The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
Category: Vocal / Opera
Program Notes
Watch streaming on PBS.com. View here.
THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF KAVALIER & CLAY
commissioned by
The Metropolitan Opera
based on the novel by Michael Chabon
World Premiere by Indiana University Bloomington: November 15, 2024
The Metropolitan Opera Premiere: September 21, 2025
Primary Roles
Joe Kavalier, Lyric baritone
Sam Clay, Lyric tenor
Rosa Saks, Mezzo
Tracy Bacon, Baritone
Sarah, Lyric soprano
Gerhard, Dramatic Baritone
Sheldon Anapol, Bass-Baritone
Secondary Roles
Estelle Kavalier, Lyric Soprano
Esther Klayman, Mezzo
Salvador Dalí, Character Baritone
Solomon Kavalier, Lyric Tenor
Smaller Roles & Non-singing Roles
Harry, Dramatic Baritone
Helen, Soprano
Sergeant Saldo, Baritone
Undercover FBI Agents (2), Actors
Young Sarah, Actor
Radio Announcer, Actor
Sound Man, Actor
The Escapist, Tumbler
Luna Moth, Dancer
Chorus: Typists, Jewish Refugees, Auction/Fundraiser Partygoers,
Radio Station Partygoers, Male Soldiers, Female Office Workers
Instrumentation
2 Flutes (both doubling Picc; 2nd also doubling Alto Flute)
1 Oboe (doubling English Horn)
2 B♭ Clarinets (2nd doubling bass clarinet)
2 Alto Saxophones
1 Tenor Saxophone
1 Bassoon (doubling Contrabassoon)
4 Horns (doubling Wagner tubas)
3 Trumpets in C
2 Tenor Trombones
1 Bass Trombone
1 Tuba
Timpani
2 or 3 Percussion
Harp
Piano / Celesta
Mandolin (doubling acoustic guitar)
Synthesizer
Strings
Percussion Instruments
Bass Drum, Crash Cymbal, Very Large Tam-tam, Ride Cymbal,
Field Drum, Djembe, 2 Flexible Switches on Wood, Vibraphone,
Suspended Cymbal, Very High Triangle, Glockenspiel, Drum Set (Kick,
Snare, Ride, Hi-hat, Crash, Triangle), Typewriter, Telephone, Crotales,
Snare Drum, Wood Block, Car Horn, Rute
