Press Releases Opera Company of Philadelphia Announces 2009-2010 Season Featuring Five Thrilling Operas 01-27-2009 Embargoed for Print On: January 27, 2009 Contact: Tracy C. Galligher215-893-3600, ext. 204galligher@operaphila.org Opera Company of Philadelphia Announces2009-2010 Season Featuring Five Thrilling Operas Maestro Corrado Rovaris Extends His Role in the Newly-Named Position of Jack Mulroney Music Director Through 2011 No Increases in Subscription Prices; Decreases in Select Sections! Grand Scale Passions at the Academy of Music: Puccini's MADAMA BUTTERFLY In a Stunning Kaneko Production Starring Ermonela Jaho, Roger Honeywell, Maria Zifchak & Troy Cook The East Coast Premiere of Tan Dun's TEA: A MIRROR OF SOUL In the Breathtaking Santa Fe Opera Production With Composer Tan Dun Conducting Opening Weekend Verdi's LA TRAVIATA Starring Leah Partridge, Charles Castronovo and Mark Stone Myths and Legends at the Intimate Perelman Theater: Curtis Opera Theatre's ANTONY & CLEOPATRA In Celebration of Barber's 100th BirthdayandOCP's Perelman Production of ORPHÉE ET EURYDICEStarring Ruxandra Donose and Maureen McKay Philadelphia, PA: The Opera Company of Philadelphia announces a 2009-2010 Season line-up featuring five operas, including the East Coast Premiere of Tan Dun’s acclaimed contemporary opera Tea: A Mirror of Soul, conducted by the composer during opening weekend at the Academy of Music; Curtis Opera Theatre’s production of Antony and Cleopatra in celebration of Samuel Barber’s 100th birthday; and the Opera Company of Philadelphia Premiere of Gluck’s Orphée et Eurydice, which has not been seen in a professional production in Philadelphia since 1939. The season also includes the celebrated Jun Kaneko stage design for Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, and Verdi’s La traviata in a revival of the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s classic production. “The 2009-2010 Season provides a number of entry points for opera enthusiasts of all levels,” says General and Artistic Director Robert B. Driver. “We’re excited to bring classics like Madama Butterfly and La traviata to our audiences, and we’ve blended those with the major East Coast Premiere of Tea and the lesser-known gems Orphée and Antony and Cleopatra. Having two theaters in Philadelphia – the Academy of Music and the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater – that are so ideally suited for the varying types of opera we provide is an important part of the equation, and we’ve seen over the past year that audiences are embracing innovative programming at the Perelman.” Managing Director David B. Devan adds, “Last season, we joined forces with The Curtis Institute of Music and Kimmel Center Presents to bring Ainadamar to audiences at the Perelman Theater. That inaugural production was a resounding success, with our collaboration producing a sum that was greater than any one of us could have achieved on our own, so we’re very much looking forward to repeating that experience for both Wozzeck this March and Antony and Cleopatra in 2010.” In an effort to make the season accessible for all opera enthusiasts, subscription prices for both theaters for the upcoming season will remain flat, and even see reductions in some areas. With three operas at the Academy of Music and two at the Perelman Theater, patrons may choose to subscribe to Opera at the Academy, Opera at the Perelman, or the full, five-opera season at a greater discount. Devan shares, “We are making every effort to be sensitive to people’s discretionary spending by creating series and pricing options which allow opera fans throughout the region to affordably keep opera as a part of their life.” The Opera Company is also pleased to announce the renewal of Maestro Corrado Rovaris’s contract as Music Director through 2011, in a role named in honor of the late Jack Mulroney. The new title of this vital institutional position commemorates the immeasurable contributions of Mr. Mulroney, who served for many years as president of the Opera Company Board of Directors before assuming the role of Executive Director from 1998 until his passing in 2004. It also recognizes a leadership gift made by Mr. Mulroney’s widow, Agnes M. Mulroney, which is a key source of support for Maestro Rovaris’ continued tenure. “Jack always understood and respected that delicate balance between the business and the artistic sides of opera,” shared General and Artistic Director Robert B. Driver. “He knew the important stride it represented for the company to bring an artist of Corrado Rovaris’s stature to Philadelphia in a consistent, key role. He was a steadfast supporter of nurturing outstanding artistry and musicianship, and so it is an extremely befitting legacy to name this position in his honor.” OPERAS AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC MADAMA BUTTERFLYGiacomo PucciniOctober 9, 11m, 14, 16 & 18m, 2009Performed in Italian with English translations at the Academy of Music The Opera Company opens the 2009-2010 Season in October with Puccini’s beloved classic Madama Butterfly. The story of a beautiful and faithful Japanese girl who weds an American officer only to be met with heartache when he returns stateside and takes an American wife, Madama Butterfly features Puccini’s timeless, soaring, unforgettable melodies. The production is designed by famed, contemporary artist Jun Kaneko, whose Fidelio at the Opera Company of Philadelphia was hailed as “the most visually striking production in its recent history,” (City Paper) and called “enthralling” by The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Butterfly production, originally designed for the opera company in Kaneko’s homebase of Omaha, was praised in Opera magazine for its “… mixture of old traditions and modern aesthetic that was visually daring while remaining true to the essence of the music and drama.” Starring in the title role as Cio-Cio San is soprano Ermonela Jaho, who made her Opera Company of Philadelphia debut as Mimì in La bohème (2006) and returns as Liù in Turandot. Other recent roles include the title role of Anna Bolena in Paris and Lyon, France, Micaëla in Carmen with the Glyndebourne Festival and Violetta in La traviata at the Metropolitan Opera and Covent Garden. As Lieutenant Pinkerton, tenor Roger Honeywell returns to the stage after starring opposite Jaho in La bohème. He spent the fall of 2008 in the role of Captain Nolan in Doctor Atomic at the Metropolitan Opera, and 2009 takes him to both l’Opéra de Montréal as Macduff in Macbeth and to Santa Fe Opera, where he sings Geoff Hammond in the World Premiere of The Letter. Baritone Troy Cook (La bohème, 2006) sings the role of Sharpless, following recent performances as Marcello in Bohème with Florida Grand Opera and concert performances in Bilbao, Spain. As Suzuki, Butterfly’s faithful handmaiden, mezzo-soprano Maria Zifchak makes her Company debut. Her spring 2009 season is comprised of a number of roles at the Metropolitan Opera, including Suzuki, Albine in Thaïs, and Inez in Il trovatore. Tenor Joseph Gaines makes a Company debut, as well, singing the role of Goro, the marriage broker. Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris conducts and American director Cynthia Stokes makes her Opera Company debut with this dramatic and eye-pleasing season opener. Stokes’ directing credits include Los Angeles Opera, Houston Grand Opera and San Diego Opera, and her theatrical credits include La Jolla Playhouse, New York Theatre workshop and others. The Opera Company is proud to partner once more with Locks Gallery on Washington Square. EAST COAST PREMIERETEA: A Mirror of SoulTan DunFebruary 19, 21m, 24, 26 & 28m, 2010Performed in English at the Academy of Music Enter a world of tradition, a world where basic elements like water and wind meet the exotic to create a mesmerizing tale of a noble quest. Seikyo, a former prince, has become a monk following a bitter love loss. He recounts the story of Lan, the princess who stole his heart, and their search together for a single book – The Book of Tea. Filled with treasured secrets and ancient wisdom, the book spurs a journey with a deadly conclusion. Chinese composer Tan Dun, winner of both an Oscar® and a Grammy® Award for his soundtrack to the film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” combines Asian motifs with Western lyricism to create a spectacular landscape of sound. “Perhaps since Puccini and Bernstein there has been no one to write such grateful lines for singers,” raved Opera magazine in London. The work, which had its World Premiere in 2002 in Tokyo, received its American Premiere at the Santa Fe Opera Festival in 2007 in a production which received audience and critical acclaim. The Santa Fe Opera creative team, featuring director Amon Miyamoto, scenic designer Rumi Matsui and costume designer Masatomo Ota, brings this breathtaking production to Philadelphia for its important East Coast Premiere. Tan Dun conducts the opening weekend performances. Starring as Seikyo is baritone Haijing Fu, who created the role in Tokyo and performed it subsequently in Amsterdam, Lyon and Santa Fe. He also created the role of the Chief Minister in Tan Dun’s The First Emperor at the Metropolitan Opera, where he has sung Germont in La traviata, Ford in Falstaff and Marcello in La bohème. Princess Lan is sung by luminous soprano Kelly Kaduce, last seen at Opera Company of Philadelphia as Caroline Gaines in the East Coast Premiere of Margaret Garner. Recent performances include the title role of Madama Butterfly at Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the title role of Suor Angelica in Santiago, Chile. Lan’s jealous brother The Prince is sung by tenor Roger Honeywell, who created the role for the American Premiere. As The Emperor, bass Kirk Eichelberger returns following his appearance as Don Fernando in Fidelio. Mezzo-soprano Nancy Maultsby, a frequent performer with Lyric Opera of Chicago, makes her Opera Company debut as Lu, the tea ritualist. LA TRAVIATAGiuseppe VerdiMay 7, 9m, 12, 14 & 16m, 2010Performed in Italian with English translations at the Academy of Music Verdi’s superb romantic tragedy represents the ultimate in grand opera and music theater experience. When Violetta, an elegant courtesan, falls in love with Alfredo, an infatuated young aristrocrat, their affair is doomed by the judgment of Parisian society. With a lavish set and gloriously lyric musical moments, La traviata is a favorite on operatic stages around the world. As Violetta, soprano Leah Partridge makes her Opera Company of Philadelphia debut. Recent roles include Cleopatra in Giulio Cesare in Egitto with Florida Grand Opera and Gilda in Rigoletto with Deutsche Oper Berlin and Arizona Opera. Her Alfredo is dashing tenor Charles Castronovo, also in his Company debut. He recently performed the role of Tom Rakewell in The Rake’s Progress with Royal Opera Covent Garden and Nadir in Washington National Opera’s The Pearl Fishers. His father, Germont, is sung by English baritone Mark Stone. In addition to taking the title role in the May 2009 Opera Company production of Gianni Schicchi, Stone also sang the role of Silvio in I Pagliacci and Enrico in Lucia di Lammermoor with English National Opera this season. La traviata will be a revival of the celebrated Opera Company of Philadelphia production by director Robert B. Driver and designer Paul Shortt. Maestro Corrado Rovaris leads the Opera Company Orchestra. OPERAS AT THE PERELMAN THEATER Kimmel Center PresentsCurtis Opera Theatre’sANTONY AND CLEOPATRAin association with Opera Company of PhiladelphiaSamuel BarberPerformed in English at the Perelman TheaterMarch 17, 19 & 21m, 2010Starring the students of Curtis Opera Theatre The love story of the ages, Antony and Cleopatra follows the tale of Marc Antony and Cleopatra as they weave their way through deception, political intrigue and passions as hot as the sands of Egypt. Premiered in 1966 at the Metropolitan Opera, Samuel Barber’s contemporary opera has garnered much praise in its 40-year performance history. With its melodic lines and lush orchestration, it was called, “a sign of Mr. Barber’s exceptional gifts that he could express such eloquent things by such simple means.” (New York Times) The Curtis Opera Theatre produces this important 20th-Century work in 2010 to commemorate the year when the composer – and Curtis Institute of Music alumnus – would have turned 100. Director Chas Rader-Shieber and designer David Zinn create a new production for the Perelman Theater. “Samuel Barber, one of the great composers of the 20th century, was a Curtis alumnus,” shares Curtis Institute of Music Artistic Director of Vocal Studies Mikael Eliasen. “I am excited that the Curtis Opera Theatre and Orchestra will honor his centenary year of 2010 by presenting his opera Antony and Cleopatra in association with OCP and KCP.” ORPHÉE & EURYDICEChristoph Willibald von GluckPerformed in French with English translations at the Perelman TheaterJune 19m, 23 & 25, 2010 Their love is so true and complete that not even death can come between Orphée and Eurydice in this hauntingly beautiful, age-old tale of the supernatural. When Eurydice leaves the living, Orphée is given the chance to bring her back from the Underworld with one condition – he must promise not to look at his beloved until they return to Earth. Opera Company of Philadelphia produces its second Perelman Theater production in June 2010 with this transcendent Gluck opera, orchestrated by Hector Berlioz. Making her role debut in the pants role of Orphée is mezzo-soprano Ruxandra Donose, last seen in the title role of The Italian Girl in Algiers this season. This spring is spent primarily at Deutsche Oper Berlin where she performs pants roles as Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier and the Composer in Ariadne auf Naxos before taking a female turn in the title role of Cinderella. In her debut as Eurydice is soprano Maureen McKay, whom Opera Company of Philadelphia audiences adored as Gretel in the 2007 production of Hansel and Gretel. Her recent performances include Lilla in Una cosa rara with Opera Theatre of St. Louis and Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro with Cleveland Opera. Director Robert B. Driver teams up with Mexican designer Philippe Amand to create a new production for the Perelman Theater. Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris conducts. CASTING DETAILS: MADAMA BUTTERFLYGiacomo PucciniOctober 9, 11m, 14, 16 & 18m, 2009Performed in Italian with English translations at the Academy of Music Cio-Cio San Ermonela Jaho Suzuki, her maid Maria Zifchak* B. F. Pinkerton Roger Honeywell Sharpless Troy Cook Goro Joseph Gaines* Conductor Corrado RovarisDirector Cynthia Stokes*Set & Costume Design Jun KanekoLighting Design Drew Billiau *Company debut TEA: A Mirror of SoulTan DunFebruary 19, 21m, 24, 26 & 28m, 2010Performed in English at the Academy of Music Seikyo Haijing Fu Lan Kelly Kaduce Prince Roger Honeywell Emperor Kirk Eichelberger Lu Nancy Maultsby* Conductor Tan Dun* (Feb. 19 & 21) Director Amon Miyamoto*Set Design Rumi Matsui*Costume Design Masatomo Ota*Lighting Design Drew Billiau *Company debut LA TRAVIATAGiuseppe VerdiMay 7, 9m, 12, 14 & 16m, 2010Performed in Italian with English translations at the Academy of Music Violetta Valéry Leah Partridge* Alfredo Germont Charles Castronovo*Giorgio Germont Mark Stone Conductor Corrado Rovaris Director Robert B. DriverSet Design Paul ShorttCostume Design Richard St. Clair Lighting Design Drew Billiau *Company debut Kimmel Center PresentsCurtis Opera Theatre’sANTONY AND CLEOPATRASamuel BarberPerformed in English at the Perelman TheaterMarch 17, 19 & 21m, 2010Starring the students of Curtis Opera Theatre Director: Chas Rader-Shieber Set Design: David Zinn ORPHÉE ET EURYDICEChristoph Willibald von Gluck(Berlioz edition)Performed in French with English translations at the Perelman TheaterJune 19m, 23 & 25, 2010 Orphée Ruxandra Donose Eurydice Maureen McKay Conductor Corrado RovarisDirector Robert B. DriverSet Design Philippe Amand ADDITIONAL OPERA COMPANY INFORMATION: Madama Butterfly, Tea and La traviata take place at The Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets. Curtis Opera Theatre’s Antony & Cleopatra and OCP’s Orphée & Eurydice will 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. To subscribe to Opera at the Academy, Opera at the Perelman, or a full-five series, call Opera Company Subscriber Services at 215-732-8400 or visit www.operaphila.org. Available remaining single tickets go on sale in August 2009. 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 and The Lenfest Foundation. Additional support is provided by Independence Foundation, Jacob Burns Foundation, Otto Haas Charitable Trust #2, and 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. -##-
Press Releases
Embargoed for Print On: January 27, 2009
Contact: Tracy C. Galligher215-893-3600, ext. 204galligher@operaphila.org
Opera Company of Philadelphia Announces2009-2010 Season Featuring Five Thrilling Operas
Maestro Corrado Rovaris Extends His Role in the Newly-Named Position of Jack Mulroney Music Director Through 2011
No Increases in Subscription Prices; Decreases in Select Sections!
Grand Scale Passions at the Academy of Music:
Puccini's MADAMA BUTTERFLY In a Stunning Kaneko Production Starring Ermonela Jaho, Roger Honeywell, Maria Zifchak & Troy Cook
The East Coast Premiere of Tan Dun's TEA: A MIRROR OF SOUL In the Breathtaking Santa Fe Opera Production With Composer Tan Dun Conducting Opening Weekend
Verdi's LA TRAVIATA Starring Leah Partridge, Charles Castronovo and Mark Stone
Myths and Legends at the Intimate Perelman Theater:
Curtis Opera Theatre's ANTONY & CLEOPATRA In Celebration of Barber's 100th BirthdayandOCP's Perelman Production of ORPHÉE ET EURYDICEStarring Ruxandra Donose and Maureen McKay
Philadelphia, PA: The Opera Company of Philadelphia announces a 2009-2010 Season line-up featuring five operas, including the East Coast Premiere of Tan Dun’s acclaimed contemporary opera Tea: A Mirror of Soul, conducted by the composer during opening weekend at the Academy of Music; Curtis Opera Theatre’s production of Antony and Cleopatra in celebration of Samuel Barber’s 100th birthday; and the Opera Company of Philadelphia Premiere of Gluck’s Orphée et Eurydice, which has not been seen in a professional production in Philadelphia since 1939. The season also includes the celebrated Jun Kaneko stage design for Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, and Verdi’s La traviata in a revival of the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s classic production.
“The 2009-2010 Season provides a number of entry points for opera enthusiasts of all levels,” says General and Artistic Director Robert B. Driver. “We’re excited to bring classics like Madama Butterfly and La traviata to our audiences, and we’ve blended those with the major East Coast Premiere of Tea and the lesser-known gems Orphée and Antony and Cleopatra. Having two theaters in Philadelphia – the Academy of Music and the Kimmel Center’s Perelman Theater – that are so ideally suited for the varying types of opera we provide is an important part of the equation, and we’ve seen over the past year that audiences are embracing innovative programming at the Perelman.”
Managing Director David B. Devan adds, “Last season, we joined forces with The Curtis Institute of Music and Kimmel Center Presents to bring Ainadamar to audiences at the Perelman Theater. That inaugural production was a resounding success, with our collaboration producing a sum that was greater than any one of us could have achieved on our own, so we’re very much looking forward to repeating that experience for both Wozzeck this March and Antony and Cleopatra in 2010.”
In an effort to make the season accessible for all opera enthusiasts, subscription prices for both theaters for the upcoming season will remain flat, and even see reductions in some areas. With three operas at the Academy of Music and two at the Perelman Theater, patrons may choose to subscribe to Opera at the Academy, Opera at the Perelman, or the full, five-opera season at a greater discount. Devan shares, “We are making every effort to be sensitive to people’s discretionary spending by creating series and pricing options which allow opera fans throughout the region to affordably keep opera as a part of their life.”
The Opera Company is also pleased to announce the renewal of Maestro Corrado Rovaris’s contract as Music Director through 2011, in a role named in honor of the late Jack Mulroney. The new title of this vital institutional position commemorates the immeasurable contributions of Mr. Mulroney, who served for many years as president of the Opera Company Board of Directors before assuming the role of Executive Director from 1998 until his passing in 2004. It also recognizes a leadership gift made by Mr. Mulroney’s widow, Agnes M. Mulroney, which is a key source of support for Maestro Rovaris’ continued tenure.
“Jack always understood and respected that delicate balance between the business and the artistic sides of opera,” shared General and Artistic Director Robert B. Driver. “He knew the important stride it represented for the company to bring an artist of Corrado Rovaris’s stature to Philadelphia in a consistent, key role. He was a steadfast supporter of nurturing outstanding artistry and musicianship, and so it is an extremely befitting legacy to name this position in his honor.”
OPERAS AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC
MADAMA BUTTERFLYGiacomo PucciniOctober 9, 11m, 14, 16 & 18m, 2009Performed in Italian with English translations at the Academy of Music
The Opera Company opens the 2009-2010 Season in October with Puccini’s beloved classic Madama Butterfly. The story of a beautiful and faithful Japanese girl who weds an American officer only to be met with heartache when he returns stateside and takes an American wife, Madama Butterfly features Puccini’s timeless, soaring, unforgettable melodies.
The production is designed by famed, contemporary artist Jun Kaneko, whose Fidelio at the Opera Company of Philadelphia was hailed as “the most visually striking production in its recent history,” (City Paper) and called “enthralling” by The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Butterfly production, originally designed for the opera company in Kaneko’s homebase of Omaha, was praised in Opera magazine for its “… mixture of old traditions and modern aesthetic that was visually daring while remaining true to the essence of the music and drama.”
Starring in the title role as Cio-Cio San is soprano Ermonela Jaho, who made her Opera Company of Philadelphia debut as Mimì in La bohème (2006) and returns as Liù in Turandot. Other recent roles include the title role of Anna Bolena in Paris and Lyon, France, Micaëla in Carmen with the Glyndebourne Festival and Violetta in La traviata at the Metropolitan Opera and Covent Garden.
As Lieutenant Pinkerton, tenor Roger Honeywell returns to the stage after starring opposite Jaho in La bohème. He spent the fall of 2008 in the role of Captain Nolan in Doctor Atomic at the Metropolitan Opera, and 2009 takes him to both l’Opéra de Montréal as Macduff in Macbeth and to Santa Fe Opera, where he sings Geoff Hammond in the World Premiere of The Letter.
Baritone Troy Cook (La bohème, 2006) sings the role of Sharpless, following recent performances as Marcello in Bohème with Florida Grand Opera and concert performances in Bilbao, Spain. As Suzuki, Butterfly’s faithful handmaiden, mezzo-soprano Maria Zifchak makes her Company debut. Her spring 2009 season is comprised of a number of roles at the Metropolitan Opera, including Suzuki, Albine in Thaïs, and Inez in Il trovatore. Tenor Joseph Gaines makes a Company debut, as well, singing the role of Goro, the marriage broker.
Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris conducts and American director Cynthia Stokes makes her Opera Company debut with this dramatic and eye-pleasing season opener. Stokes’ directing credits include Los Angeles Opera, Houston Grand Opera and San Diego Opera, and her theatrical credits include La Jolla Playhouse, New York Theatre workshop and others. The Opera Company is proud to partner once more with Locks Gallery on Washington Square.
EAST COAST PREMIERETEA: A Mirror of SoulTan DunFebruary 19, 21m, 24, 26 & 28m, 2010Performed in English at the Academy of Music
Enter a world of tradition, a world where basic elements like water and wind meet the exotic to create a mesmerizing tale of a noble quest. Seikyo, a former prince, has become a monk following a bitter love loss. He recounts the story of Lan, the princess who stole his heart, and their search together for a single book – The Book of Tea. Filled with treasured secrets and ancient wisdom, the book spurs a journey with a deadly conclusion.
Chinese composer Tan Dun, winner of both an Oscar® and a Grammy® Award for his soundtrack to the film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” combines Asian motifs with Western lyricism to create a spectacular landscape of sound. “Perhaps since Puccini and Bernstein there has been no one to write such grateful lines for singers,” raved Opera magazine in London. The work, which had its World Premiere in 2002 in Tokyo, received its American Premiere at the Santa Fe Opera Festival in 2007 in a production which received audience and critical acclaim. The Santa Fe Opera creative team, featuring director Amon Miyamoto, scenic designer Rumi Matsui and costume designer Masatomo Ota, brings this breathtaking production to Philadelphia for its important East Coast Premiere. Tan Dun conducts the opening weekend performances.
Starring as Seikyo is baritone Haijing Fu, who created the role in Tokyo and performed it subsequently in Amsterdam, Lyon and Santa Fe. He also created the role of the Chief Minister in Tan Dun’s The First Emperor at the Metropolitan Opera, where he has sung Germont in La traviata, Ford in Falstaff and Marcello in La bohème.
Princess Lan is sung by luminous soprano Kelly Kaduce, last seen at Opera Company of Philadelphia as Caroline Gaines in the East Coast Premiere of Margaret Garner. Recent performances include the title role of Madama Butterfly at Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the title role of Suor Angelica in Santiago, Chile.
Lan’s jealous brother The Prince is sung by tenor Roger Honeywell, who created the role for the American Premiere. As The Emperor, bass Kirk Eichelberger returns following his appearance as Don Fernando in Fidelio. Mezzo-soprano Nancy Maultsby, a frequent performer with Lyric Opera of Chicago, makes her Opera Company debut as Lu, the tea ritualist.
LA TRAVIATAGiuseppe VerdiMay 7, 9m, 12, 14 & 16m, 2010Performed in Italian with English translations at the Academy of Music
Verdi’s superb romantic tragedy represents the ultimate in grand opera and music theater experience. When Violetta, an elegant courtesan, falls in love with Alfredo, an infatuated young aristrocrat, their affair is doomed by the judgment of Parisian society. With a lavish set and gloriously lyric musical moments, La traviata is a favorite on operatic stages around the world.
As Violetta, soprano Leah Partridge makes her Opera Company of Philadelphia debut. Recent roles include Cleopatra in Giulio Cesare in Egitto with Florida Grand Opera and Gilda in Rigoletto with Deutsche Oper Berlin and Arizona Opera.
Her Alfredo is dashing tenor Charles Castronovo, also in his Company debut. He recently performed the role of Tom Rakewell in The Rake’s Progress with Royal Opera Covent Garden and Nadir in Washington National Opera’s The Pearl Fishers. His father, Germont, is sung by English baritone Mark Stone. In addition to taking the title role in the May 2009 Opera Company production of Gianni Schicchi, Stone also sang the role of Silvio in I Pagliacci and Enrico in Lucia di Lammermoor with English National Opera this season.
La traviata will be a revival of the celebrated Opera Company of Philadelphia production by director Robert B. Driver and designer Paul Shortt. Maestro Corrado Rovaris leads the Opera Company Orchestra.
OPERAS AT THE PERELMAN THEATER
Kimmel Center PresentsCurtis Opera Theatre’sANTONY AND CLEOPATRAin association with Opera Company of PhiladelphiaSamuel BarberPerformed in English at the Perelman TheaterMarch 17, 19 & 21m, 2010Starring the students of Curtis Opera Theatre
The love story of the ages, Antony and Cleopatra follows the tale of Marc Antony and Cleopatra as they weave their way through deception, political intrigue and passions as hot as the sands of Egypt. Premiered in 1966 at the Metropolitan Opera, Samuel Barber’s contemporary opera has garnered much praise in its 40-year performance history. With its melodic lines and lush orchestration, it was called, “a sign of Mr. Barber’s exceptional gifts that he could express such eloquent things by such simple means.” (New York Times) The Curtis Opera Theatre produces this important 20th-Century work in 2010 to commemorate the year when the composer – and Curtis Institute of Music alumnus – would have turned 100. Director Chas Rader-Shieber and designer David Zinn create a new production for the Perelman Theater.
“Samuel Barber, one of the great composers of the 20th century, was a Curtis alumnus,” shares Curtis Institute of Music Artistic Director of Vocal Studies Mikael Eliasen. “I am excited that the Curtis Opera Theatre and Orchestra will honor his centenary year of 2010 by presenting his opera Antony and Cleopatra in association with OCP and KCP.”
ORPHÉE & EURYDICEChristoph Willibald von GluckPerformed in French with English translations at the Perelman TheaterJune 19m, 23 & 25, 2010
Their love is so true and complete that not even death can come between Orphée and Eurydice in this hauntingly beautiful, age-old tale of the supernatural. When Eurydice leaves the living, Orphée is given the chance to bring her back from the Underworld with one condition – he must promise not to look at his beloved until they return to Earth. Opera Company of Philadelphia produces its second Perelman Theater production in June 2010 with this transcendent Gluck opera, orchestrated by Hector Berlioz.
Making her role debut in the pants role of Orphée is mezzo-soprano Ruxandra Donose, last seen in the title role of The Italian Girl in Algiers this season. This spring is spent primarily at Deutsche Oper Berlin where she performs pants roles as Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier and the Composer in Ariadne auf Naxos before taking a female turn in the title role of Cinderella.
In her debut as Eurydice is soprano Maureen McKay, whom Opera Company of Philadelphia audiences adored as Gretel in the 2007 production of Hansel and Gretel. Her recent performances include Lilla in Una cosa rara with Opera Theatre of St. Louis and Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro with Cleveland Opera.
Director Robert B. Driver teams up with Mexican designer Philippe Amand to create a new production for the Perelman Theater. Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris conducts.
CASTING DETAILS:
Cio-Cio San Ermonela Jaho Suzuki, her maid Maria Zifchak* B. F. Pinkerton Roger Honeywell Sharpless Troy Cook Goro Joseph Gaines*
Conductor Corrado RovarisDirector Cynthia Stokes*Set & Costume Design Jun KanekoLighting Design Drew Billiau
*Company debut
TEA: A Mirror of SoulTan DunFebruary 19, 21m, 24, 26 & 28m, 2010Performed in English at the Academy of Music
Seikyo Haijing Fu Lan Kelly Kaduce Prince Roger Honeywell Emperor Kirk Eichelberger Lu Nancy Maultsby*
Conductor Tan Dun* (Feb. 19 & 21) Director Amon Miyamoto*Set Design Rumi Matsui*Costume Design Masatomo Ota*Lighting Design Drew Billiau
Violetta Valéry Leah Partridge* Alfredo Germont Charles Castronovo*Giorgio Germont Mark Stone
Conductor Corrado Rovaris Director Robert B. DriverSet Design Paul ShorttCostume Design Richard St. Clair Lighting Design Drew Billiau
Kimmel Center PresentsCurtis Opera Theatre’sANTONY AND CLEOPATRASamuel BarberPerformed in English at the Perelman TheaterMarch 17, 19 & 21m, 2010Starring the students of Curtis Opera Theatre Director: Chas Rader-Shieber Set Design: David Zinn
ORPHÉE ET EURYDICEChristoph Willibald von Gluck(Berlioz edition)Performed in French with English translations at the Perelman TheaterJune 19m, 23 & 25, 2010
Orphée Ruxandra Donose Eurydice Maureen McKay
Conductor Corrado RovarisDirector Robert B. DriverSet Design Philippe Amand
ADDITIONAL OPERA COMPANY INFORMATION:
Madama Butterfly, Tea and La traviata take place at The Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets. Curtis Opera Theatre’s Antony & Cleopatra and OCP’s Orphée & Eurydice will 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.
To subscribe to Opera at the Academy, Opera at the Perelman, or a full-five series, call Opera Company Subscriber Services at 215-732-8400 or visit www.operaphila.org. Available remaining single tickets go on sale in August 2009.
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 and The Lenfest Foundation. Additional support is provided by Independence Foundation, Jacob Burns Foundation, Otto Haas Charitable Trust #2, and 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.
-##-
