Philadelphia, PA (Top40 Charts/ Opera Company of Philadelphia) Highlights include:
The return of a classic Carmen featuring Curtis Institute of Music alumna and celebrated star Rinat Shaham, with the OCP debuts of David Pomeroy and Jonathan Beyer
A new production of Mozart's The Abduction from the Seraglio showcasing emerging stars Elizabeth Zharoff, Antonio Lozano, and Elizabeth Reiter
Soprano Ermonela Jaho returns as Puccini's Manon Lescaut, with Thiago Arancam and Troy Cook
New American opera Dark Sisters by Nico Muhly and Stephen Karam debuts in the newly-named Aurora Series for Chamber Opera at the Perelman Theater
Curtis Opera Theatre presents the Philadelphia Premiere of Henze's Elegy for Young Lovers in a new production from Chas Rader-Shieber and David Zinn
The season showcases OCP's commitment to casting the finest in both emerging and returning star operatic voices, and features three new productions created for Philadelphia's audiences. With works in French, German, Italian and English, the line-up offers a varied blend of operatic styles and a much-anticipated new co-commission from sought-after composer Nico Muhly and playwright Stephen Karam. Dark Sisters, commissioned and produced with Gotham Chamber Opera and Music-Theatre Group of New York, will represent the American operatic debut for the composer, who has also been commissioned to write operatic work for Carnegie Hall, English National Opera and the Metropolitan Opera.
The season opens with Carmen, "which we chose specifically as a vehicle for Rinat Shaham, one of the most acclaimed Carmens of our time," shares Artistic Director Robert B. Driver. "Rinat began her career at the Curtis Institute of Music, and sang with the Opera Company of Philadelphia early on in roles such as Zerlina, Cherubino, and Werther's Charlotte. To have her return at a time when she is so deeply in demand around the world is thrilling, and it affirms our practice of creating opportunities for emerging voices whom we then follow throughout their development."
Opera at the Academy also features Mozart's The Abduction from the Seraglio and Puccini's Manon Lescaut, each of which have only been produced once in the Opera Company's 36-year history.
One block south, the extremely popular Perelman Series will now be known by a new name: the Aurora Series for Chamber Opera at the Perelman. "We are so pleased to announce the naming of this innovative and extremely popular series as it begins its third season at the Perelman Theater," shared Executive Director David B. Devan. "We feel that the name, which honors the family of its underwriter, the Wyncote Foundation, also embodies the creative spirit of exploration and discovery which we celebrate in productions like Dark Sisters, and the endless possibilities of this intimate chamber opera model."
The Opera Company of Philadelphia 2011-2012 Season opens on September 30, 2011 and features 23 mainstage performances, plus a variety of educational opportunities for both adults and students.
OPERA AT THE ACADEMY
Georges Bizet
CARMEN
Performed in French with English translations
September 30, October 2m, 5, 9m & 14, 2011
Opera's ultimate temptress opens the season with a sizzle in this classic production that transports audiences to sultry Seville. The story of a beguiling gypsy who sets her sights on a naive but passionate young corporal, Carmen traces a tale of seduction, obsession, and deadly betrayal. Bizet's masterpiece features many of opera's most powerful melodies, from the bewitching "Habanera," to the passionate "Seguidilla," and the bravura of the "Toreador" song, capturing the imagination from the first notes of its renowned overture.
Starring in the title role is one of the signature Carmens of our time, Curtis Institute of Music alumna mezzo-soprano Rinat Shaham. Her Glyndebourne Festival debut as Carmen led the The Independent to praise her as "... a sensation.... this [Carmen] uses the music like promises and threats, coaxing, cajoling, insinuating, bending the melody." She most recently performed the role in Sydney, Australia to rave reviews. As Don Jose, dynamic Canadian tenor David Pomeroy makes his OCP debut on the heels of recent performances at the Metropolitan Opera in the title roles of Faust and The Tales of Hoffmann. Rising star baritone Jonathan Beyer makes his Company debut as Escamillo, and Academy of Vocal Arts alumna Ailyn Perez returns as Micaela. Corrado Rovaris, the Jack Mulroney Music Director, leads this season opening production that features a classic setting that was designed by Allen Charles Klein for the Opera Company's 1992 production, and is directed by David Gately in his OCP debut.
W. A. Mozart
THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO
(Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail)
A New Co-Production with Teatro Comunale, Treviso, Italy
Performed in German with English translations
February 17, 19m, 22, 24 & 26m, 2012
Mozart's musical genius returns in a fresh, highly theatrical co-production between the Opera Company of Philadelphia and Teatro Comunale of Treviso. Director Robert B. Driver and Italian designer Guia Buzzi - the team who brought OCP audiences a delightful double-bill of L'enfant et les sortileges and Gianni Schicchi - collaborate once again for this humorous tale of a Turkish ruler's comically passionate pursuit of his beautiful young prisoner. This new production sets the story in the 1920s, painting the resourceful heroine Konstanze as a spy, and Belmonte, her would-be rescuer, as a handsome pilot, brilliantly playing on the timeless human foibles that still make Mozart's work ring true.
Long recognized as an engine for rising talent, the Opera Company has cast an array of today's most thrilling new voices to conquer Mozart's daunting arias and stratospheric high notes. Starring as Konstanze is soprano Elizabeth Zharoff, whom Italy's Revista magazine called "a singer with a beautiful scenic presence, of unquestionable vocal interest" at the premiere of this production. As Belmonte, rising tenor Antonio Lozano, who has sung roles at La Scala, Barcelona, and Valencia, among others, was lauded for his "warm, vibrant voice that gave Belmonte great passion." Soprano Elizabeth Reiter sings the role of Blonde, with tenor Krystian Adam as Pedrillo and Danish bass Per Bach Nissen as Osmin. Maestro Rovaris leads the Opera Company Orchestra in this new production that also features video design by Lorenzo Curone and lighting by OCP veteran Drew Billiau.
Giacomo Puccini
MANON LESCAUT
Performed in Italian with English translations
April 20, 22m, 25, 27 & 29m, 2012
The master composer who created La boheme, Turandot and Madama Butterfly crafts yet another soulful tale of boundless love. Manon Lescaut is a beautiful young girl about to be sent to a convent when Des Grieux first lays eyes on her. Though the flame of passion between them is ignited, Manon's life follows a winding path, seduced by riches that ultimately trigger her downfall - but ultimately finding redemption in Des Grieux's love for her. Puccini's gorgeous, swelling melodies permeate the opera, from Manon's poignant arias to the lush orchestral score.
Returning in the title role is soprano Ermonela Jaho, whose starring roles have recently taken her to Royal Opera Covent Garden and to Hamburg as Violetta in La traviata. Tenor Thiago Arancam, who stars as Cavaradossi in the 2011 OCP production of Tosca, returns as Manon's true love, Des Grieux. OCP favorite baritone Troy Cook sings the role of Lescaut, following 2010 performances as Guglielmo in Royal Opera Covent Garden's Cosi fan tutte, and bass-baritone Daniel Mobbs, who recently starred as Lindoro in Minnesota Opera's Cinderella, performs the role of Geronte. Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris leads the Opera Company Orchestra in this stylized production directed by Michael Cavanagh in his OCP debut.
THE AURORA SERIES
Chamber Opera at the Perelman Theater
The Opera Company of Philadelphia is proud to announce the Aurora Series for Chamber Opera at the Perelman Theater. Previously known as Opera at the Perelman, the Aurora Series embraces the spirit of innovation and creativity that has defined OCP's chamber opera presentations since 2009. The name "Aurora" honors Aurora Synnesvedt Cooper, who passed on her deep love for music to her daughter Chara Aurora Cooper Haas, who in turn nurtured that spark into an operatic legacy within her family. The series is generously underwritten by her family through the Wyncote Foundation.
On behalf of the Wyncote Foundation, Frederick R. Haas and Opera Company Board Member Daniel K. Meyer shared, "We are very happy to honor Aurora Cooper and Chara Cooper Haas with these engaging operatic productions which encapsulate the best and most innovative artistic aspirations for this art form. As individuals who have passed their love for music to future generations, we are pleased to recognize them by ensuring the future of opera in Philadelphia."
The Aurora Series once again features two productions. In March 2012, the Opera Company presents its fourth Curtis Opera Theatre production in association with Kimmel Center Presents, and in June 2012, OCP is proud to present the new American co-commission Dark Sisters. In recognition of this important new operatic work, OPERA America will hold the 2012 National Opera Conference in Philadelphia, bringing artistic leaders from across the nation and international destinations to see this contemporary opera from Nico Muhly and Stephen Karam.
Kimmel Center Presents
CURTIS OPERA THEATRE'S
ELEGY FOR YOUNG LOVERS
in association with Opera Company of Philadelphia
Hans Werner Henze
NEW PRODUCTION and Philadelphia Premiere
Performed in English
March 14, 16 & 18m, 2012
What happens when a ruthless poet looks to an unlikely cast of characters to provide his artistic inspiration? For those in the company of poet Gregor Mittenhofer, the results may be as dramatic as the deadly snowstorm that swirls around the mountain inn where they find themselves. Hans Werner Henze, considered to be one of the foremost composers of our time, brings us this powerful opera about which The Guardian wrote, "... compelling... the power of Henze's wiry, intense score for an ensemble of 23 players emerges."
The acclaimed team of director Chas Rader-Shieber and designer David Zinn return with a new production for Curtis Opera Theatre under Artistic Director Mikael Eliasen. These performances mark the Philadelphia Premiere of the work, which has not been performed in the U.S. for nearly 20 years.
A NEW CO-COMMISSION & CO-PRODUCTION
with Gotham Chamber Opera and Music-Theatre Group
DARK SISTERS
Music by Nico Muhly
Libretto by Stephen Karam
Performed in English
June 8, 10m & 13, 2012
The Opera Company of Philadelphia is proud to partner with New York's Gotham Chamber Opera and Music-Theatre Group in the co-commission and co-production of Dark Sisters, a new American Opera with music by Nico Muhly and a libretto by Stephen Karam. The opera follows one woman's dangerous attempt to escape her life as a member of the FLDS Church (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), a sect that split from mainstream Mormonism in the early 20th Century. Set against a red-earthed landscape filled with revelations, dark prophets and white temples stretching towards heaven, Dark Sisters charts one woman's quest for self-discovery in a world where personal identity is forbidden.
Muhly, a New York-based graduate of the Juilliard School, is one of classical music's fastest rising stars. In addition to vocal commissions for Carnegie Hall and the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, he has also been commissioned to write a new opera, Two Boys, for English National Opera and the Metropolitan Opera. Dark Sisters will mark his U.S. full-scale operatic premiere. He partners with playwright Stephen Karam, whose work Speech and Debate for Roundabout Theater in New York has received over 80 subsequent productions.
An incredible ensemble of strong female stars headlines the production. Soprano Caitlyn Lynch makes her OCP debut as Eliza, the conflicted central wife, following a series of recent performances as the Countess in The Marriage of Figaro with Glimmerglass Opera, Lyric Opera Ottawa and Michigan Opera Theater. Additional OCP debuts arrive with soprano Jennifer Zetlan as Zina, mezzo-soprano Eve Gigliotti as Ruth, and mezzo-soprano Margaret Lattimore in the role of Presendia. Soprano Jennifer Check returns to Philadelphia as Almera, while baritone Kevin Burdette makes his Opera Company of Philadelphia debut as the Prophet. Award-winning New York director Rebecca Taichman stages this new production by 59 Productions, featuring set and video design from Mark Grimmer and Leo Warner. Gotham Chamber Opera Artistic Director Neal Goren leads the Opera Company of Philadelphia Orchestra.
Beyond the Stage
The Opera Company will continue to offer a host of free education and outreach events during the 2011-2012 Season, aimed at enhancing the operatic experience. A Taste of Opera, an extended format, pre-production presentation that offers insight into the opera through access to the artists, music, and creative team, will continue before each production run. Opera Overtures, free, informal chats that begin one hour before every opera performance and last for thirty minutes, will continue to be held at the Academy of Music and the Perelman Theater. For details and additional outreach events, visit operaphila.org, or follow the Opera Company on Facebook or Twitter @OperaPhila.
For full casting details, please visit operaphila.org/news.
ADDITIONAL OPERA COMPANY INFORMATION:
Carmen, The Abduction from the Seraglio and Manon Lescaut take place at The Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets. Curtis Opera Theatre's Elegy for Young Lovers and OCP's Dark Sisters take place at the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Broad and Spruce Streets.
Performance times: Wednesdays at 7:30pm; Fridays at 8:00pm; Sunday matinees at 2:30pm.
Full season subscriptions to Opera at the Academy or the Aurora Series for Chamber Opera at the Perelman are available beginning February 6, 2011 at noon at operaphila.org. Renewal materials will be mailed during the week of February 14th. Phone hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 215-732-8400. Remaining single tickets will go on sale in August 2011.
The Aurora Series for Chamber Opera at the Perelman is generously underwritten by the Wyncote Foundation. US Airways is the official airline of the Opera Company. YAMAHA is the official piano of the Opera Company of Philadelphia. Hyatt at the Bellevue is the official hotel of the Opera Company. Burdumy Motors Incorporated is the official automotive dealership of the Opera Company. The Opera Company of Philadelphia is supported by major grants from The William Penn Foundation, The Wyncote Foundation, Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, The Lenfest Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, and The Wallace Foundation. Additional support is provided by Independence Foundation, Jacob Burns Foundation, the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, and The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage through the Philadelphia Music Project. The Opera Company of Philadelphia receives state arts funding support through a grant from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
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