the sensual "Dance of the Seven Veils" for him. The opera culminates in a shocking and tragic finale as Salome's desires lead to her own demise. Richard Strauss’ lush, dramatic score heightens the tension and psychological intensity of this gripping tale.

Salome is presented in German with projected English supertitles.
Friday, August 15, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 16, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Friday, August 22, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 23, 2025 - 8:00 pm

Salome is a dark and provocative opera centered on the biblical story of King Herod's stepdaughter and her obsessive desire for John the Baptist (Jochanaan). Captivated by Jochanaan's purity and resistance, Salome becomes consumed by her longing to possess him. When Jochanaan rejects her advances, Salome manipulates Herod into granting her a gruesome request as her reward for performing the sensual "Dance of the Seven Veils" for him. The opera culminates in a shocking and tragic finale as Salome's desires lead to her own demise. Richard Strauss’ lush, dramatic score heightens the tension and psychological intensity of this gripping tale.

Salome is presented in German with projected English supertitles.
Friday, August 15, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 16, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Friday, August 22, 2025 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, August 23, 2025 - 8:00 pm

Gina and Robert use stories and songs to explore the passage of time and how it affects our experiences, opening up possibilities of a life well lived.

Gina Malone is known locally as a concert and opera singer as well as a singing actress and teaching artist. Most notably, she’s performed with Union Avenue Opera, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, and Ozark Actors Theatre. Memorable roles include The Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime, Mrs. Nordstrom in A Little Night Music, Paquette in Candide, and Emmie in Albert Hering. Ms. Malone resides in St. Louis with her husband and three beautiful (and inspiring) children and maintains a private voice studio.

Robert Valentine is excited to be back at the Blue Strawberry after his debut in March 2025. Robert took a long hiatus from music while starting a career in nursing and is happy to be playing again. He worked as a rehearsal pianist and repetiteur for opera and musical theater throughout the St. Louis region. Lately, he has been enjoying stepping out from behind the piano most notably getting the opportunity to be a supernumerary in the Muny's production of Les Miserables in 2024.

Gina Malone, Voice
Robert Valentine, Collaborative Pianist/Music Director
Anna Marie Agniel, Co-Writer and Director

Join us for another great season of Music Under the Stars on the brand new Playamigo Stage in St. Ferdinand Park from 6pm to 9pm - Saturdays in July and August.

Food trucks available

Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets or just hang out on the grass. BYOB. Food trucks will be available. There's nothing better than a night of music under the stars.

ALL CONCERTS ARE HELD AT ST. FERDINAND PARK @ 6pm
(July 4th is at JJE @ 7:15pm)