Press Releases OPERA COMPANY OF PHILADELPHIA ANNOUNCES THE EXHILARATING 2007-2008 SEASON 07-31-2007 Embargoed For Release On:Tuesday, January 30, 2007Update: July 31, 2007 with production details Contact: Tracy C. Galligher215-893-3600, ext. 204galligher@operaphilly.com Opera Company of Philadelphia Announces the Exhilarating 2007-2008 Season Highlights include: *A classic, new production of Verdi’s Rigoletto opens the season,conceived by Director Robert B. Driver and Designer Paul Shortt, featuring the Company debuts of baritone Alan Opie, soprano Chen Reiss and tenor Matthew Polenzani with Music Director Corrado Rovaris conducting *The Opera Company Premiere of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, starring soprano Lauren Curnow, soprano Maureen McKay and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Roderer in the Maurice Sendak production *The East Coast Premiere of the New Opera Cyrano by David DiChiera with libretto by Bernard Uzan, in a lavish new production by John Pascoe and starring baritone Marian Pop, tenor Stephen Costello and soprano Evelyn Pollock *The return of Bellini’s Norma starring soprano Christine Goerke, mezzo-soprano Kristine Jepson, tenor Philip Webb and bass Eric Owens *Plus Subscriber Access to the Curtis Opera Theatre Philadelphia Premiere of Golijov’s Grammy-Winning Ainadamar, with Maestro Corrado Rovaris conducting Philadelphia, PA: General and Artistic Director Robert B. Driver announced the 2007-2008 Opera Company of Philadelphia Season today, featuring four unique productions, the East Coast Premiere of a new American opera, and an Opera Company of Philadelphia Premiere. The season opens on October 5th with Verdi’s Rigoletto, mounted in a beautiful new production set in its original, 16th-century Mantua locale. On November 14th, the Opera Company Premiere of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel takes the stage as the first professionally-staged production of the work in Philadelphia in 40 years. February 2008 brings the East Coast Premiere and new co-production of Cyrano, a new opera by composer David DiChiera. The season closes in April 2008 with Bellini’s bel canto tour-de-force Norma. “We’re very excited about the variety of opera we’re producing in the upcoming season,” shared Robert Driver. “We are again helping to realize a new addition to the operatic repertoire along with our partners in Michigan and Florida with Cyrano; we are producing Philadelphia’s first professional, staged production of Hansel and Gretel in 40 years to kick off the holiday season; we have two works in Italian, one in German and another in French; and grandscale, new productions. Combined with an extremely high caliber of artists and designers, we hope that Philadelphia’s opera lovers will be eager to experience all that 2007-2008 has to offer.” The upcoming season also realizes an important goal of the Opera Company: the separation of the two fall productions, which have overlapped in the previous four seasons. “We always listen to subscriber feedback and work to correct issues wherever possible,” Driver said. “We’re pleased that we’ve been able to move the fall operas one month apart so that there is now more balance in the season schedule.” The 2007-2008 Season will feature an Opening Night Gala on October 5, 2007. Debuting artists in the 2007-2008 Season include sopranos Maureen McKay, Heidi Melton and Chen Reiss; mezzo-sopranos Kristine Jepson and Jennifer Roderer; tenors Stephen Costello, Matthew Polenzani and Philip Webb; baritones Alan Opie, Marian Pop and Daniel Teadt; and designers John Pascoe and Maurice Sendak. Returning artists in the 2007-2008 Season include sopranos Lauren Curnow, Kiera Duffy, Christine Goerke, Kristine Biller Mattson and Evelyn Pollock; mezzo-soprano Kirstin Chávez; tenor Mark T. Panuccio; baritone Michael Mayes; basses Eric Owens, Julian Rodescu and Peter Volpe; Maestro Stefan Lano; directors Kay Walker Castaldo, Dorothy Danner and Bernard Uzan; and designers John Conklin and Paul Shortt. RIGOLETTOBy Giuseppe VerdiA NEW PRODUCTION!October 5, 7m, 10, 12, 14m & 17, 2007Sung in Italian with English translations A beautiful new production of Verdi’s masterpiece opens the season, set in its original, 16th-century Mantua locale. When Rigoletto, the hunchbacked court jester, sees his beloved daughter Gilda become prey for the lecherous Duke, a murderous plot unfolds that can only lead to a dramatic and tragic climax. From its striking overture and rousing choral music, to arias like the breathtaking “Caro nome” and “La donna è mobile” which have become the very hallmark of Italian opera, Rigoletto is a favorite for the opera buff and the novice alike. Three exciting Philadelphia debuts ring in the new season. Renowned English baritone Alan Opie, a seasoned Verdi voice who has sung leading roles with Royal Opera Covent Garden, Paris National Opera and the Metropolitan Opera, makes his Opera Company debut in the title role. The role of his daughter is sung by Israeli-born soprano Chen Reiss, whom Opera News calls “… a stunning Gilda.” Ms. Reiss has sung on stages from New York’s Carnegie Hall to Milan’s La Scala, and makes her Philadelphia debut this fall. Completing the star trio is tenor Matthew Polenzani, who spent last fall singing Romeo in Romeo and Juliet at Lyric Opera of Chicago, before performing back-to-back Metropolitan Opera performances as Tamino in the family production of The Magic Flute and David in the March performances of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. Polenzani makes his first Philadelphia appearance as the Duke. Mezzo-soprano Kirstin Chávez (The Marriage of Figaro, ’06) returns to sing the role of Maddalena, with bass Julian Rodescu (I Puritani, ’95) as Sparafucile. A grand, new production is being designed by Paul Shortt, whose previous OCP productions include La traviata and The Italian Girl in Algiers. He teams up with Director Robert B. Driver, and Maestro Corrado Rovaris, fresh from his performances at the Santa Fe Opera during the summer, conducts. Lighting is designed by Drew Billiau with costume direction by Richard St. Clair. HANSEL AND GRETELBy Engelbert HumperdinckAn Opera Company of Philadelphia Premiere!November 14, 16, 18m, 23 & 25m, 2007Performed in German with English translations In November, the first fully-staged professional production of Humperdinck’s classic Hansel and Gretel to come to Philadelphia in almost 40 years delights audiences and sets the stage for the holiday season. This lushly orchestrated operatic version of the children’s fairytale is performed in German, and set in a whimsical world created by award-winning children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, designer of the sets and costumes. Starring in the “pants role” of Hansel in her return to Philadelphia is soprano Lauren Curnow (Carmen, ’02) A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Curnow has been a favorite artist at the Lyric Opera of Chicago where she starred in their recent Die Fledermaus, and also sang the Fox in The Cunning Little Vixen. Her Gretel is soprano Maureen McKay, a graduate of Seattle Opera’s Young Artist Program who recently made a successful New York City Opera debut as Despina in Mozart’s Così fan tutte. Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Roderer, who had great success as the Witch in performances with New York City Opera and the Phoenix Symphony, makes her OCP debut in a departure from Wagnerian roles such as Fricka in Teatro Colon’s Die Walküre and Waltraute for Lyric Opera of Chicago and Seattle Opera. Hansel and Gretel’s parents are sung by two exciting young artists: soprano Heidi Melton is Gertrude, and baritone Michael Mayes is Peter. Melton is an alumna of the Curtis Institute of Music and a San Francisco Opera Adler Fellowship artist, and makes her Company debut. Mayes, who sang a supporting role in Margaret Garner (2006), was integrally involved in workshops of that opera and went on to sing the role of Edward Gaines with Opera Carolina. Soprano Kristine Biller Mattson (Grand Duchess of Gerolstein, ’04) returns as the Sandman, with soprano Kiera Duffy (Cinderella, ’06) as the Dewfairy. Director Dorothy Danner (The Grand Duchess, ’04) returns and teams up with Lighting Designer Drew Billiau and Music Director Corrado Rovaris. The opera features the Commonwealth Youthchoirs, Inc., with the Keystone State Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir. CYRANOBy David DiChieraLibretto by Bernard UzanThe East Coast Premiere of a New Opera!February 8, 10m, 13, 15 & 17m, 2008Performed in French with English translations February of 2008 brings another East Coast Premiere and the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s continuing commitment to producing American repertoire. One of the great romantic works of literature finds an exhilarating operatic voice in the new opera Cyrano, which the Opera Company of Philadelphia presents in an original co-production. Cyrano, a swashbuckling, larger-than-life Frenchman who is equally adept with both sword and pen, is not blessed with the good looks of young, shy Christian -- but they are both in love with the beautiful Roxane. When Cyrano agrees to help Christian find the words to profess his feelings, he makes himself a heartbroken accomplice to their love. Grand orchestration and flawless melodies are performed against the backdrop of a magnificent, period French production -- and Philadelphia is the only place you can see this historic East Coast Premiere. Starring in the title role is Romanian baritone Marian Pop, making his Opera Company debut. A frequent guest artist throughout Germany and with the Vienna State Opera, Pop’s signature roles include the Count in The Marriage of Figaro and Figaro in The Barber of Seville. Two Academy of Vocal Arts alumni co-star: tenor Stephen Costello as Christian, and soprano Evelyn Pollock as Roxane. Costello, who has sung numerous leading roles with the Academy of Vocal Arts, has recently appeared with Teatro Regio Torino and with Opéra National de Bordeaux; Pollock, whom audiences met as Nannetta in Falstaff earlier this year, has performance credits as Gilda in Rigoletto and in the title role of Lucrezia Borgia with Minnesota Opera, and as the lead heroine in Romeo and Juliet with Michigan Opera Theatre. Bass Peter Volpe (The Magic Flute, ’01) sings the role of DeGuiche, with baritone Daniel Teadt in his Company debut as Lebret. Tenor Mark T. Panuccio, who appeared as Dr. Caius in Falstaff at the close of the 2006-07 Season, returns as Ragueneau. Bernard Uzan (Andrea Chenier, ’97) directs this grand and lavish, period French production, designed by acclaimed Set and Costume Designer John Pascoe, and conducted by Maestro Stefan Lano (Porgy and Bess, ’07). Cyrano is a co-production with Michigan Opera Theatre and Florida Grand Opera. NORMABy Vincenzo BelliniApril 4, 6m, 9, 13m, 16 & 18, 2008Performed in Italian with English translations The season closes in April with perhaps the ultimate bel canto masterpiece, Bellini’s Norma. An opera lover’s dream, Norma is rife with dramatic moments and music that leaps from the orchestra pit. Druid priestess Norma has broken her vows of chastity and had two children by opposing Roman consul Pollione. Norma urges her Druid people not to war against Rome – until she learns that Pollione is in love with the virgin Adalgisa. Tour-de-force arias such as “Casta Diva” make Norma an opera not to be missed. Norma stars powerhouse international soprano Christine Goerke in the title role, whom audiences first heard as Rosalinde in OCP’s 2005 production of Die Fledermaus and who returned last May as Alice Ford in Falstaff. The Seattle Weekly praised her debut as Norma, saying, “Christine Goerke.... turned up the emotional heat a bit higher in each act.” As her Pollione, lyric tenor Philip Webb makes his Company debut. Webb’s appearances during the 2007-2008 Season include Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly and Rodolfo in La bohème with Vienna State Opera, and Calaf in Atlanta Opera’s Turandot. Norma also features mezzo-soprano Kristine Jepson. Jepson, whose season highlights include Idamante in Idomeneo at the Metropolitan Opera, the Composer in Ariadne auf Naxos and Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier at the SemperOper in Dresden, and her debut at Seattle opera as Sesto in Handel’s Giulio Cesare, makes her Opera Company debut. Starring beside them as Oroveso is bass Eric Owens, whose creation of the title role in Grendel with Los Angeles Opera and the Lincoln Center Festival during 2006 made headlines around the globe. Music Director Corrado Rovaris returns to the podium, with Kay Walker Castaldo (The Pearl Fishers, ’04) directing a John Conklin-designed production. Lighting Designer Boyd Ostroff and Costume Director Richard St. Clair complete the creative team. Additional Performance Kimmel Center Presents Curtis Opera Theatre’s Production ofGolijov’s AINADAMAR, in association with the Opera Company of Philadelphia In March 2008, one of opera’s most talked-about contemporary works makes its Philadelphia Premiere when Osvaldo Golijov’s Grammy-winning opera Ainadamar is produced by the celebrated artists of Curtis Opera Theatre, training ground for many of today’s most acclaimed operatic voices. With only four performances in a fully-staged, new production at the Kimmel Center’s intimate Perelman Theater, Opera Company of Philadelphia subscribers have exclusive access to this much-anticipated, limited availability classical music event. March 14, 15 and 16, 2008. Conductor: Corrado Rovaris. Director: Chas Rader-Shieber. Designer: David Zinn. Subscribers should purchase tickets through the Opera Company of Philadelphia. Single tickets available with Ticket Philadelphia, 215-893-1999. CASTING INFORMATION RIGOLETTOBy Giuseppe VerdiA NEW PRODUCTIONOctober 5, 7m, 10, 12, 14m & 17, 2007Sung in Italian with English translations Rigoletto Alan Opie*Gilda Chen Reiss*Duke of Mantua Matthew Polenzani*Sparafucile Julian Rodescu Maddalena Kirstin ChávezMonterone Kirk Eichelberger*Marullo Dimitrie LazichBorsa Dominic Armstrong*Count Ceprano DeAndre SimmonsCountess Ceprano Amanda Majeski*Giovanna Allison Sanders Conductor Corrado RovarisDirector Robert B. DriverSet Design Paul ShorttLighting Design Drew BilliauCostume Direction Richard St. Clair HANSEL AND GRETELBy Engelbert HumperdinckAn Opera Company of Philadelphia PremiereNovember 14, 16, 18m, 23 & 25m, 2007Performed in German with English translations Hansel Lauren Curnow Gretel Maureen McKay* Witch Jennifer Roderer* Peter Michael Mayes Gertrude Heidi Melton* Sandman Kristine Biller Mattson Dewfairy Kiera Duffy Conductor Corrado RovarisDirector Dorothy DannerSet & Costume Design Maurice Sendak*Lighting Design Drew BilliauCostume Direction Richard St. ClairAssoc. Set & Costume Design Peter Hauser* Featuring the Commonwealth Youthchoirs, Inc., with Keystone State Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir. Production from Indianapolis Opera Original co-production for Houston Grand Opera, San Diego Opera and Indianapolis Opera. Original production by Frank Corsaro. CYRANOBy David DiChieraLibretto by Bernard UzanThe East Coast Premiere of a New OperaFebruary 8, 10m, 13, 15 & 17m, 2008Performed in French with English translations Cyrano Marian Pop* Roxane Evelyn Pollock Christian Stephen Costello* DeGuiche Peter Volpe Lebret Daniel Teadt*Ragueneau Mark T. PanuccioDuègne Gloria Parker*Marquis de Cuigy/Capucin Torrance Blaisdell*Montfleury Bernard Uzan Conductor Stefan LanoDirector Bernard UzanSet & Costume Design John Pascoe*Lighting Design Don Thomas* NORMABy Vincenzo BelliniApril 4, 6m, 9, 13m, 16 & 18, 2008Performed in Italian with English translations Norma Christine Goerke Adalgisa Kristine Jepson* Pollione Philip Webb* Oroveso Eric Owens Clotilde Allison Sanders Flavio Dominic Armstrong Conductor Corrado RovarisDirector Kay Walker CastaldoDesigner John ConklinLighting Design Boyd OstroffCostume Design Richard St. Clair Production from Cincinnati Opera ADDITIONAL OPERA COMPANY INFORMATION: The Opera Company of Philadelphia presents an Opening Night Gala surrounding the October 5th, 2007 Season Opening performance of Rigoletto. For information about this special evening, call the Opera Company’s development office at 215-893-3600, ext. 213. All performances take place at The Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets. Performance times: Wednesday at 7:30pm; Fridays at 8:00pm; Sunday matinees are at 2:30pm. To subscribe to all four operas, call Opera Company Subscriber Services at 215-732-8400 or visit www.operaphila.org. Available remaining single tickets go on sale in August 2007, and are priced from $7 - $205. ADVANTA is proud to be the Season Sponsor of the Opera Company of Philadelphia since 1993. Montgomery, McCracken, Walker and Rhoads, LLP is the Fall 2007 Presenting Sponsor. US Airways is the official airline of the Opera Company. Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue is the official hotel of the Opera Company.YAMAHA is the official piano of the Opera Company. Burdumy Motors Incorporated is the official automotive dealership of the Opera Company. Hansel and Gretel is made possible, in part, by a generous grant from The Jacob Burns Foundation.Additional funding for Cyrano is provided by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation. 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. 2007-2008 Individual Performance Sponsors: Advanta, PNC Bank, Wyeth, Wachovia Wealth Management, KPMG, the Pennsylvania Trust Company, Sunoco, Inc. -##-
Press Releases
Embargoed For Release On:Tuesday, January 30, 2007Update: July 31, 2007 with production details
Contact: Tracy C. Galligher215-893-3600, ext. 204galligher@operaphilly.com
Opera Company of Philadelphia Announces the Exhilarating 2007-2008 Season
Highlights include:
*A classic, new production of Verdi’s Rigoletto opens the season,conceived by Director Robert B. Driver and Designer Paul Shortt, featuring the Company debuts of baritone Alan Opie, soprano Chen Reiss and tenor Matthew Polenzani with Music Director Corrado Rovaris conducting
*The Opera Company Premiere of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel, starring soprano Lauren Curnow, soprano Maureen McKay and mezzo-soprano Jennifer Roderer in the Maurice Sendak production
*The East Coast Premiere of the New Opera Cyrano by David DiChiera with libretto by Bernard Uzan, in a lavish new production by John Pascoe and starring baritone Marian Pop, tenor Stephen Costello and soprano Evelyn Pollock
*The return of Bellini’s Norma starring soprano Christine Goerke, mezzo-soprano Kristine Jepson, tenor Philip Webb and bass Eric Owens
*Plus Subscriber Access to the Curtis Opera Theatre Philadelphia Premiere of Golijov’s Grammy-Winning Ainadamar, with Maestro Corrado Rovaris conducting
Philadelphia, PA: General and Artistic Director Robert B. Driver announced the 2007-2008 Opera Company of Philadelphia Season today, featuring four unique productions, the East Coast Premiere of a new American opera, and an Opera Company of Philadelphia Premiere.
The season opens on October 5th with Verdi’s Rigoletto, mounted in a beautiful new production set in its original, 16th-century Mantua locale. On November 14th, the Opera Company Premiere of Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel takes the stage as the first professionally-staged production of the work in Philadelphia in 40 years. February 2008 brings the East Coast Premiere and new co-production of Cyrano, a new opera by composer David DiChiera. The season closes in April 2008 with Bellini’s bel canto tour-de-force Norma.
“We’re very excited about the variety of opera we’re producing in the upcoming season,” shared Robert Driver. “We are again helping to realize a new addition to the operatic repertoire along with our partners in Michigan and Florida with Cyrano; we are producing Philadelphia’s first professional, staged production of Hansel and Gretel in 40 years to kick off the holiday season; we have two works in Italian, one in German and another in French; and grandscale, new productions. Combined with an extremely high caliber of artists and designers, we hope that Philadelphia’s opera lovers will be eager to experience all that 2007-2008 has to offer.”
The upcoming season also realizes an important goal of the Opera Company: the separation of the two fall productions, which have overlapped in the previous four seasons. “We always listen to subscriber feedback and work to correct issues wherever possible,” Driver said. “We’re pleased that we’ve been able to move the fall operas one month apart so that there is now more balance in the season schedule.”
The 2007-2008 Season will feature an Opening Night Gala on October 5, 2007.
Debuting artists in the 2007-2008 Season include sopranos Maureen McKay, Heidi Melton and Chen Reiss; mezzo-sopranos Kristine Jepson and Jennifer Roderer; tenors Stephen Costello, Matthew Polenzani and Philip Webb; baritones Alan Opie, Marian Pop and Daniel Teadt; and designers John Pascoe and Maurice Sendak.
Returning artists in the 2007-2008 Season include sopranos Lauren Curnow, Kiera Duffy, Christine Goerke, Kristine Biller Mattson and Evelyn Pollock; mezzo-soprano Kirstin Chávez; tenor Mark T. Panuccio; baritone Michael Mayes; basses Eric Owens, Julian Rodescu and Peter Volpe; Maestro Stefan Lano; directors Kay Walker Castaldo, Dorothy Danner and Bernard Uzan; and designers John Conklin and Paul Shortt.
RIGOLETTOBy Giuseppe VerdiA NEW PRODUCTION!October 5, 7m, 10, 12, 14m & 17, 2007Sung in Italian with English translations
A beautiful new production of Verdi’s masterpiece opens the season, set in its original, 16th-century Mantua locale. When Rigoletto, the hunchbacked court jester, sees his beloved daughter Gilda become prey for the lecherous Duke, a murderous plot unfolds that can only lead to a dramatic and tragic climax. From its striking overture and rousing choral music, to arias like the breathtaking “Caro nome” and “La donna è mobile” which have become the very hallmark of Italian opera, Rigoletto is a favorite for the opera buff and the novice alike. Three exciting Philadelphia debuts ring in the new season. Renowned English baritone Alan Opie, a seasoned Verdi voice who has sung leading roles with Royal Opera Covent Garden, Paris National Opera and the Metropolitan Opera, makes his Opera Company debut in the title role. The role of his daughter is sung by Israeli-born soprano Chen Reiss, whom Opera News calls “… a stunning Gilda.” Ms. Reiss has sung on stages from New York’s Carnegie Hall to Milan’s La Scala, and makes her Philadelphia debut this fall.
Completing the star trio is tenor Matthew Polenzani, who spent last fall singing Romeo in Romeo and Juliet at Lyric Opera of Chicago, before performing back-to-back Metropolitan Opera performances as Tamino in the family production of The Magic Flute and David in the March performances of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg. Polenzani makes his first Philadelphia appearance as the Duke.
Mezzo-soprano Kirstin Chávez (The Marriage of Figaro, ’06) returns to sing the role of Maddalena, with bass Julian Rodescu (I Puritani, ’95) as Sparafucile.
A grand, new production is being designed by Paul Shortt, whose previous OCP productions include La traviata and The Italian Girl in Algiers. He teams up with Director Robert B. Driver, and Maestro Corrado Rovaris, fresh from his performances at the Santa Fe Opera during the summer, conducts. Lighting is designed by Drew Billiau with costume direction by Richard St. Clair.
HANSEL AND GRETELBy Engelbert HumperdinckAn Opera Company of Philadelphia Premiere!November 14, 16, 18m, 23 & 25m, 2007Performed in German with English translations
In November, the first fully-staged professional production of Humperdinck’s classic Hansel and Gretel to come to Philadelphia in almost 40 years delights audiences and sets the stage for the holiday season. This lushly orchestrated operatic version of the children’s fairytale is performed in German, and set in a whimsical world created by award-winning children’s author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, designer of the sets and costumes.
Starring in the “pants role” of Hansel in her return to Philadelphia is soprano Lauren Curnow (Carmen, ’02) A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Curnow has been a favorite artist at the Lyric Opera of Chicago where she starred in their recent Die Fledermaus, and also sang the Fox in The Cunning Little Vixen. Her Gretel is soprano Maureen McKay, a graduate of Seattle Opera’s Young Artist Program who recently made a successful New York City Opera debut as Despina in Mozart’s Così fan tutte. Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Roderer, who had great success as the Witch in performances with New York City Opera and the Phoenix Symphony, makes her OCP debut in a departure from Wagnerian roles such as Fricka in Teatro Colon’s Die Walküre and Waltraute for Lyric Opera of Chicago and Seattle Opera.
Hansel and Gretel’s parents are sung by two exciting young artists: soprano Heidi Melton is Gertrude, and baritone Michael Mayes is Peter. Melton is an alumna of the Curtis Institute of Music and a San Francisco Opera Adler Fellowship artist, and makes her Company debut. Mayes, who sang a supporting role in Margaret Garner (2006), was integrally involved in workshops of that opera and went on to sing the role of Edward Gaines with Opera Carolina. Soprano Kristine Biller Mattson (Grand Duchess of Gerolstein, ’04) returns as the Sandman, with soprano Kiera Duffy (Cinderella, ’06) as the Dewfairy.
Director Dorothy Danner (The Grand Duchess, ’04) returns and teams up with Lighting Designer Drew Billiau and Music Director Corrado Rovaris. The opera features the Commonwealth Youthchoirs, Inc., with the Keystone State Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir.
CYRANOBy David DiChieraLibretto by Bernard UzanThe East Coast Premiere of a New Opera!February 8, 10m, 13, 15 & 17m, 2008Performed in French with English translations
February of 2008 brings another East Coast Premiere and the Opera Company of Philadelphia’s continuing commitment to producing American repertoire. One of the great romantic works of literature finds an exhilarating operatic voice in the new opera Cyrano, which the Opera Company of Philadelphia presents in an original co-production. Cyrano, a swashbuckling, larger-than-life Frenchman who is equally adept with both sword and pen, is not blessed with the good looks of young, shy Christian -- but they are both in love with the beautiful Roxane. When Cyrano agrees to help Christian find the words to profess his feelings, he makes himself a heartbroken accomplice to their love. Grand orchestration and flawless melodies are performed against the backdrop of a magnificent, period French production -- and Philadelphia is the only place you can see this historic East Coast Premiere.
Starring in the title role is Romanian baritone Marian Pop, making his Opera Company debut. A frequent guest artist throughout Germany and with the Vienna State Opera, Pop’s signature roles include the Count in The Marriage of Figaro and Figaro in The Barber of Seville. Two Academy of Vocal Arts alumni co-star: tenor Stephen Costello as Christian, and soprano Evelyn Pollock as Roxane. Costello, who has sung numerous leading roles with the Academy of Vocal Arts, has recently appeared with Teatro Regio Torino and with Opéra National de Bordeaux; Pollock, whom audiences met as Nannetta in Falstaff earlier this year, has performance credits as Gilda in Rigoletto and in the title role of Lucrezia Borgia with Minnesota Opera, and as the lead heroine in Romeo and Juliet with Michigan Opera Theatre.
Bass Peter Volpe (The Magic Flute, ’01) sings the role of DeGuiche, with baritone Daniel Teadt in his Company debut as Lebret. Tenor Mark T. Panuccio, who appeared as Dr. Caius in Falstaff at the close of the 2006-07 Season, returns as Ragueneau.
Bernard Uzan (Andrea Chenier, ’97) directs this grand and lavish, period French production, designed by acclaimed Set and Costume Designer John Pascoe, and conducted by Maestro Stefan Lano (Porgy and Bess, ’07). Cyrano is a co-production with Michigan Opera Theatre and Florida Grand Opera.
NORMABy Vincenzo BelliniApril 4, 6m, 9, 13m, 16 & 18, 2008Performed in Italian with English translations
The season closes in April with perhaps the ultimate bel canto masterpiece, Bellini’s Norma. An opera lover’s dream, Norma is rife with dramatic moments and music that leaps from the orchestra pit. Druid priestess Norma has broken her vows of chastity and had two children by opposing Roman consul Pollione. Norma urges her Druid people not to war against Rome – until she learns that Pollione is in love with the virgin Adalgisa. Tour-de-force arias such as “Casta Diva” make Norma an opera not to be missed.
Norma stars powerhouse international soprano Christine Goerke in the title role, whom audiences first heard as Rosalinde in OCP’s 2005 production of Die Fledermaus and who returned last May as Alice Ford in Falstaff.
The Seattle Weekly praised her debut as Norma, saying, “Christine Goerke.... turned up the emotional heat a bit higher in each act.” As her Pollione, lyric tenor Philip Webb makes his Company debut. Webb’s appearances during the 2007-2008 Season include Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly and Rodolfo in La bohème with Vienna State Opera, and Calaf in Atlanta Opera’s Turandot.
Norma also features mezzo-soprano Kristine Jepson. Jepson, whose season highlights include Idamante in Idomeneo at the Metropolitan Opera, the Composer in Ariadne auf Naxos and Octavian in Der Rosenkavalier at the SemperOper in Dresden, and her debut at Seattle opera as Sesto in Handel’s Giulio Cesare, makes her Opera Company debut. Starring beside them as Oroveso is bass Eric Owens, whose creation of the title role in Grendel with Los Angeles Opera and the Lincoln Center Festival during 2006 made headlines around the globe. Music Director Corrado Rovaris returns to the podium, with Kay Walker Castaldo (The Pearl Fishers, ’04) directing a John Conklin-designed production. Lighting Designer Boyd Ostroff and Costume Director Richard St. Clair complete the creative team.
Additional Performance
Kimmel Center Presents Curtis Opera Theatre’s Production ofGolijov’s AINADAMAR, in association with the Opera Company of Philadelphia
In March 2008, one of opera’s most talked-about contemporary works makes its Philadelphia Premiere when Osvaldo Golijov’s Grammy-winning opera Ainadamar is produced by the celebrated artists of Curtis Opera Theatre, training ground for many of today’s most acclaimed operatic voices. With only four performances in a fully-staged, new production at the Kimmel Center’s intimate Perelman Theater, Opera Company of Philadelphia subscribers have exclusive access to this much-anticipated, limited availability classical music event. March 14, 15 and 16, 2008. Conductor: Corrado Rovaris. Director: Chas Rader-Shieber. Designer: David Zinn. Subscribers should purchase tickets through the Opera Company of Philadelphia. Single tickets available with Ticket Philadelphia, 215-893-1999.
CASTING INFORMATION
RIGOLETTOBy Giuseppe VerdiA NEW PRODUCTIONOctober 5, 7m, 10, 12, 14m & 17, 2007Sung in Italian with English translations
Rigoletto Alan Opie*Gilda Chen Reiss*Duke of Mantua Matthew Polenzani*Sparafucile Julian Rodescu Maddalena Kirstin ChávezMonterone Kirk Eichelberger*Marullo Dimitrie LazichBorsa Dominic Armstrong*Count Ceprano DeAndre SimmonsCountess Ceprano Amanda Majeski*Giovanna Allison Sanders
Conductor Corrado RovarisDirector Robert B. DriverSet Design Paul ShorttLighting Design Drew BilliauCostume Direction Richard St. Clair
HANSEL AND GRETELBy Engelbert HumperdinckAn Opera Company of Philadelphia PremiereNovember 14, 16, 18m, 23 & 25m, 2007Performed in German with English translations
Hansel Lauren Curnow Gretel Maureen McKay* Witch Jennifer Roderer* Peter Michael Mayes Gertrude Heidi Melton* Sandman Kristine Biller Mattson Dewfairy Kiera Duffy
Conductor Corrado RovarisDirector Dorothy DannerSet & Costume Design Maurice Sendak*Lighting Design Drew BilliauCostume Direction Richard St. ClairAssoc. Set & Costume Design Peter Hauser*
Featuring the Commonwealth Youthchoirs, Inc., with Keystone State Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir.
Production from Indianapolis Opera Original co-production for Houston Grand Opera, San Diego Opera and Indianapolis Opera. Original production by Frank Corsaro.
CYRANOBy David DiChieraLibretto by Bernard UzanThe East Coast Premiere of a New OperaFebruary 8, 10m, 13, 15 & 17m, 2008Performed in French with English translations
Cyrano Marian Pop* Roxane Evelyn Pollock Christian Stephen Costello* DeGuiche Peter Volpe Lebret Daniel Teadt*Ragueneau Mark T. PanuccioDuègne Gloria Parker*Marquis de Cuigy/Capucin Torrance Blaisdell*Montfleury Bernard Uzan
Conductor Stefan LanoDirector Bernard UzanSet & Costume Design John Pascoe*Lighting Design Don Thomas*
Norma Christine Goerke Adalgisa Kristine Jepson* Pollione Philip Webb* Oroveso Eric Owens Clotilde Allison Sanders Flavio Dominic Armstrong
Conductor Corrado RovarisDirector Kay Walker CastaldoDesigner John ConklinLighting Design Boyd OstroffCostume Design Richard St. Clair
Production from Cincinnati Opera
ADDITIONAL OPERA COMPANY INFORMATION:
The Opera Company of Philadelphia presents an Opening Night Gala surrounding the October 5th, 2007 Season Opening performance of Rigoletto. For information about this special evening, call the Opera Company’s development office at 215-893-3600, ext. 213.
All performances take place at The Academy of Music, Broad and Locust Streets. Performance times: Wednesday at 7:30pm; Fridays at 8:00pm; Sunday matinees are at 2:30pm.
To subscribe to all four operas, call Opera Company Subscriber Services at 215-732-8400 or visit www.operaphila.org.
Available remaining single tickets go on sale in August 2007, and are priced from $7 - $205.
ADVANTA is proud to be the Season Sponsor of the Opera Company of Philadelphia since 1993.
Montgomery, McCracken, Walker and Rhoads, LLP is the Fall 2007 Presenting Sponsor.
US Airways is the official airline of the Opera Company. Park Hyatt Philadelphia at the Bellevue is the official hotel of the Opera Company.YAMAHA is the official piano of the Opera Company. Burdumy Motors Incorporated is the official automotive dealership of the Opera Company.
Hansel and Gretel is made possible, in part, by a generous grant from The Jacob Burns Foundation.Additional funding for Cyrano is provided by the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation.
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.
2007-2008 Individual Performance Sponsors: Advanta, PNC Bank, Wyeth, Wachovia Wealth Management, KPMG, the Pennsylvania Trust Company, Sunoco, Inc.
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