Samson and Delilah and Salomé are just two examples of how bible stories can be brought to life with all the drama of grand opera.  Hugo Weisgall continued that tradition when Esther premiered here at New York City Opera in 1993.  Based on the Bible tale of a brave young girl who becomes queen and ultimately rescues her people from near-destruction, Esther is packed with the personal and political drama that makes for a thrilling night at the opera.

 

In our first in a series of episodes about Esther, Dramaturg Cori Ellison sits down with Rabbi Jill Hammer to discuss the origins of the story of Esther and its relevance to modern audiences.