The Atlanta Opera’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

CRITIC’S PICK: “A whimsical fusion of opera and Shakespearean magic” is what creators are calling this new glam-fantasy production. At the helm once again is Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun, who claims the piece — which first premiered in 1960 — has never been performed locally. “Stunningly, Benjamin Britten, one of the leading composers of the 20th century, has been surprisingly underrepresented in Atlanta’s professional opera,” says Zvulun. “This magical production, developed as an original creation for our company, will correct this historical wrong in a spectacular way.” Making his Atlanta debut as well is Louis Lohraseb, who will conduct countertenor Sir Iestyn Davies as the fairy king Oberon, and soprano Liv Redpath as Tytiana; known for her performances in Eugene Onegin, Meg Marino is back at TAO to play Puck; the quartet of lovers is sung by baritone Luke Sutliff (Demetrious), soprano Susanne Burgess (Helena), tenor Kameron Lopreore (Lysander), and mezzo-soprano Melody Wilson (Hermia). — Kevin C. Madigan