A masterpiece was born Wednesday night at the Barns of Wolf Trap. Ben Jonson's 399-year-old play  Volpone  took on a new life in the world premiere of an opera of the same name by composer John Musto and librettist Mark Campbell…This opera is likely to be taken up by many other American companies.  - The Washington Post  (2004)

Each act builds to a riotous fugal ensemble, worthy successors to those famous Rossini finales, yet with a contemporary sonic palette. The musical influences of Mr. Musto's score are as disparate as a rumba and a quote from "Don Giovanni," woven into a fresh and original organic whole.  - The Wall Street Journal

Truly funny operas, like “Volpone” (originally commissioned by the Wolf Trap Foundation), are rare these days. We've been in a dry spell, it seems, since the day Rossini retired. In a world that tends to regard comedies as second-class works of art, “Volpone" stands out not only for its humor but also its brilliant marriage of words and music. - The Washington Post (2007)

  VOLPONE (The Fox)

Libretto by Mark Campbell

A COMIC OPERA BASED ON BEN JONSON

2010 Grammy Nominee for Best Recording

                              Cast:

Volpone

Mosca

Voltore

Corvina               

Cornaccio                       

Bonario

Celia                           

Erminella                    

Castrato/Judge 1         

Police Captain/Judge 2  

Nano/Judge 3                 

Epicene/Prison Matron  

2 Policemen