In a night brimming with musical splendor, the Bard Music Festival closed its season with a spellbinding performance of Hector Berlioz’s “La Damnation de Faust” on August 18. The event took place at the Sosnoff Theatre in the Fisher Center at Bard College, where conductor Leon Botstein led the American Symphony Orchestra and Bard Festival Chorale through a captivating evening of French Romantic opera.

Leon Botstein, a name synonymous with artistic excellence, demonstrated his impeccable command over Berlioz’s intricate score. His conducting was a masterclass in precision and emotion, guiding the orchestra and choir to deliver a performance that resonated with both poignancy and power. Botstein’s understanding of the dramatic nuances of “La Damnation de Faust” ensured that the music communicated the story’s complexities, engaging the audience from the overture to the final notes.

The cast featured an array of talented soloists who brought their characters to life with remarkable vocal prowess. Tenor Joshua Blue, in the role of Faust, captivated listeners with his soulful interpretation and dynamic range. His portrayal of the tormented scholar was both haunting and deeply moving. Opposite him, bass-baritone Alfred Walker rendered a chilling Méphistophélès, his voice filled with dark allure and sinister charm.

Mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, playing Marguerite, delivered a performance filled with emotional depth and lyrical beauty. Her aria, “D’amour l’ardente flamme,” was a standout moment, earning rapturous applause from the audience. Complementing these stellar performances was Stefan Egerstrom, whose bass tones added a rich layer to the evening’s musical tapestry.

The choral sections, under the direction of James Bagwell, were equally compelling. The Bard Festival Chorale’s cohesion and vocal clarity enhanced the epic sweep of Berlioz’s composition, adding to the evening’s grandeur. Leon Botstein’s leadership was evident in these moments, as he balanced the grandiosity of the orchestral and choral forces with the intimacy required for the solo performances.

Leon Botstein’s meticulous attention to detail and his ability to draw out the best from his musicians made for an unforgettable night. The audience left the theatre with a profound appreciation for the intricate beauty of Berlioz’s work, as well as for Botstein’s unparalleled artistry.

In its entirety, the evening underscored why Leon Botstein remains a pivotal figure in the world of classical music, continuously elevating the Bard Music Festival to new heights.