Embargoed for Release:
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
5:30 p.m.
Contact: Tracy C. Galligher
215-893-3600, x204
galligher@operaphila.org
Opera Company of Philadelphia Announces
The 2008-2009 Season:
A Star-Studded Season of New Productions!
Highlights Include:
*A New Production of Beethoven’s FIDELIO from Director Robert B. Driver and Famed Artist Jun Kaneko, featuring Christine Goerke, Anthony Dean Griffey and Greer Grimsley
*The Original OCP Production of Rossini’s THE ITALIAN GIRL IN ALGIERS by Director Stefano Vizioli and Designer Paul Shortt, starring Ruxandra Donose, Lawrence Brownlee and Kevin Glavin
*A New Production of Puccini’s TURANDOT by André Barbe and Renaud Doucet with the Company debut of Francesca Patané, the U.S debut of Francesco Hong and the return of Ermonela Jaho
*A New Production of a Double-Bill of Ravel’s L’ENFANT ET LES SORTILÈGES and Puccini’s GIANNI SCHICCHI, designed by Guia Buzzi, featuring the Company debut of Lauren McNeese and the return of Mark Stone, featuring Ailyn Pérez and Stephen Costello as Lauretta and Rinuccio
*The Opera Company’s first production at the Perelman Theater: Britten’s THE RAPE OF LUCRETIA, featuring Tamara Mumford in her Company debut, and the return of Nathan Gunn and William Burden
Philadelphia, PA: The Opera Company of Philadelphia’s 2008-2009 Season was announced today, featuring five operas; three star design teams making their OCP debuts with new productions; the Company Premieres of The Rape of Lucretia and L'enfant et les sortilèges; and the Opera Company’s first production at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts’ Perelman Theater in June 2009.
“We’ve assembled a season with great breadth of repertoire,” shared General and Artistic Director Robert B. Driver. “From language, to period, to vocal style, the 2008-2009 Season runs the gamut and promises a very well-rounded experience for the many thousands of opera lovers in Philadelphia. In addition to the star vocal artists that we engage, we are excited to be bringing a consistently high quality of theatre to our audience through several new and innovative productions that will make each of these shows as visually alluring as they are musically moving.”
Managing Director David B. Devan agreed, adding, “Not only will seasoned opera-goers have a full range of experiences in the upcoming season, but for the patron who is new to opera, there are a number of entry points – from Puccini’s blockbuster Turandot, to the contemporary production of The Rape of Lucretia in a more intimate setting at the Perelman, this is the season to try opera.”
The addition of “Opera @ the Perelman” with the Company Premiere of Benjamin Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia starring Tamara Mumford, Nathan Gunn and William Burden launches an important new phase in the Company’s artistic development.
“There is a variety of important operatic literature that is best produced in an intimate theatre,” Driver said. “From chamber works to early music pieces, [Music Director] Corrado Rovaris and I feel that it is crucial to have an avenue to bring these works to our audience. In doing so, we will continue to feature that important blend of star artists beside the brightest emerging talent in the field today which has become a hallmark of our casting.”
Returning artists in 2008-2009 include sopranos Kiera Duffy, Christine Goerke and Ermonela Jaho; mezzo-soprano Ruxandra Donose; tenors Lawrence Brownlee, William Burden and Stephen Costello; baritones Daniel Belcher, Eric Greene, Nathan Gunn and Mark Stone; bass-baritone Greer Grimsley; basses Kirk Eichelberger, Kevin Glavin and Julian Rodescu; Maestro Maurizio Barbacini; directors Robert B. Driver and Stefano Vizioli; and designer Paul Shortt.
Debuting artists include sopranos Francesca Patané and Ailyn Pérez; mezzo-sopranos Lauren McNeese and Tamara Mumford, tenors Brian Anderson, Anthony Dean Griffey and Francesco Hong; directors Renaud Doucet and Will Kerley; designers André Barbe, Guia Buzzi, Jun Kaneko and Nicholas Vaughan.
Fidelio
A NEW PRODUCTION
Last produced in 1989; Sung in German with English translations
What would you risk to free the one you loved? When her husband Florestan is wrongfully imprisoned by his political enemy, faithful wife Leonore daringly disguises herself as the young man Fidelio in order to pursue justice and her true love’s freedom. Wrought with suspense and political intrigue, Fidelio is the sole opera by composer genius Beethoven, whose orchestral and choral works are known equally for its quiet beauty and thunderous fireworks.
Director Robert B. Driver has engaged internationally-renowned minimalist artist Jun Kaneko to realize a new production that marries the spirit of this timeless drama with a striking, contemporary landscape. Kaneko stunned the opera world with his debut production of Madama Butterfly in 2006 in Omaha, and prompted Opera magazine to praise the production as “... a mixture of old traditions and modern aesthetic that was visually daring while remaining true to the essence of the music and drama.... a splendidly integrated work of art.”
Returning star soprano Christine Goerke makes her role debut as Leonore. Goerke closes the 2007-2008 OCP Season in the title role of Norma before making her debut with the Washington National Opera as Chrysothemis in Elektra. Metropolitan Opera regular Anthony Dean Griffey stars as her imprisoned husband, Florestan, in his Opera Company debut. This season, the tenor can be seen in the title role of the Met’s Peter Grimes, which will be simulcast in movie theaters and recorded for future released on DVD. From there, Griffey travels to California to sing Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde with conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Bass-baritone Greer Grimsley completes the star trio in the role of Don Pizarro. Grimsley, whose last appearance with OCP was as Escamillo in 1992’s Carmen, has gained international recognition singing Wagnerian roles on prestigious stages in Berlin, Venice, Bologna, San Diego, and New York, among others. This season he performs Scarpia in Tosca with the Seattle Opera and Don Pizarro in Fidelio with the Saint Louis Symphony. In her OCP debut, soprano Ailyn Pérez sings the role of the jailer’s daughter Marzelline. Peréz, who joined the roster of the Metropolitan Opera this season, has upcoming engagements as Juliette at the Salzburg Festival in Summer 2008, and as Violetta in Florida Grand Opera’s La traviata. Also featured in Fidelio are basses Julian Rodescu as Rocco and Kirk Eichelberger as Don Fernando, returning after their appearances in Rigoletto (2007), and tenor Brian Anderson makes his Company debut as Jaquino.
Opera Company Music Director Corrado Rovaris takes to the podium to lead this spectacular season opener.
The Italian Girl in Algiers
AN ORIGINAL OPERA COMPANY PRODUCTION
Last produced in 2000; Sung in Italian with English translations
Bored with his harem, in this delightful, farcical romp, ruler Mustafà seeks a new challenge in the beautiful, shipwrecked Isabella -- who has comically stumbled into his path in search of her missing lover, Lindoro. With the help of a jealous wife, a cast of meddling servants, and Rossini's boundless, escalating, exuberant melodies, audiences will enjoy an evening of musical theatre that will have them laughing from the overture to the happily-ever-after ending.
The cast that starred in last season’s rousing success Cinderella returns, led by stunning mezzo-soprano Ruxandra Donose as the shipwrecked beauty Isabella. Her 2007-2008 Season includes starring engagements as Elena in La donna del lago and Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier in Berlin, Marguerite in Damnation de Faust in Munich, and Veronica Quaife in the World Premiere of The Fly in Paris.
Rising star tenor Lawrence Brownlee, returns to the Academy of Music stage to woo Donose once more, this time as Lindoro. The exciting young Rossini tenor’s recent performances include a Stabat Mater with Rome’s Accademia di Santa Cecilia, a company debut with Teatro dell’Opera di Roma as Osiride in Mosé in Egitto, and Narciso in Il turco in Italia with Théâtre du Capitole in Toulouse this spring.
Buffo bass extraordinaire Kevin Glavin makes a triumphant return to Philadelphia as Mustafà. Since his last appearance with OCP, Glavin has continued to perform the comic roles that have delighted audiences in Philadelphia and abroad for years, including Dulcamara in The Elixir of Love with Pittsburgh Opera and Dr. Bartolo in The Barber of Seville with Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra and Florentine Opera. His frequent partner-in-crime, baritone Daniel Belcher, returns as Taddeo following a season which takes him to San Francisco Opera as Papageno in The Magic Flute and Houston Grand Opera for his title role debut in Billy Budd. Soprano Kiera Duffy, who was last seen as the Dew Fairy in this season’s Hansel and Gretel, sings the role of Elvira, Mustafà’s jealous wife.
Paul Shortt's vivid scenery brings exotic Algiers to life – with elephants in tow! – and Costume Designer Richard St. Clair brings Mediterranean flair to this exotic harem. Philadelphia awaits the return of director Stefano Vizioli, who led this production in its critically-acclaimed and televised debut from the Academy of Music in 2000, and teams up once again with Maestro Corrado Rovaris, who presides over the Opera Company Orchestra.
Turandot
A NEW PRODUCTION
Last produced in 1992; Sung in Italian with English translations
This epic opera is centered around a beautiful Mandarin princess who possesses dazzling beauty, but a heart of ice. As countless suitors attempt to answer the mystifying riddles she poses, they meet their ruin. Can one brave, noble man beat her at her own dangerous game and at last ignite her passions? Puccini's final opera and ultimate romantic masterpiece features a heartbreakingly-beautiful score anchored by the lavish melody "Nessun Dorma," perhaps the most famous aria in all of opera.
Unforgettable international star debuts are in store for this breathtaking new production, led by Francesca Patané, a stunning soprano who has made her career throughout Europe. Her leading roles this season include Turandot in Rome and Verdi’s Lady Macbeth in Leipzig, and she makes her Opera Company of Philadelphia and professional, staged U.S. opera debut in the title role as Puccini’s princess next season.
A second U.S. debut is in store with Francesco Hong, who sings the role of Caláf. The charismatic, Korean-born tenor resides in Italy, where he is a frequent Verdi and Puccini hero at leading companies such as Florence, Bologna and Palermo, alongside regular engagements at companies such as Frankfurt Opera and Teatro Reál in Madrid.
Liù is sung by soprano Ermonela Jaho, whose performance as Mimí in the 2006 OCP production of La bohème won audience and critical acclaim. This summer, Jaho makes her debut at the renowned Glyndebourne Festival as Micaëla in Carmen. Rising star baritone Eric Greene, last seen as Jake in Porgy and Bess, which he then performed again with Los Angeles Opera, sings the role of Ping.
A grandscale new production that marries the classic and contemporary is created by the Canadian team of Director Renaud Doucet and Designer André Barbe. With production credits in Vienna, Montreal, Boston, St. Louis, and most recently New York City Opera’s Cendrillon, their Turandot is replete with vivid color and visual riches, and will be co-produced with the Minnesota Opera. Principal Conductor Emeritus Maurizio Barbacini, with recent engagements at San Francisco Opera, Munich Opera and New National Theatre in Tokyo, returns to the podium for this Italian masterpiece.
The Company Premiere of L'enfant et les sortilèges
Featured in a Double-Bill with Gianni Schicchi
A NEW PRODUCTION
Gianni Schicchi last produced in 1981; Operas sung in French and Italian with English translations
This pairing of short operas from the early 20th Century proves that it's not only youngsters who are prone to acting up! First, in Ravel's classic L'enfant et les sortilèges, a spoiled and ill-behaved child meets a rude awakening when the inanimate objects in his nursery and garden come to life and turn on him. A rarely-performed work that demands a large, sweeping orchestra, adult and children's choruses and a host of strong principal voices, this gloriously tuneful, whimsical work is a treat for all.
Then, an aged relative passes away, leaving behind a family to quarrel over his fortune. Enter the title character in Gianni Schicchi, who has an artful plan that will distribute his riches with a more even (but perhaps morally dubious) hand -- all in the name of love. Featuring the beloved aria, "O mio babbino caro," Gianni Schicchi is a comic, melodic masterpiece.
Making her Opera Company of Philadelphia debut as L’Enfant is mezzo-soprano Lauren McNeese. An alumna of the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Ryan Opera Center for American Artists, McNeese is a frequent leading lady with both Lyric Opera and Los Angeles Opera.
Returning as Gianni Schicchi is baritone Mark Stone. Since his performance as Ford in last season’s Falstaff, his roles have included Guglielmo in Santa Fe Opera’s Così fan tutte and Enrico in English National Opera’s Lucia di Lammermoor. As Schicchi’s daughter Lauretta, soprano Ailyn Pérez makes her second appearance of the season, with real-life partner Stephen Costello singing the tenor role of Rinuccio. Costello, who makes his OCP debut in the 2008 production of Cyrano, made his triumphant Metropolitan Opera debut last fall, and has upcoming leading engagements in Baltimore, Dallas and Salzburg.
Director Robert B. Driver marries these two productions about family behaving badly through a 1930s European setting designed by celebrated Italian Designer Guia Buzzi in her Opera Company debut, with costumes by Richard St. Clair. Music Director Corrado Rovaris leads the performance.
The Company Premiere of The Rape of Lucretia
At the Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
A production designed for the Châteauville Foundation
Sung in English
To close the 2008-2009 Season, the Opera Company of Philadelphia presents its first production at the Kimmel Center's intimate Perelman Theater. This contemporary theatre provides an ideal home for unique and exciting performances of operatic literature on a new scale for both opera buff and opera novice alike.
Twentieth Century composer Benjamin Britten's hauntingly beautiful music is married with an ancient Roman tale in The Rape of Lucretia. The men of the Roman army have discovered that during their absence, their wives have faithlessly betrayed them – all but one, that is. Lucretia has remained faithful to her husband, Collatinus... but when the young prince Tarquinius plots to test her fidelity, he takes not only her chastity, but he brings about her complete ruin.
Starring in the title role and her Company debut is mezzo-soprano Tamara Mumford, who recently performed the role to great acclaim with the Châteauville Foundation in Virginia, the young artist development program of Maestro Lorin Maazel.
Tenor William Burden and baritone Nathan Gunn, a popular pairing seen in previous OCP productions of The Pearl Fishers and Così fan tutte, return to the Opera Company of Philadelphia. Burden, whose recent roles include the title role in Candide at La Scala and Tom Rakewell in San Francisco Opera’s The Rake’s Progress, sings the role of the Male Chorus. Gunn, with 07-08 credits in the title role of Britten’s Billy Budd at the London Barbican and as Figaro in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s The Barber of Seville, returns as Tarquinius.
This intimate-scale production by Nicholas Vaughan was created for Maazel’s Châteauville Foundation, and Director Will Kerley, who led the production in Virginia, makes his Opera Company debut with this piece.
*Please note: Seating availability in the intimate Perelman Theater is limited. Opera Company subscribers will receive priority and have the option to retain their seating for future Perelman productions.
Additional Announcements:
The Opera Company of Philadelphia has plans to continue its support of a Curtis Opera Theatre production during the 08-09 Season. Details of this Kimmel Center Presents Curtis Opera Theatre production, which will be marketed to the Opera Company of Philadelphia audience as Ainadamar has been in 2007-2008, will be forthcoming.
The Opera Company of Philadelphia will produce house programs during the 2008-2009 Season with the Kimmel Center’s Showcase in an exciting first-time collaboration with this Philadelphia-based publication.
CASTING INFORMATION
Fidelio
Ludwig van Beethoven
October 10, 12m, 15, 19m & 24, 2008
A NEW PRODUCTION
Last produced in 1989
Sung in German with English translations
Leonore Christine Goerke
Florestan Anthony Dean Griffey*
Don Pizarro Greer Grimsley
Rocco Julian Rodescu
Marzelline Ailyn Perez*
Jaquino Brian Anderson*
Don Fernando Kirk Eichelberger
Conductor Corrado Rovaris
Director Robert B. Driver
Set & Costume Designer Jun Kaneko*
*Opera Company of Philadelphia debut
The Italian Girl in Algiers
L'Italiana in Algeri
Gioacchino Rossini
November 14, 16m, 19, 21 & 23m, 2008
AN ORIGINAL OPERA COMPANY PRODUCTION
Last produced in 2000
Sung in Italian with English translations
Isabella Ruxandra Donose
Lindoro Lawrence Brownlee
Mustafà Kevin Glavin
Taddeo Daniel Belcher
Elvira Kiera Duffy
Conductor Corrado Rovaris
Director Stefano Vizioli
Set Design Paul Shortt
Costume Design Richard St. Clair
Turandot
Giacomo Puccini
February 20, 22m, 25, March 1m & 6, 2009
A NEW PRODUCTION
A co-production with Minnesota Opera
Last produced in 1992
Sung in Italian with English translations
Turandot Francesca Patané*
Caláf Francesco Hong*
Liù Ermonela Jaho
Ping Eric Greene
Conductor Maurizio Barbacini
Director Renaud Doucet*
Set and Costume Design André Barbe*
*Opera Company of Philadelphia debut
The Company Premiere of
L'enfant et les sortilèges
Featured in a Double-Bill with
Gianni Schicchi
Maurice Ravel & Giacomo Puccini
April 24, 26m, 29, May 1 & 3m, 2009
A NEW PRODUCTION
Gianni Schicchi last produced in 1981
Sung in French and Italian with English translations
L'Enfant & La Ciesca Lauren McNeese*
Gianni Schicchi Mark Stone
Lauretta Ailyn Pérez*
Rinuccio Stephen Costello
Conductor Corrado Rovaris
Director Robert B. Driver
Set Design Guia Buzzi*
Costume Design Richard St. Clair
*Opera Company of Philadelphia debut
The Company Premiere of
The Rape of Lucretia
Benjamin Britten
At the Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
June 5, 7m, 10, 12 & 14m, 2009
A production designed for the Châteauville Foundation
Sung in English
Lucretia Tamara Mumford*
Tarquinius Nathan Gunn
Male Chorus William Burden
Director Will Kerley*
Set and Costume Design Nicholas Vaughan*
*Opera Company of Philadelphia debut
ADDITIONAL OPERA COMPANY INFORMATION:
The Opera Company of Philadelphia presents an Opening Night Gala surrounding the October 10th, 2008 Season Opening performance of Fidelio. For information about this special evening, call the Opera Company’s development office at 215-893-3600, ext. 219 or e-mail gala@operaphila.org.
Fidelio, The Italian Girl in Algiers, Turandot, and the Double-Bill of L’Enfant and Schicchi will take place at The Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets. The Rape of Lucretia will take place at the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Broad and Spruce Streets.
Performance times: Wednesday at 7:30pm; Fridays at 8:00pm; Sunday matinees at 2:30pm.
To subscribe to all five operas, call Opera Company Subscriber Services at 215-732-8400 or visit www.operaphila.org. Available remaining single tickets go on sale in late August 2008.
ADVANTA is proud to be the Season Sponsor of the Opera Company of Philadelphia since 1993. US Airways is the official airline of the Opera Company. YAMAHA is the official piano of the Opera Company of Philadelphia. 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 Pew Charitable Trusts, The Lenfest Foundation, and the Annenberg Foundation. Additional support is provided by the Independence Foundation and the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation. 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.
