In celebration of the only U.S. appearance of a vivid new Spanish production of Ainadamar, the Grammy Award-winning first opera from Argentinian composer Osvaldo Golijov (Feb. 7-16, 2014 at the Academy of Music), Opera Philadelphia will present an exciting array of dance programs, concert performances, films and lectures. The programs are presented with a variety of community partners, including The Barnes Foundation, Villanova University, Bryn Mawr Film Institute and Pasión y Arte.

Flamenco Dance Class

Presented by Pasión y Arte

Saturday, January 25, 2014, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Overbrook Garage Studio

6411 Overbrook Avenue,

Philadelphia

Cost: $15

Flamenco possesses a wide variety of melodies and rhythms that together can express the deepest and most complex essence of being human. Get your feet moving to the seductive rhythms of flamenco at this introductory class presented by Pasion y Arte! Registration required.

Between the Notes

Wednesday, January, 29, 2014, 12:00 pm

Opera Philadelphia Conference Room 1420 Locust Street,

Suite 230,

Philadelphia

Free

Learn more about Ainadamar in a discussion of flamenco music and dance by Elba Hevia y Vaca of Pasión y Arte. Also joining us will be noted local Lorca expert Dr. Salvatore Poeta of Villanova University, who will share information about Lorca the poet, his muse Margarita Xirgu, and his play Mariana Pineda. Finally, Opera Philadelphia artistic staff will discuss the opera’s music, production and cast. This event is open to Opera Philadelphia contributors of $100 or more. Reservations required via development@operaphila.org.

Mariana Pineda Film Screening

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Villanova University’s Connelly Center Cinema, 2:30-4:30 pm

Villanova University’s Driscoll Hall Auditorium 132, 7:00-9:30 pm

Free

As a prelude to the opera Ainadamar, explore Federico García Lorca and his works through two dynamic films, presented by the Romance Language Department of Villanova University. Mariana Pineda is a stunning flamenco interpretation of Lorca’s play, which is featured prominently throughout Ainadamar.

The Disappearance of García Lorca Film Screening

Friday, January 31, 2014

Connelly Center Cinema - 2:00-5:30 pm

Driscoll Hall Auditorium 132 - 8:00-10:30 pm

Free

As a prelude to the opera Ainadamar, explore Federico García Lorca and his works through two dynamic films, presented by the Romance Language Department of Villanova University. In Death in Granada: The Disappearance of García Lorca, a journalist (Esai Morales) starts an investigation into the disappearance of the famed poet and political agitator (Andy Garcia).

A Taste of Opera

Presented by Opera Philadelphia and The Barnes Foundation

Sunday, February 2, 2014, 3:00-4:00 pm 

The Barnes Foundation

2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia

Free

Join us for a celebration of Federico García Lorca at The Barnes Foundation. Selections from Osvaldo Golijov’s spectacular opera Ainadamar will be performed along with readings of Lorca’s poems by Dr. Salvatore Poeta of Villanova University, with a flamenco dance performance provided by Pasión y Arte. While the event is free and open to the public, The Barnes Foundation offers free timed tickets to view the famed collection through its Free First Sunday’s program on a first come-first served basis. Visit the Barnes website for information on tickets to the museum for this event. This special Taste of Opera program is offered in collaboration with Villanova University’s Romance Languages Department.

Opera Philadelphia at the Movies: Blood Wedding

Presented by Opera Philadelphia and Bryn Mawr Film Institute

February 4, 11 & 18, 2014, 7:00 pm

Bryn Mawr Film Institute

824 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

www.brynmawrfilm.org

A classic Spanish cinema masterpiece highlights the art of flamenco on film at Bryn Mawr Film Institute. Spanish director Carlos Saura created a sensation with his sexy and dramatic flamenco-themed films in the 1980s. In his captivating adaptation of Federico García Lorca’s dramatic play Blood Wedding, the tragic heroine, known only as La Novita (the Bride)is torn between love and duty. Part of Saura’s “Flamenco Trilogy,” this theatrical film blends ballet with flamenco dancing to embody the language and story of dance. Ticket prices per film: Adult - $10.50; Senior - $8.00; Student - $7.00; BMFI Member - $5.00.

Opera Overtures

February 7–16, 2014

Academy of Music

Opera ticketholders can warm up for Ainadamar with a pre-curtain lecture in the Academy of Music one hour before each performance. These free, informal talks will enhance your appreciation of all the operas you see this season. Free to all Ainadamar ticketholders for the day listed on your opera ticket.