Opera Pacific to perform ‘Grapes’

The West Coast premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon’s critically acclaimed new opera, “The Grapes of Wrath,” and soprano Deborah Voigt singing the title role in Strauss’ “Salome” will highlight Opera Pacific’s 2008-09 season, the company has announced.

Gordon’s opera, based on John Steinbeck’s novel, will be given four times in January 2009. Voigt will sing four performances of “Salome” the following March.

Opera Pacific, which performs at the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s Segerstrom Hall, expects to announce additions to the 2008-09 season later. Its 2007-08 season will open Oct. 24 with Puccini’s “La Boheme” and will also include Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” and Carlisle Floyd’s “Susannah.”