After the success of her star turn in La belle Hélène in 2002, Susan will return to her beloved Santa Fe Opera in another Offenbach role debut. For the first time in 34 years, the company is mounting a new production of The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein, which opens on June 28 for ten performances through August 24. The mezzo, who has been awarded the French government’s “Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur” for her achievements in French repertoire, will undertake the title role.

Heading a strong supporting cast, American tenor Paul Appleby – a Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions winner – will play the object of her affections, in a love triangle completed by soprano Anya Matanovic. Lee Blakely will direct, with another noted French repertory specialist, Maestro Emmanuel Villaume, on the podium. Check out more details about the production here.