The Dallas Opera Hart Institute for Women Conductors Update
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014
suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org
Changing the Face of Classical Music
The Dallas Opera Hart Institute
For Women Conductors
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Celebrating 5 Years of Transformational Success
OCTOBER 27 – NOVEMBER 9, 2019
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Outstanding New Faculty include: Ana De Archuleta,
Elizabeth Buccheri, Rona Eastwood, Julia Lagahuzère,
Sophie Joyce, Lee Anne Myslewski, and Dmitry Vdovin
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In Partnership with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s
Women in Classical Music Symposium
DALLAS, OCTOBER 9, 2019 – The Dallas Opera is preparing to host twelve distinguished professionals (six conductors, three administrators, and three American Observers) selected to participate in the fifth annual residency of the Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera taking place Oct. 27 – Nov. 9, 2019 in Dallas, Texas. The six conductors are:
- Tiffany Chang (USA)
- Jane Kim (USA) a 2019 Hart Institute Observer replacing Jiannen Cheng of China, who experienced delays in obtaining a U.S. visa.
- Tamara Dworetz (USA)
- Marta Kluczyńska (Poland)
- Madeline Tsai (Taiwan)
- Molly Turner (USA)
Seeking to address a long-standing issue of gender-imbalance at the podium, The Dallas Opera in 2015 launched a unique multifaceted program—one of a handful in the world—designed to provide training and career support for distinctively talented women conductors on the cusp of major international careers.
“I was beyond thrilled to hear of my acceptance to the 2019 Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute” wrote U.S. participant Tamara Dworetz. “The opportunity to learn from world-class conductors, instrumentalists, opera singers and leaders will strengthen my skills and broaden my dimensionalism as a conductor while bolstering my career and professional network; I cannot thank Linda and Mitch Hart and The Dallas Opera enough for initiating and supporting this progressive and powerfully impactful program.”
Ian Derrer, The Dallas Opera’s Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO explains: “Providing career advancement opportunities makes it possible for these talented women to compete for top-level positions in classical music. This is one of the most important contributions we could make to this art form, and it will be needed for years to come. After five years, the support and passion of the TDO Family burns brighter than ever.”
A total of 90 women conductors and professional musicians heeded the call in 2019, despite even more stringent admissions requirements initiated last year. Applicants from 27 countries included music directors, principal and assistant conductors, concertmasters and music staff from top-ranked symphonies, opera companies, and conservatories.
“Even for the most talented artists, a journey to the forefront of the conducting profession is difficult, and particularly so for women,” wrote Taiwanese conductor Madeline Tsai. “The Dallas Opera’s Linda and Mitch Hart Institute gives its residents a strong gust of wind forward as they sail toward their dreams on the horizon.
“I am immensely grateful and honored for this incredible opportunity to learn from an amazing faculty and other talented artists at the Institute.”
As is the case each year, talented U.S. Observers were chosen to audit the 2019 Institute: Rebecca Henry, Sarah Klein and Rachel Waddell.
Reserved seating for the 2019 Hart Institute Showcase Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2019 is available for $25 or $50 per person (depending on the section) and can be purchased through The Dallas Opera Ticket Office at 214.443.1000 or by visiting dallasopera.org/harttickets.
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The Dallas Opera Hart Institute in 2019 will consist of hands-on master classes with the Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director, Emmanuel Villaume; TDO’s Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Principal Guest Conductor Nicole Paiement and Carlo Montanaro, a renowned Italian conductor. Returning faculty include a variety of industry leaders and members of The Dallas Opera Senior Staff.
Sessions include career advancement seminars; topical industry discussions; intensive one-on-ones and a variety of networking opportunities.
American conductor Molly Turner noted: “As a young conductor, getting into the Hart Institute opens so many doors traditionally left open only for older and often male conductors.”
“I’m humbled to have such a dedicated opportunity to focus on a genre and repertoire that are least familiar to me and to engage artistically with the excellent musicians and administration of The Dallas Opera” added US conductor Tiffany Chang.
NEW HART FACULTY IN 2019:
Ana De Archuleta is president and CEO of ADA Artist Management and has quickly established herself as one of the most sought-after managers in the operatic field, representing a thriving roster of vocalists, conductors and directors worldwide.
Elizabeth Askren, Franco-American conductor, has guest conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Orchestre de Chambre de Paris.
Elizabeth Buccheri, chamber musician and vocal coach, was assistant conductor of Lyric Opera of Chicago from 1987 to 2013. A dedicated teacher, Ms. Buccheri has given master classes at The Juilliard School, Eastman School of Music, AMFS, Lawrence Conservatory, and the music academies of Lithuania and Latvia.
Lisa Bury, Chief Advancement and Strategy Officer for The Dallas Opera, previously served in senior positions at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago and Florida Grand Opera.
Rona Eastwood is Senior Associate Director of Conductors at Askonas Holt. The move across to artist management followed, initially assisting Martin Campbell-White with conductors and occasional touring projects. She has remained with the company ever since, ultimately building an independent list of artists.
Sophie Joyce is the Director of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, the Metropolitan Opera’s elite program for leading young singers on the cusp of international opera careers.
Julia Lagahuzère is the General Director of “Opera for Peace” and former Deputy Casting Director for Opéra National de Paris in the two theatres of Opéra de Bastille and Palais Garnier. She is also artistic consultant to the Queen Sonja International Music Competition in Oslo, Norway.
Charlotte Lee is the President and Founder of Primo Artists, a boutique classical music agency in New York.
Thomas Maddrey is the founding partner and lead attorney for Maddrey PLLC, a boutique firm dedicated to art law and creative business law.
Lee Anne Myslewski oversees all aspects of Wolf Trap Opera, an artist-centric program whose alumni are singing in every opera house in the nation and in the most prestigious houses in the world and also serves as the executive producer and co-host of Center Stage from Wolf Trap, a nationally-syndicated radio program.
Paolo Petrocelli serves as the Cultural and Music Diplomacy Officer for the Permanent Secretariat of the World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates and has become a leading member of some of the most prestigious international organizations, including the United Nations, UNESCO, and the World Economic Forum. He also acts as Director of Institutional Relations and International Affairs for UNESCO’S “Opera for Peace.”
Stephanie Rhodes Russell, a renowned opera collaborator, is a Conducting Fellow with the Fort Worth Symphony and Associate Conductor for the Grand Teton Music Festival.
Jennifer Spencer is currently working alongside Ivan Fischer on the artistic and touring planning for the Budapest Festival Orchestra, and (in October 2017) she created a small conductor roster which she operates in conjunction with IMG Artists Ltd from London.
Beth Stewart is the founder of Verismo Communications, a classical music PR firm that prizes authenticity over plasticity, creates space and opportunity in clients’ lives, and operates with unswerving integrity.
Dmitry Vdovin is founder and artistic director of the Bolshoi Theatre Young Artist Program. He is also the Artistic Director of UNESCO’S “Opera for Peace” initiative.
Jenna Wolf, Development and Communications Consultant for “Opera for Peace – Leading Young Voices of the World” as well as the PR and Marketing Director for Lenny’s Studio, New York, New York.
This year’s Hart Institute for Women Conductors is also partnering with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s inaugural “Women in Classical Music Symposium” taking place November 6-9, 2019 in the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, in order to provide even greater resources and connections for women in the field.
“I am delighted to work alongside our colleagues at The Dallas Opera as the Dallas Symphony launches its Women in Classical Music Symposium. The Hart Institute has established itself as an important event for women conductors, and their input while designing the symposium has been invaluable,” said Kim Noltemy, President & CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. “Together, we are showing that the Dallas performing arts community is committing to a sustained effort to make changes in the industry.”
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“The Hart Institute has and will continue to transform the field, with alumnae being singled out for important appointments, projects, and commissions in both the opera and symphonic world,” notes TDO’s Director of Artistic Administration David Lomeli.
Hart Institute alumnae accomplishments in just the past year include the appointment of Anna Skryleva as Music Director of the Magdeburg Opera and as the first female Chief Conductor of the Klassik Philharmonie Hamburg, Tianyi Lu as Welsh National Opera’s first “Female Conductor in Residence,” the appointment of Lina Gonzalez-Granados as a 2019-2020 Conducting Fellow for both Seattle Opera and the Philadelphia Orchestra; Chicago Opera Theater’s Lidiya Yankovskaya (Artistic Director of the Refugee Orchestra Project) leading refugee musicians in a performance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, the naming of Stephanie Mercier to the position of Director of Artistic and Production Operations at Washington National Opera, and the promotion of another Hart Administrator, Jennifer Rivera, to the position of Executive Director and CEO of Long Beach Opera.
Additionally, two Hart Institute conductors (and one faculty member, Nicole Paiement) made the list of the “Top 20 Women Conductors in the World” in 2019 (Norman Lebrecht, Slipped Disc).
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While the Hart Institute began with a focus on supporting talented conductors, the challenges faced by women opera administrators remain equally daunting. To address this imbalance, The Dallas Opera added a new component to the Hart Institute: through 2022, TDO will invite between two and four American opera administrators to participate each season. These women will be selected on the basis of their potential to become leaders of one of America’s top opera companies.
The 2019 Hart Institute Administrators are:
- Kristen Bigham (Lyric Opera of Chicago)
- Beverly Love (Wilbanks Partners)
- Suzanne Vinnik (artist & entrepreneur—founder of Shoperatic)
The selected opera administrators will have access to all group sessions and special sessions during the annual residency in Dallas.
One of the goals of the program is to construct a wide network of influential female leaders in the administrative offices of performing arts organizations, both large and small, as well as onstage and in the orchestra pit.
HART INSTITUTE – NEW CONDUCTING FELLOW
JANE KIM (USA) is the recipient of the 2018 Charles Schiff Conducting Prize. She currently serves as Assistant Conductor with the Little Orchestra Society. She has appeared with the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra and Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect, and, as cover conductor, she works with the New York Philharmonic, Canadian Opera Company, Juilliard Orchestra, and other ensembles. Previously, Jane served as Music Director of the Juilliard Pre-College String Ensemble and conductor of the Juilliard Lab Orchestra. Her summer activities include Aspen Music Festival, which she attended as a Conducting Fellow, and Pierre Monteux Music Festival, where she was named a Bernard Osher Scholar. Jane holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a master’s degree in orchestral conducting from The Juilliard School.
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Naming Support for the Institute from Linda and Mitch Hart
Initial Support from the Richard and Enika Schulze Foundation
Additional Support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation,
Baker Botts LLP, Cindy and Charlie Feld, Jenifer and Peter Flynn,
Susan and Mark Geyer, Holly and Tom Mayer, J.P. Morgan,
Betty and Steve Suellentrop, Martha and Max Wells,
Debra Witter and Scott Chase, and Texas Women’s Foundation
Made Possible by an OPERA America Innovation Grant
Supported by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation
ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA:
One of the leading opera companies in the country, The Dallas Opera has an extraordinary legacy of world-class productions and thrilling premieres featuring the greatest operatic artists of our time. Inaugurated in 1957 with a concert featuring the incomparable Maria Callas, TDO is known for the notable U.S. debuts of a host of legendary artists including Plácido Domingo, Dame Joan Sutherland, Jon Vickers, Franco Zeffirelli, and Sir David McVicar. The company has long been an industry leader and innovator through groundbreaking initiatives like the Hart Institute for Women Conductors, free public simulcasts, acclaimed art song recitals, the national vocal competition, special concerts, and outstanding family and award-winning education programs. TDO’s home is the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, a jewel in the Dallas Arts District. As one of the largest performing arts employers in North Texas, TDO is proudly committed to diversity, onstage and off, and is a major contributor to the economic vitality and international cultural reputation of this region.
2019-2020 SEASON SPONSOR
The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family
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EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: Elsa von Seggern Foundation;
Texas Instruments Foundation; the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs;
The Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera.
Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera.
Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News.
All performances in The Dallas Opera’s 63rd International Season will take place in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, unless otherwise indicated. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired.
The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk will begin one hour prior to curtain at most performances. Full and Flex subscriptions are designed to meet the needs of every budget. Prices range from just $57 (for three performances of your choice) to a top orchestra floor price of $777 for all five mainstage productions. Single tickets are priced from $25 to $289 (a few box seats may be higher). For additional information or to make your purchase, call 214.443.1000 or visit www.dallasopera.org.
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Participants Announced for 2019 Hart Institute for Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera
The Dallas Opera is Proud to Announce the
Conductors, Administrators, and Observers for The Fifth Annual
Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for
Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera
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Oct. 27 – Nov. 9, 2019 in Dallas, Texas
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Distinguished 2019 Hart Institute Conducting Faculty Include
Emmanuel Villaume, Nicole Paiement, and Carlo Montanaro
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Initial Support from the Richard and Enika Schulze Foundation
Additional Support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation,
Baker Botts LLP, Cindy and Charlie Feld, Jenifer and Peter Flynn, Susan and Mark Geyer, Holly and Tom Mayer,
Betty and Steve Suellentrop, and Martha and Max Wells
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Made Possible by an OPERA America Innovation Grant
Supported by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation
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Hart Institute Public Concert: Saturday, November 9, 2019
The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House
DALLAS, MAY 29, 2019 – The Dallas Opera is proud to announce the names of the twelve distinguished professionals (six conductors, three administrators, and four American observers) selected to participate in the fifth annual residency of the Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera taking place Oct. 27 – Nov. 9, 2019 in Dallas, Texas:
- Tiffany Chang (USA)
- Jiannan Cheng (China)
- Tamara Dworetz (USA)
- Marta Kluczyńska (Poland)
- Madeline Tsai (Taiwan)
- Molly Turner (USA)
Working to address a long-standing issue at the podium, The Dallas Opera in 2015 launched a unique multifaceted program—one of a mere handful in the world—designed to provide training and career support for distinctively talented women conductors on the cusp of major international careers. Female conductors, as well as accomplished women singers, opera coaches, accompanists, and instrumentalists with established careers seeking to further develop their skills at the podium, were encouraged to apply.
“Big D is my Big W,” observed Polish conductor Marta Kluczyńska. “I feel awesome.”
“I was beyond thrilled to hear of my acceptance to the 2019 Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute” wrote U.S. participant Tamara Dworetz. “The opportunity to learn from world-class conductors, instrumentalists, opera singers and leaders will strengthen my skills and broaden my dimensionalism as a conductor while bolstering my career and professional network; I cannot thank Linda and Mitch Hart and the Dallas Opera enough for initiating and supporting this progressive and powerfully impactful program.”
This groundbreaking initiative received vital foundational support from the Richard and Enika Schulze Foundation. Naming support came through the generosity of Linda and Mitch Hart.
Additional support for the 2019 Hart Institute comes from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Baker Botts LLP, Cindy and Charlie Feld, Jenifer and Peter Flynn, Susan and Mark Geyer, Holly and Tom Mayer, Betty and Steve Suellentrop, and Martha and Max Wells.
Made possible by an OPERA America Innovation Grant, supported by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation.
Ian Derrer, The Dallas Opera’s Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO explains: “One of the ways we advance our art form and engage more people is by providing career advancement opportunities for gifted women conductors, ensuring they have the chance to compete for top-level positions in classical music.
“That’s why the Hart Institute was founded and why it will be needed for years to come.
“The support and passion of the TDO Family is behind this effort—more than ever.”
A total of 90 women conductors and professional musicians heeded the call in 2019, despite even more stringent admissions requirements initiated last year. Applicants from 27 countries included music directors, principal and assistant conductors, concertmasters and music staff from top-ranked symphonies, opera companies, and conservatories.
“Even for the most talented artists, a journey to the forefront of the conducting profession is difficult, and particularly so for women,” wrote Taiwanese conductor Madeline Tsai. “The Dallas Opera’s Linda and Mitch Hart Institute gives its residents a strong gust of wind forward as they sail toward their dreams on the horizon.
“I am immensely grateful and honored for this incredible opportunity to learn from an amazing faculty and other talented artists at the Institute.”
As is the case each year, four talented U.S. Observers were chosen to audit the 2019 Institute: Rebecca Henry, Jane Kim, Vera Volchansky and Rachel Waddell.
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The 2019 Linda and Mitch Hart Institute will consist of hands-on master classes with the Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director, Emmanuel Villaume; TDO’s Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Principal Guest Conductor Nicole Paiement and Carlo Montanaro, a renowned Italian conductor last seen on our podium conducting three world-class tenors (Michael Fabiano, Bryan Hymel and Matthew Polenzani) in TDO’s “One Night Only Gala.”
Sessions include career advancement seminars with experienced professionals; topical industry discussions; intensive one-on-ones and networking opportunities; as well as the chance to conduct The Dallas Opera Orchestra in a public concert in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center on the evening of November 9, 2019 (additional details to be announced at a later date).
This year’s Hart Institute for Women Conductors is partnering with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s inaugural “Women in Classical Music Symposium” taking place November 6-9, 2019 in the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, in order to provide even greater resources and connections for women in the field.
“I am delighted to work alongside our colleagues at The Dallas Opera as the Dallas Symphony launches its Women in Classical Music Symposium. The Hart Institute has established itself as an important event for women conductors, and their input while designing the symposium has been invaluable,” said Kim Noltemy, President & CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. “Together, we are showing that the Dallas performing arts community is committing to a sustained effort to make changes in the industry.”
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American conductor Molly Turner noted: “As a young conductor, getting into the Hart Institute opens so many doors traditionally left open only for older and often male conductors.”
“I’m humbled to have such a dedicated opportunity to focus on a genre and repertoire that are least familiar to me and to engage artistically with the excellent musicians and administration of The Dallas Opera” added US conductor Tiffany Chang.
“The Hart Institute appears to be having a pronounced positive impact on the field, with alumnae being singled out for important appointments, projects, and commissions in both the opera and symphonic world,” notes TDO’s Director of Artistic Administration David Lomeli.
Marc A. Scorca, President and CEO of OPERA America, earlier remarked: “The Dallas Opera continues to expand its influence and stature among American opera companies, as shown by this exciting new initiative. The company is to be applauded for taking a significant step to remedy the existing gender imbalance on the podium. This effort complements OPERA America’s support of the work of female opera composers and promises to enrich the art form by encouraging more gifted artists to express themselves through opera.”
Chinese conductor Jiannan Cheng summed up: “I am honored and thrilled to be selected to participate in the Hart Institute at the Dallas Opera and I am looking forward to growing as a conductor through this world-class experience!”
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While the Hart Institute began with a focus on supporting talented conductors, the challenges faced by women opera administrators are equally daunting. To address this imbalance, The Dallas Opera last year added a new component to the Hart Institute: through 2022, TDO will invite between two and four American opera administrators to participate each season. These women will be selected on the basis of their potential to become leaders of one of America’s top opera companies at some point in their careers.
The 2019 Hart Institute Administrators are:
- Kristen Bigham (Lyric Opera of Chicago)
- Beverly Love (Wilbanks Partners)
- Suzanne Vinnik (artist & entrepreneur—founder of Shoperatic)
The selected opera administrators will have access to all group sessions and special sessions during the annual residency in Dallas. This curriculum includes the role of the board, leadership development, personal branding, media and PR training, effective artist management, and navigating recruiting processes for senior level positions. To continue to develop their musical skills, which is essential for any opera executive, the administrators will observe rehearsals with The Dallas Opera Orchestra and conducting master classes. Special sessions on Development, Finance, and Marketing will be offered as well.
One of the goals of the program is to construct a wide network of influential female leaders in the administrative offices of performing arts organizations, both large and small, as well as onstage and in the orchestra pit.
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2019 Hart Institute Conductors
TIFFANY CHANG (USA)
Taiwanese-American conductor Tiffany Chang is the Visiting Assistant Professor of Conducting and Conductor at Oberlin Conservatory and Assistant Professor at the Berklee College of Music. She also served impactful terms as Interim Director of Orchestral Studies at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory and Acting Director of Orchestral Activities at Boston University. A 2017 Winner of The American Prize in Opera Conducting, Chang has been engaged by NEMPAC Opera Project, BlueWater Chamber Orchestra, OperaHub, Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra of Boston, ALEA III, Xanthos Ensemble, Brookline Symphony Orchestra, international music festivals such as IASAS and AMIS, among others. She studied with David Hoose and Bridget-Michaele Reischl, receiving a DMA in orchestral conducting from Boston University and several degrees in cello performance, music education, composition, and music theory from Oberlin Conservatory.
JIANNAN CHENG (CHINA)
Jiannan Cheng, a native Chinese conductor, served as an assistant in the 2018 Opernfestspiele Heidenheim in Germany where she conducted a performance of Verdi’s Nabucco with the Stuttgart Philharmonic. Recently, Cheng worked with the City Lyric Opera in New York City as the répétiteur and the assistant conductor in a production of La Tragédie de Carmen. Cheng was the 2018 Conducting Fellow of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and served as the Music Director in the CCM production of Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito and the 2019 Interim Music Director of the CCM Concert Orchestra. Cheng was a candidate for the 2017 German Conductors’ Award, second prize winner of the 2016 4×4 Competition for Composers & Conductors and studied with Kurt Masur at the 2015 Aurora Music Festival in Sweden.
TAMARA DWORETZ (USA)
Tamara Dworetz is a 2019 Conducting Fellow for the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music. Her upcoming commitments include serving as assistant conductor to Bramwell Tovey, Principal Conductor of the BBC Concert Orchestra at the BBC Proms in London. Recently, Tamara was awarded 2nd prize in the Boston Pops’ Bernstein-inspired conducting competition. Previous positions include Assistant Conductor for the Austin Symphony Orchestra and the Butler Opera Center. A dedicated music educator, Tamara was the conductor for the Austin Youth Orchestra, University of Texas University Orchestra and Lakeside High School Orchestra program in Atlanta, Georgia. Tamara attended Indiana University, the University of Texas at Austin, and she is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree at Boston University.
MARTA KLUCZYŃSKA (POLAND)
Marta Kluczyńska graduated with degrees in Symphony and Opera Conducting and Piano Studies from The Fryderyk Chopin University of Music Warsaw. At the age of 24 she made her opera debut at the Polish National Opera in Warsaw where she, as a resident conductor, has conducted numerous opera and ballet performances including A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Benjamin Britten, The Haunted Manor by Stanisław Moniuszko, The Nutcracker by Peter Tchaikovsky, and Romeo and Juliet by Sergej Prokofiev. In 2017, Kluczyńska made her critically acclaimed debuts at the Wrocław Opera with La Cenerentola and at Landestheater Coburg (Germany) with Le nozze di Figaro. She has led concerts with orchestras such as Sinfonia Varsovia, Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra (Katowice), Polish Radio Orchestra (Warsaw) and the Polish Sinfonia Iuventus.
MADELINE TSAI (TAIWAN)
Chi-Chen Madeline Tsai is a versatile musician who has been trained as a conductor, pianist, singer, organist, and timpanist. She was the only Asian female invited to the Solti International Conducting Competition in Hungary, where she won the People’s Choice Award. Following this award, she conducted the Pazardzhik Symphony Orchestra in Bulgaria and the Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra in Taiwan. She has also conducted the St. Petersburg Chamber Philharmonic, the Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra Berlin, the Rousse Philharmonic Orchestra, the Lithuanian State Philharmonic Orchestra, and the National Radio Orchestra Bucharest. As a coach and accompanist, she assisted Grace Bumbry for her masterclasses on Aida and Cavalleria Rusticana in Vienna. Ms. Tsai is currently completing a doctorate in orchestral conducting at the University of Cincinnati.
MOLLY TURNER (USA)
Molly Turner is an emerging young conductor from Seattle, Washington. She recently completed her Bachelors in Music Composition at Rice University and will pursue a Masters in Orchestral Conducting at Juilliard in the fall. Her primary conducting mentors include Larry Rachleff, Gerard Schwarz, and Jerry Hou. At Juilliard, she will be working with David Robertson. Recently, she has been featured with the Rice Campanile Orchestra, the Eastern Festival Orchestra, and the Shepherd Undergraduate Opera Scenes. She has also conducted The Philharmonia Orchestra (UK) and the Bay Area Youth Symphony (Houston). A strong advocate for new music, Ms. Turner regularly collaborates with Rice’s New Music Ensemble “Hear & Now” as a composer, violist, and conductor. She enjoys writing for the voice and conducts her own works.
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2019 Hart Institute Administrators
KRISTEN BIGHAM (USA)
Kristen Bigham is the Gift Planning Associate at Lyric Opera of Chicago. Combining over five years of experience in the financial services industry with her background as a trained vocalist and director, she works to enhance and expand Lyric’s robust legacy giving program and community, The Overture Society. A native of Fort Worth, TX, she received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of North Texas and her Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts. Dedicated to promoting the presence, creativity, and leadership of women within the performing arts, Kristen is a passionate arts advocate and development professional, and has worked with numerous arts organizations throughout Chicago, including Rough House Theater, Piven Theatre, Links Hall, and Forte Chicago.
BEVERLY LOVE (USA)
Beverly Love is currently a search consultant and Chief Operations & Administrative Officer with Wilbanks Partners, a boutique asset management executive search firm. She previously worked in the office of the Chief Economist and Asia Chairman of Morgan Stanley & Company and subsequently spent three years in Russell Reynolds Associates’ asset and wealth management practice. Prior to that, Beverly was the founding Director of the Greater Atlanta Christian School of Music. A jugendlich dramatischer soprano, she has performed throughout the US and in Italy and Austria. She earned a Masters in Voice/Opera Performance from Southern Methodist University, summa cum laude and Phi Kappa Lambda, and a Bachelors in Vocal Performance from Abilene Christian University, where she graduated with Honors, summa cum laude, and Valedictorian.
SUZANNE VINNIK
Suzanne Vinnik is an award-winning international opera singer, photographer and arts entrepreneur known for her innate musical phrasing, daring fashion sense and ability to provide innovative marketing solutions to artists, brands and arts organizations. The soprano saw a need for a specialized social media network and marketplace for women in classical music thus creating, Shoperatic. The community stands at over 11k female identifying women in opera (the largest in the industry) and is responsible for generating well over $450k in income for artists since 2017 with zero outside funding or paid advertisement. As a cultural affiliate, the soprano enjoys volunteering and co-producing events with Sing For Hope. Vinnik is an alumnus of the Opera Studio di Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, Italy.
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2019 Hart Institute Observers
REBECCA HENRY (USA)
Rebecca Henry began the 2018-2019 season as Music Director for Georgetown Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s production of Ruddigore. This summer, she will be serving on the voice faculty of the Performing Arts Institute at Wyoming Seminary. A proponent of new music, Rebecca was music director for the world premiere of Do Not Disturb (Forgotten Opera Company) and premiered works in New Works Fest with Opera on Tap. Additional conducting credits include The Mikado, La Perichole, HMS Pinafore, Ruddigore, and Robin Hood (Victorian Lyric Opera Company). Future engagements include an appointment as Associate Conductor for Bel Canto in Tuscany. When she is not conducting, she can be seen performing as a mezzo-soprano throughout the country and abroad. She received her Undergraduate degree from Rice University and her Masters from McGill University in Montreal.
JANE KIM (USA)
Jane Kim is the recipient of the 2018 Charles Schiff Conducting Prize. She currently serves as Assistant Conductor with the Little Orchestra Society. She has appeared with the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra and Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect, and, as cover conductor, she works with the New York Philharmonic, Canadian Opera Company, Juilliard Orchestra, and other ensembles. Previously, Jane served as Music Director of the Juilliard Pre-College String Ensemble and conductor of the Juilliard Lab Orchestra. Her summer activities include Aspen Music Festival, which she attended as a Conducting Fellow, and Pierre Monteux Music Festival, where she was named a Bernard Osher Scholar. Jane holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley and a master’s degree in orchestral conducting from The Juilliard School.
VERA VOLCHANSKY (USA)
Vera Volchansky, described as conductor of “impeccable taste…whose artistic ability transforms a performance into a meaningful event,” has performed in the United States, Europe, Asia and Russia. Ms. Volchansky is the 2013 American Prize finalist in Conducting, and holds a master’s degree in Conducting from the Eastman School. She was chosen as Conducting Fellow with the American Academy of Conducting in Aspen. As a winner of the Fulbright Award, she studied music of the Russian Avant-Garde and the style of the St. Petersburg school of conducting. Her favorite performances include Stravinsky’s Soldier’s Tale, Lucia di Lammermoor, and a sold-out concert celebrating the newly-installed Reuter Organ with Grammy-Winning organist Paul Jacobs. Vera was also recently featured on the Moving Forward Podcast with John Lim.
RACHEL WADDELL (USA)
Rachel L. Waddell is an American conductor rapidly gaining acclaim for her innovative concert programming, and commitment to new music, education, and collaboration. In recognition of her concert programs, Waddell was recently named a finalist for the American Prize’s 2019 Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award in Orchestral Programming. Waddell is entering her third season as the Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Rochester in New York. She previously served as the Associate Conductor of the Canton Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the award-winning Canton Youth Symphonies. While with Canton, Waddell conducted over eighty performances. Additionally, she has guest conducted around the country, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Cleveland’s Suburban Symphony Orchestra, the Las Vegas Philharmonic, and the Flagstaff Light Opera Company.
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ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA
Founded in 1957, The Dallas Opera is an internationally-recognized innovator dedicated to the overall advancement of the operatic art form and the support of established and emerging artists, as well as the education and development of new opera audiences in North Texas—and beyond. These goals are achieved by commissioning and producing world-class opera; through ground-breaking institutes, national competitions and topical programs; and by presenting opera in both traditional and non-traditional formats and venues in order to attract patrons of every age, background, educational level, and ethnicity—while engaging with more than 87,000 people in our community each year. TDO is equally committed to the task of responsible stewardship and is managed with efficiency and accountability, to the highest possible standards.
2019-2020 SEASON SPONSOR
The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family
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EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHS
Contact Suzanne Calvin, Director of Media and PR at suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org
The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: Elsa von Seggern Foundation;
Texas Instruments Foundation; the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs;
The Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).
American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera.
Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera.
Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News.
TICKET INFORMATION FOR THE 2019-2020 DALLAS OPERA SEASON
All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise indicated. Full and Flex Subscriptions are on sale now; single Tickets range from $19 to $289 and go on sale to the public on July 15, 2019. Family performance tickets are just $5. For more information or to make your purchase, contact The Dallas Opera Ticket Office at 214.443.1000 or visit us online, 24/7, at www.dallasopera.org.
THE DALLAS OPERA 2019-2020 MAINSTAGE SEASON
The Dallas Opera celebrates its 63rd International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired. With the exception of FIRST NIGHT, The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk will begin one hour prior to curtain, at most performances.
THE MAGIC FLUTE by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
October 18, 20(m), 23, 26, November 1 & 3(m), 2019
This magical production from LA Opera and Seattle Opera opens the season on a high note!
Libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder
Time: Ancient times
Place: An Egyptian-inspired mythological land
Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
Original Director: Sir Peter Hall
Director: Kyle Lang*
Set and Costume Designer: Gerald Scarfe
Lighting Designer: TBA
Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Paolo Fanale* (Tamino), Andrea Carroll* (Pamina), Olga Pudova* (The Queen of the Night), Morris Robinson (Sarastro), Markus Werba* (Papageno), Diana Newman* (First Lady), Samantha Hankey* (Second Lady), Hannah Ludwig* (Third Lady), Brian Frutiger* (Monastatos), Jeni Houser* (Papagena), David Pittsinger (The Speaker), Aaron Short* (1st Man in Armor) and Ryan Kuster (2nd Man in Armor).
THE GOLDEN COCKEREL by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
October 25, 27(m), 30, and November 2, 2019
A Dallas Opera co-production that opened to rave reviews in Santa Fe!
Libretto by Vladimir Belsky based on the poem by Alexander Pushkin
Time: 19th century
Place: The thrice-tenth tsardom, a faraway place in Russian folklore
Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
Director and Choreographer: Paul Curran
Set and Costume Designer: Gary McCann
Lighting Designer: Paul Hackenmueller
Projections Designer: Driscoll Otto
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Wig and Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
Starring: Venera Gimadieva* (Queen of Shemakha), Nikolay Didenko* (King Dodon), Viktor Antipenko* (Prince Guidon), Corey Crider (Prince Afron), Kevin Burdette (General Polkan), Barry Banks* (The Astrologer), Lindsay Ammann (Amelfa), and Jeni Houser (The Golden Cockerel).
DON CARLO by Giuseppe Verdi in Concert/Semi-Staged
March 20, 22(m), 25 & 28, 2020
Father against son; Catholic against Protestant; friend against friend in this epic opera.
Libretto by Joseph Méry and Camille du Locle after Friedrich von Schiller’s poem “Don Carlos, Infant von Spanien”
Time: Around 1560
Place: France and Spain
Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
Director: Edward Berkeley
Lighting Designer: Krista Billings
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Leah Crocetto* (Elizabeth de Valois), Jamie Barton* (Princess Eboli), Robert Watson* (Don Carlo), Mariusz Kwiecien (Rodrigo), Morris Robinson (Philip II), Andrea Silvestrelli (The Grand Inquisitor), David Leigh (A Monk), Ewa Plonka* (Tebaldo), Elizabeth Sutphen* (A Heavenly Voice), and Angel Vargas (Count Lerma/The Royal Herald).
PULCINELLA / THE HUMAN VOICE (La voix humaine) – a new Dallas Opera production!
Pulcinella, a ballet with song in One Act by Igor Stravinsky
La voix humaine an opera by Francis Poulenc with a libretto by Jean Cocteau (from his stage play)
April 3, 4, 5(m) & 8, 2020
PULCINELLA (100TH Anniversary Production)
Conductor: Nicole Paiement
Director: Candace Evans
Set and Costume Designer: TBA
Lighting Designer: Krista Billings
Choreographer: Sean Smith
Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
Starring: Sean Smith (Pulcinella), Lindsay Metzger (Rosetta), Richard Ollarsaba* (Fourbo & Dottore), Matthew White* (Caviello) with soloists and corp dancers from Dallas Black Dance Theatre.
THE HUMAN VOICE (La voix humaine)
Time: 20th century
Place: Paris, France
Conductor: Nicole Paiement
Director: Patricia Racette
Set Designer: Tommy Bourgeois
Lighting Designer: Krista Billings
Wig & Make-up Designer: TBA
Starring: Patricia Racette (Elle)
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE by Gioachino Rossini
April 24, 26(m), 29, May 2, 8 & 10(m), 2020
Your heart will be racing—but not for the exit!
Libretto by Cesare Sterbini based on Beaumarchais’ play Le Barbier de Séville
Time: 18th century
Place: Seville, Spain and the surrounding countryside
Conductor: Riccardo Frizza
Director: Christopher Mattaliano
Set Designer: Allen Moyer
Costume Designer: Jamie Scott
Lighting Designer: Krista Billings
Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Lucas Meachem (Figaro), Pretty Yende* (Rosina), Lawrence Brownlee* (Count Almaviva April 29 through May 19), Xabier Anduaga* (Count Almaviva April 24 & 26), Renato Girolami* (Doctor Bartolo), Adam Lau (Don Basilio), and Margaret Gawrysiak* (Berta).
* Dallas Opera Debut
** American Debut
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Winners of the 2019 Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, May 3, 2019
Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014
suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org
“AND THE WINNERS ARE…”
Top Honors Announced This Evening
In the 31st Annual
Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition
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Outstanding Young Artists Awarded
$18,500 in Cash Prizes
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Soprano Meghan Kasanders
Takes Top Prize and $10,000 Cash!
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Second Prize ($5,000) Goes to Reginald Smith, Jr.
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Third Prize ($2,500) Awarded to Christopher Oglesby
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The “Jonathan Pell People’s Choice Award” ($1,000) Determined by Audience Ballot Goes to Meghan Kasanders
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Vocal Competition Co-Chairs, Susan Fleming and Linda McKown
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Holly and Tom Mayer Honored for Their Leadership and Generous Support of The Dallas Opera and The Dallas Opera Guild
DALLAS, MAY 3, 2019 – An elite group of twenty of the most talented young opera singers in the country competed this week for prestige and cash prizes in the 31st Annual Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition. At the conclusion of this evening’s exciting Finals Round, hosted by Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin, the winners were announced from the stage of the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas:
- The $10,000 Bessylee Penland First Prize, presented by 2019 Vocal Competition Honorees Holly and Tom Mayer was awarded to soprano Meghan Kasanders
- The $5,000 Second Prize, presented by 2019 Dallas Opera Guild Co-Presidents Jan and James Clay went to baritone Reginald Smith, Jr.
- The Third Prize of $2,500, was presented by competition Co-Chairs Susan Fleming and Linda McKown to tenor Christopher Oglesby
- The $1,000 “Jonathan Pell People’s Choice Award,” newly renamed to honor former TDO Artistic Director Jonathan Pell, was presented by Katherine and Michael Phillips to Meghan Kasanders
This year, the twenty semi-finalists were selected from a group of 307 applicants from 36 states (residents of the U.S. territories are eligible to apply for the prestigious competition, as well) by a panel of preliminary judges that included American pianist and educator Dr. Brian Zeger of the Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts at The Juilliard School, and David Lomeli, Director of Artistic Administration for The Dallas Opera.
THE 2019 SEMI-FINALISTS
THE DALLAS OPERA GUILD VOCAL COMPETITION
- Lindsay Kate Brown, mezzo-soprano, Houston Grand Opera Studio / Des Moines Metro Opera Apprentice Artist Program
- Jeff Byrnes, baritone, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Gerdine Young Artists Program
- Anthony Ciaramitaro, tenor, Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Program / Merola Opera Program
- Lauren Decker, contralto, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago
- Ben Edquist, baritone, Houston Grand Opera Studio
- Calvin Griffin, bass-baritone, Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio
- Pureum Jo, soprano, Houston Grand Opera Studio
- Meghan Kasanders, soprano, Artist Diploma in Opera Studies at the Juilliard School
- Andrew Manea, baritone, Adler Fellowship at San Francisco Opera
- Felicia Moore, soprano, Artist Diploma in Opera Studies at the Juilliard School
- Rafael Moras, tenor, Santa Fe Apprentice Program / Domingo Colburn Stein Young Artists Los Angeles Opera
- John Matthew Myers, tenor, Academy of Vocal Arts
- Diana Newman, soprano, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago
- Ndumiso Nyoka, tenor, Southern Methodist University
- Christopher Oglesby, tenor, San Francisco Opera Adler Fellowship / Utah Opera Resident Artist
- Emmett O’Hanlon, baritone, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago
- Christian Pursell, bass-baritone, Adler Fellowship at San Francisco Opera
- Abigail Rethwisch, soprano, Santa Fe Apprentice Program / Utah Opera Resident Artist
- Reginald Smith, Jr., baritone, Winner of Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions / Houston Grand Opera Studio
- Xiaomeng Zhang, baritone, Artist Diploma in Opera Studies at the Juilliard School
The Semi-Finals Round took place yesterday, Thursday, May 2nd, as twenty young artists vied for the coveted position of finalist. After lengthy deliberations from the judges’ panel, six singers were selected to move into today’s Finals Round: contralto Lauren Decker, soprano Meghan Kasanders, soprano Diana Newman, tenor Christopher Oglesby, bass-baritone Christian Pursell, and baritone Reginald Smith, Jr.
The six finalists competed earlier this evening for a blue-ribbon judges panel, accompanied by the Dallas Opera Orchestra under the baton of the internationally renowned Music Director of the Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo, Italy, Maestro Riccardo Frizza.
Only patrons in attendance were eligible to vote for “the people’s choice.”
Dallas Opera Guild Co-Presidents Jan and James Clay explained, “Our exciting annual competition is the most high-profile facet of The Dallas Opera Guild’s year-long commitment to support exceptionally talented young opera artists. The future of opera, not only in Texas, but throughout the world, is dependent on the discovery and development of bright new talent. The Guild takes that part of our mission very seriously, and we are delighted at the number of people who turned out tonight to show their support for these fine young singers!”
Judges for the 2019 Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition:
Stephanie Blythe
Mezzo-soprano
Peter Czornyj
Vice President of Artistic Operations, The Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Ian Derrer
The Kern Wildenthal General Director & CEO, The Dallas Opera
Dominic Domingo
Director of Artistic Administration, San Diego Opera
Riccardo Frizza
Music Director of the Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo, Italy
David Lomeli
Director of Artistic Administration, The Dallas Opera
Andreas Melinat
Vice President, Artistic Planning, Lyric Opera of Chicago
Brian Zeger, Chair
Artistic Director of the Ellen and James S. Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts
The Juilliard School
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WINNERS BIOS
First Prize Winner and “Jonathan Pell People’s Choice Award”- MEGHAN KASANDERS
Hailed by Opera News as “a wonderfully promising, rich dramatic soprano,” Meghan Kasanders “displays power and sheen at all dynamic levels.” This past year, she made her Carnegie Hall debut singing in Bernstein’s Songfest under the direction of Marin Alsop and the role of Magda Sorel in Opera Saratoga’s critically acclaimed production of The Consul. This year, she sings Sibelius’ Luonnotar with Maestra Barbara Hannigan and Donna Anna in Don Giovanni at the Juilliard School, where she will receive an Artist Diploma in opera studies in May. This summer, Meghan will attend the International Meistersinger Akademie in Neumarkt, Germany. Ms. Kasanders has worked with Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Opera Saratoga, Des Moines Metro Opera, Union Avenue Opera and the Institute for Young Dramatic Voices. Ms. Kasanders holds a Master’s degree from Rice University and a Bachelor’s from Simpson College.
During this evening’s Finals Round, Ms. Kasanders performed “Zachem zhe eti slyozi” from Tchaikovsky’s Pique Dame and “To This We’ve Come” from Giancarlo Menotti’s The Consul.
Second Prize Winner baritone REGINALD SMITH, JR.
Baritone Reginald Smith, Jr. has been lauded as a “passionate performer” (The New York Times) with an “electric, hall-filling” (The Baltimore Sun) and “thrillingly dramatic” voice (Opera News) that is “one of the most exciting baritone sounds to come along in years” (Opera News). A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Smith is a Grand Finals winner of the 2015 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, and graduate of the HGO Studio. This season, he has or will appear as Sharpless in Madama Butterfly with Opera Memphis, Amonasro in Aida with Opera Idaho, the baritone solo in Carmina Burana for the Houston Symphony, a debut with the New Jersey Symphony as the bass soloist in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 (which he will also perform with the West Virginia Symphony), as well as a return to the rosters of Lyric Opera of Chicago and SFO.
In today’s Finals Round, Reginald Smith, Jr. performed “O du mein Holder Abendstern” from Wagner’s Tannhäuser and “Eri tu che macchiavi quell’anima” from Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera.
Third Prize Winner tenor CHRISTOPHER OGLESBY
Tenor and first-year San Francisco Opera Adler Fellow, Christopher Oglesby, was most recently a Resident Artist at Utah Opera where he sang Tybalt in Roméo et Juliette and was the tenor soloist for Handel’s Messiah with the Utah Symphony. As a participant in the 2018 Merola Opera Program, he debuted as Tom Rakewell in The Rake’s Progress. As an education artist at The Dallas Opera, he appeared in Mozart’s Bastien and Bastienne as well as Davies’ The Three Little Pigs. An active soloist and recitalist, Mr. Oglesby has performed with the Utah Symphony, the Abilene Philharmonic, Dallas Puccini Society, and in the Schwabacher Recital Series at San Francisco Opera. He holds Bachelor of Music degrees in Vocal Performance, Choral Education, and Band Education from Lee University and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of North Texas.
In this evening’s Finals Round, Mr. Oglesby performed “Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön” from Die Zauberflöte by Mozart and “Vary the Song” from Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress.
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Earlier, Dallas Opera Music Director Emmanuel Villaume noted, “This competition is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work at The Dallas Opera. Although it doesn’t seem possible, the caliber of the singers improves every year, and inspires us to continue to support and develop this excellent and much-needed program.”
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CONTRIBUTORS TO THE 2019 GUILD VOCAL COMPETITION INCLUDE:
Underwriters:
HOLLY AND TOM MAYER
(Matching Challenge)
KATHERINE & MICHAEL PHILLIPS
(The Jonathan Pell People’s Choice Award)
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS
(Sponsor of Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin as
Mistress of Ceremonies for the Finals Concert)
CHRISTOPHER A. SALERNO
(Donating the cost of lunches for all competition contestants, judges, accompanists and opera staff)
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DIAMOND PATRONS ($5,000 AND ABOVE)
HOLLY AND TOM MAYER
KATHERINE AND MICHAEL PHILLIPS
PLATINUM PATRONS ($2,500 – $4,999)
RICHARD AND ENIKA SCHULZE
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS
GOLD PATRONS ($1,000 – $2,499)
MARTHA AND DR. ROBERT ALLDAY
ELAINE AND BILL BLAYLOCK
PATSY AND BOB BROOKS
JAN AND JAMES CLAY
PATTI AND JOHN CODY
CINDY AND CHARLIE FELD
KETTY FITZGERALD
SUSAN FLEMING
SUSAN AND MARK GEYER
MARILYN AND WARD HALLA
SUE KRIDER
TOM AND PHYLLIS McCASLAND
JANE McCONNELL
MARTHA ROCHELLE
SANDRA AND BILL SANDERSON
STEVE AND BETTY SUELLENTROP
INGE AND SAM VASTOLA
For additional information about the Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition or any upcoming Dallas Opera Guild programs and special events, please contact The Dallas Opera Guild at 214-443-1040.
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2018-2019 SEASON SPONSOR
The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family
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ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA
Founded in 1957, The Dallas Opera is an internationally-recognized innovator dedicated to the overall advancement of the operatic art form and the support of established and emerging artists, as well as the education and development of new opera audiences in North Texas—and beyond. These goals are achieved by commissioning and producing world-class opera; through ground-breaking institutes, national competitions and topical programs; and by presenting opera in both traditional and non-traditional formats and venues in order to attract patrons of every age, background, educational level, and ethnicity—while engaging with more than 87,000 people in our community each year. TDO is equally committed to the task of responsible stewardship and is managed with efficiency and accountability, to the highest possible standards.
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EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA
IS AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7. VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG
FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHS
Contact Suzanne Calvin, Director of Media and PR at suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org
The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: Elsa von Seggern Foundation, Texas Instruments Foundation, the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; the Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera. Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera.
Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News.
The Dallas Opera Family Performances are generously supported by
Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, and
The Betty and Steve Suellentrop Educational Outreach Fund
TDO Family Performances are a part of the
Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs
TICKET INFORMATION FOR THE 2018-2019 DALLAS OPERA SEASON
All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise indicated. Single tickets range from $19 to $289 (excluding boxes). Family performance tickets are just $5. For more information or to make your purchase, contact The Dallas Opera Ticket Office at 214.443.1000 or visit us online, 24/7, at www.dallasopera.org.
THE DALLAS OPERA 2018-2019 MAINSTAGE SEASON: SPRING
The Dallas Opera celebrates its 62nd International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired. With the exception of FIRST NIGHT, The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk will begin one hour prior to curtain, at most performances.
MANON LESCAUT by Giacomo Puccini
Semi-Staged Concert, March 1, 3 (m), 6, 9, 2019
Featuring images of select art works from the collections of The Dallas Museum of Art!
The woman who has everything discovers too late that she has nothing – without true love!
Libretto by Domenico Oliva and Luigi Illica
Time: Late 18th century
Place: France and America
Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
Director: Edward Berkeley
Costume Designer: Tommy Bourgeois
Lighting Designer: Krista Billings
Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Kristin Lewis* (Manon Lescaut), Musa Ngqungwana (Lescaut), Gregory Kunde (Chevalier des Grieux), Andrea Silvestrelli (Geronte de Ravoir), Jonas Hacker* (Edmondo), Mark S. Doss (Innkeeper), Alyssa Martin (Singer), Matthew Grills* (Dance Master), Clay Hilley* (Lamplighter), Mark McCrory (Sergeant of the Royal Archers) and David Leigh* (Naval Captain).
LA BOHÈME by Giacomo Puccini
March 15, 17 (m), 20, 23, 29, 31 (m), 2019
The most timeless love story in all of opera returns to break your heart!
Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica
Time: 19th century
Place: The Latin Quarter of Paris, France
Conductor: Giuliano Carella
Director: Tomer Zvulun
Set Designer: Erhard Rom
Costume Designer: Peter J. Hall
Lighting Designer: Robert Wierzel
Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Jean-François Borras* (Rodolfo), Pumeza Matshikiza** (Mimi), Anthony Clark Evans* (Marcello), Sara Gartland (Musetta), Will Liverman* (Schaunard), Nicholas Brownlee* (Colline), and Samuel Ramey (Benoit/Alcindoro).
FALSTAFF by Giuseppe Verdi
April 26, 28 (m), May 1, 4, 2019
Shakespeare’s uproarious comedy brought to musical life!
Libretto by Arrigo Boito
Time: During the reign of Henry IV of England
Place: Windsor
Conductor: Riccardo Frizza
Original Director: Lee Blakeley
Revival Director: Shawna Lucey*
Set and Costume Designer: Adrian Linford*
Lighting Designer: Rick Fisher*
Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Mark Delavan* (Sir John Falstaff), Angela Meade (Alice Ford), Quinn Kelsey* (Ford), Mojca Erdmann* (Nanetta), Airam Hernández* (Fenton), Stephanie Blythe* (Dame Quickly), Megan Marino* (Meg Page), Alex Mansoori* (Bardolfo), Andrea Silvestrelli (Pistola), and Robert Brubaker (Dr. Caius).
* Dallas Opera Debut
** American Debut
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Fabiano, Hymel and Polenzani Headline a Gala Evening of Cocktails and Classics!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, March 25, 2019
Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014
suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org
Time is Running Out!
Don’t Miss Your One Chance to Experience
Three of the Finest Tenors of Our Time:
“FABIANO, HYMEL & POLENZANI”
With The Dallas Opera Orchestra
Conducted by Maestro Carlo Montanaro
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SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019, 7:00 P.M.
The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House
AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas TX
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Centerpiece of 2019 Dallas Opera Gala
https://dallasopera.org/performance/one-night-only/
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Concert Tickets Include Access to After Party With Complimentary Wine, Beer and Band!
DALLAS, TX, MARCH 25, 2019 – The Dallas Opera is proud to present three of the most sought-after tenors of the 21st century as they perform a tremendously exciting program of classic opera arias, Broadway favorites and American standards.
“Fabiano, Hymel, and Polenzani” will perform together onstage for the very first time on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. (please note special time) in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, as the centerpiece of The 2019 Dallas Opera Gala, an elegant annual spring fundraiser.
“The V.I.P. Experience” includes pre-concert reception, premium concert seats, seated dinner and the After Party. Additional information and pricing are available at https://dallasopera.org/performance/tdo-gala/.
Concert tickets may be purchased separately by calling The Dallas Opera Ticket Office at 214.443.1000 or visiting https://dallasopera.org/performance/one-night-only/.
Single tickets for the concert are priced at $50 to $275 each and include free access to the exciting post-performance After Party—with live music and complimentary beer and wine—in the magnificent lobby of the Winspear Opera House.
Internationally-acclaimed American tenors Michael Fabiano, Bryan Hymel and Matthew Polenzani will perform with The Dallas Opera Orchestra under the baton of renowned Italian guest conductor Carlo Montanaro.
Each of these magnificent artists is “at the top of his game.” This season alone, their schedules reveal an impressive array of “must see” concerts and performances including:
- Michael Fabiano – Boito’s Mefistofele at the Metropolitan Opera; Puccini’s La bohème at the Met and Lyric Opera of Chicago; Concert in Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, Moscow; Massenet’s Werther at Sydney Opera House; Gounod’s Faust at London’s Royal Opera House; Rigoletto at Berlin State Opera and Verdi’s Giovanna d’Arco at Madrid’s Teatro Real.
- Bryan Hymel – Verdi’s Les vêpres siciliennes at Bavarian State Opera; Puccini’s La bohème at Vienna State Opera; Bizet’s Carmen at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; and a solo concert in Prague with the Janáček Philharmonic.
- Matthew Polenzani – Mozart’s Idomeneo for Lyric Opera of Chicago; Concert, New World Center, Miami; La bohème at Teatro Massimo, Palermo, Italy; Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta at the Met (role debut); Carnegie Hall recital; La clemenza di Tito at the Metropolitan Opera; Carmen (role debut) at San Francisco Opera.
- Carlo Montanaro – Lucia di Lammermoor for Opera Australia (Sydney Opera House); Rigoletto for Montréal Opera; The Hart Institute for Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera (faculty); Madama Butterfly for Polish National Opera; Il trovatore at Seattle Opera’s McCaw Hall; Werther in the Sydney Opera House for Opera Australia; and Mozart’s Requiem at Teatro Regio di Parma (Italy).
The Dallas Opera, with support from Holly and Tom Mayer, invites you to experience these four world-class artists performing together for the first time. The trio, conducted by Maestro Montanaro, will sing a selection of Opera’s most memorable moments from Turandot, Pagliacci, Werther, L’elisir d’amore, Fedora, Eugene Onegin and La Gioconda. The program will also include an American Song medley and unforgettable songs from some of the finest productions of the twentieth-century musical stage.
“Maestro Montanaro and these incredibly gifted tenors have come together in the prime of their careers to create an unforgettable evening of poignant and passionate performances,” explains Ian Derrer, The Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO. “The trio will perform highlights from the opera repertoire that have made them world famous, as well as audience favorites that originated under the bright lights of Broadway.
“It’s easy to see why true opera lovers are willing to travel long distances to experience these artists onstage, and why our patrons are already buzzing with anticipation.
“This opportunity to hear Michael Fabiano, Bryan Hymel and Matthew Polenzani, side by side,” Derrer adds, “is not likely to be repeated here in Dallas. Music lovers should take note and make the most of it!”
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V.I.P. Gala Tickets include an exclusive pre-performance reception, the concert, a post-performance dinner curated and prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering, and a lively After Party featuring complimentary wine and beer.
Gold Box Gala Tickets start at $1,250 apiece – Tenor Orchestra Gala Tickets start at $1,000.
For additional information about the full gala package, please contact Dallas Opera Special Events Manager Tracy Mott at 214.443.1063 or tracy.mott@dallasopera.org.
For single tickets and information regarding the concert itself, consult the friendly people in The Dallas Opera Ticket Office at 214.443.1000 or online at https://dallasopera.org/performance/one-night-only/
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MICHAEL FABIANO Tenor
Of Michael Fabiano’s debut as Lensky in Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin at the Royal Opera, The Sunday Times in London wrote: “I can’t think of a Lensky at Covent Garden who has held the audience so spellbound in 40 years of Onegin-going… a glorious debut.” The recipient of the 2014 Beverly Sills Artist Award and the 2014 Richard Tucker Award, Mr. Fabiano is the first singer to win both awards in the same year, and is considered one of the greatest tenors in the world today.
In the 2018/19 season, Mr. Fabiano made his Lyric Opera of Chicago debut as Rodolfo, opening their season in a new production of La bohème. He returns to the Metropolitan Opera for his role debut as Faust in Boito’s Mefistofele followed by Rodolfo in La bohème, and portrays a second incarnation of Faust when he assumes the title role in the Gounod opera at the Royal Opera. His debut at Staatsoper Berlin follows, where he will sing the Duke in a new production of Rigoletto, followed by another role debut as Carlo VII in Verdi’s Giovanna d’Arco (Joan of Arc) at the Teatro Real. This season, Fabiano opened the Royal Opera in a new production of La bohème conducted by Antonio Pappano, and sang the Duke in Rigoletto, a role in which he made his debut at the Los Angeles Opera. Mr. Fabiano sang his first Des Grieux in Massenet’s Manon at the San Francisco Opera, with subsequent performances in Bilbao at ABAO-OLBE. He performed in recital for Oper Frankfurt, returned to the Metropolitan Opera for Rodolfo in La bohème, and Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, a role he will reprise for Opera Australia, and sang Corrado in Il Corsaro at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia. Both the La bohème and the Rigoletto from the Royal Opera as well as the La bohème from the Met received international HD broadcasts. In celebration of the Bernstein centennial, Mr. Fabiano finishes his season with a performance of excerpts from West Side Story at the Napa Valley Festival, and a Bernstein concert at the Ravinia Festival.
BRYAN HYMEL Tenor
Hailed by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung for his “range of expression and vocal power combined with the subtle art of characterization,” tenor Bryan Hymel is the winner of the 2013 Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Opera for his trio of performances in Les Troyens, Robert le diable, and Rusalka at London’s Royal Opera House. The New York Times praised his “unflagging stamina and impetuous abandon” during his 2012 Metropolitan Opera debut as Énée in Les Troyens, for which he was presented with the Metropolitan Opera’s Beverly Sills Artist Award. An exclusive recording artist for Warner Classics, his first solo album Héroïque debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Classical Music chart, and earned Hymel the coveted Georges Thill Prize by the Académie Nationale du Disque Lyrique and the Newcomer of the Year Award from ECHO Klassik.
On the concert stage, Hymel has been seen in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 led by Gustavo Dudamel at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala; the Verdi Requiem with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra under Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and at the Edinburgh Festival under Donald Runnicles; Walter Braunfels’ Jeanne d’Arc with the Salzburg Festival; a European Tour of La Damnation de Faust with the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse; Roger Waters’ Ça Ira at the Gothenburg Culture Festival and in its US debut with the Nashville Symphony; and in Berlioz’ Requiem with The Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse. A frequent collaborator with the PKF – Prague Philharmonia, he appeared at the Royal Opera House in Oman for a special New Year’s concert under Music Director Emmanuel Villaume, as well as concerts in Prague’s Smetana Hall and the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris. He made his debut in recital at London’s Wigmore Hall in 2016.
MATTHEW POLENZANI Tenor
One of the most gifted and distinguished lyric tenors of his generation, Matthew Polenzani’s elegant musicianship, innate sense of style, dramatic commitment, and timeless artistry have established his continued presence at leading operatic, concert and recital venues worldwide.
In his triumphant 2017-18 Season, Matthew returned to Lyric Opera of Chicago in two of his signature roles: the Duke of Mantua in Rigoletto and Nadir in Les Pêcheurs de Perles. His reprisal of Nemorino in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore at the Metropolitan Opera was praised by The New York Times for his “pliant strength and clarion tone” and was broadcast on PBS, as well as “The Met: Live in HD.” Mr. Polenzani traveled to Zürich Opera for his role debut as Rodolfo in Verdi’s Luisa Miller and to the Bavarian State Opera as Fernand in Donizetti’s La favorite, receiving rave reviews for both. He ended last season singing Rodolfo in La bohème at the Royal Opera House, heralded for his “pleasant lilt and clear timbre (Bachtrack).
Notable concert highlights last season included his performances as the tenor soloist in Haydn’s Creation with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia Festival and his “A Night at the Opera” concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra, led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
Other recent season highlights include his Don Ottavio in Michael Haneke’s acclaimed staging of Don Giovanni for Paris National Opera. He sang Werther at both the Bavarian and Vienna State Operas. His role debuts at the Metropolitan Opera include Nadir in Les Pêcheurs de Perles and the title role of Roberto Devereux in a production by Sir David McVicar. Both operas were featured on the Met’s “Live in HD” series and subsequently released on DVD. To date, the acclaimed tenor has starred in more than 300 performances at New York’s Metropolitan Opera.
Matthew Polenzani was the recipient of the 2004 Richard Tucker Award, the Metropolitan Opera’s 2008 Beverly Sills Award, and a 2017 Opera News Award.
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2018-2019 SEASON SPONSOR
The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family
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ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA
Founded in 1957, The Dallas Opera is an internationally-recognized innovator dedicated to the overall advancement of the operatic art form and the support of established and emerging artists, as well as the education and development of new opera audiences in North Texas—and beyond. These goals are achieved by commissioning and producing world-class opera; through ground-breaking institutes, national competitions and topical programs; and by presenting opera in both traditional and non-traditional formats and venues in order to attract patrons of every age, background, educational level, and ethnicity—while engaging with more than 87,000 people in our community each year. TDO is equally committed to the task of responsible stewardship and is managed with efficiency and accountability, to the highest possible standards.
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EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA
IS AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7. VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG
FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHS
Contact Suzanne Calvin, Director of Media and PR at suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org
The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: Elsa von Seggern Foundation, Texas Instruments Foundation, the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; the Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera. Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera.
Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News.
The Dallas Opera Family Performances are generously supported by
Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, and
The Betty and Steve Suellentrop Educational Outreach Fund
TDO Family Performances are a part of the
Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs
TICKET INFORMATION FOR THE 2018-2019 DALLAS OPERA SEASON
All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise indicated. Single tickets range from $19 to $289 (excluding boxes). Family performance tickets are just $5. For more information or to make your purchase, contact The Dallas Opera Ticket Office at 214.443.1000 or visit us online, 24/7, at www.dallasopera.org.
THE DALLAS OPERA 2018-2019 MAINSTAGE SEASON: SPRING
The Dallas Opera celebrates its 62nd International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired. With the exception of FIRST NIGHT, The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk will begin one hour prior to curtain, at most performances.
MANON LESCAUT by Giacomo Puccini
Semi-Staged Concert, March 1, 3 (m), 6, 9, 2019
Featuring images of select art works from the collections of The Dallas Museum of Art!
The woman who has everything discovers too late that she has nothing – without true love!
Libretto by Domenico Oliva and Luigi Illica
Time: Late 18th century
Place: France and America
Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
Director: Edward Berkeley
Costume Designer: Tommy Bourgeois
Lighting Designer: Krista Billings
Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Kristin Lewis* (Manon Lescaut), Musa Ngqungwana (Lescaut), Gregory Kunde (Chevalier des Grieux), Andrea Silvestrelli (Geronte de Ravoir), Jonas Hacker* (Edmondo), Mark S. Doss (Innkeeper), Alyssa Martin (Singer), Matthew Grills* (Dance Master), Clay Hilley* (Lamplighter), Mark McCrory (Sergeant of the Royal Archers) and David Leigh* (Naval Captain).
LA BOHÈME by Giacomo Puccini
March 15, 17 (m), 20, 23, 29, 31 (m), 2019
The most timeless love story in all of opera returns to break your heart!
Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica
Time: 19th century
Place: The Latin Quarter of Paris, France
Conductor: Giuliano Carella
Director: Tomer Zvulun
Set Designer: Erhard Rom
Costume Designer: Peter J. Hall
Lighting Designer: Robert Wierzel
Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Jean-François Borras* (Rodolfo), Pumeza Matshikiza** (Mimi), Anthony Clark Evans* (Marcello), Sara Gartland (Musetta), Will Liverman* (Schaunard), Nicholas Brownlee* (Colline), and Samuel Ramey (Benoit/Alcindoro).
FALSTAFF by Giuseppe Verdi
April 26, 28 (m), May 1, 4, 2019
Shakespeare’s uproarious comedy brought to musical life!
Libretto by Arrigo Boito
Time: During the reign of Henry IV of England
Place: Windsor
Conductor: Riccardo Frizza
Original Director: Lee Blakeley
Revival Director: Shawna Lucey*
Set and Costume Designer: Adrian Linford*
Lighting Designer: Rick Fisher*
Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Mark Delavan* (Sir John Falstaff), Angela Meade (Alice Ford), Quinn Kelsey* (Ford), Mojca Erdmann* (Nanetta), Airam Hernández* (Fenton), Stephanie Blythe* (Dame Quickly), Megan Marino* (Meg Page), Alex Mansoori* (Bardolfo), Andrea Silvestrelli (Pistola), and Robert Brubaker (Dr. Caius).
* Dallas Opera Debut
** American Debut
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20 Semi-Finalists Named for 2019 Guild Vocal Competition Hosted by Miss America Nia Franklin
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, February 8, 2019
Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014
Twenty Semi-Finalists Have Been Selected
To Compete for Awards and Cash Prizes at The 31st Annual Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition
With The Dallas Opera Orchestra
Conducted by Riccardo Frizza
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Emceed by Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin
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Semi-Finals: Thursday, May 2, 2019 11 am
Finals Concert: Friday, May 3, 2019 7:30 pm
The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House
AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas, TX
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2019 Co-Chairs Dr. Susan Fleming & Linda McKown
Honoring Holly and Dr. Tom Mayer
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$5 Tickets and Information at dallasopera.org/vocal
DALLAS, TX, FEBRUARY 8, 2019 – Twenty of the finest young opera singers in the United States will be competing in the 31ST Annual Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition presented, jointly, by The Dallas Opera and The Dallas Opera Guild.
The artists will compete onstage in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas on Thursday, May 2 & Friday, May 3, 2019. At stake are thousands of dollars in generous cash awards and prestigious honors including the “People’s Choice Award” selected during the Finals Round by audience ballot.
The 2019 Guild Vocal Competition is being co-chaired by Susan Fleming, Ph.D., and Linda McKown and the Finals Round will be emceed by Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin, a classically trained opera singer, composer, and advocate for the arts.
The quest for these gifted young singers will begin with the Semi-Finals Round of the Vocal Competition taking place on Thursday, May 2, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Tickets are free and can be obtained at www.dallasopera.org/vocal.
Six finalists will be selected that day to return the following evening for the Finals Round Concert on Friday, May 3, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. At that time, the remaining competitors will perform with The Dallas Opera Orchestra, conducted by the internationally renowned Italian Maestro Riccardo Frizza, Music Director of the Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo, Italy.
Concert tickets are just $5 and available at the door, by calling The Dallas Opera Ticket Office at 214.443.1000, or online at www.dallasopera.org/vocal.
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This year, the twenty semi-finalists were selected by a panel of preliminary judges that included American pianist and educator Dr. Brian Zeger of the Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts at The Juilliard School, and David Lomeli, Director of Artistic Administration for The Dallas Opera. These semi-finalists were among a group of 307 applicants from 36 states.
THE 2019 SEMI-FINALISTS
THE DALLAS OPERA GUILD VOCAL COMPETITION
- Lindsay Kate Brown, mezzo-soprano, Houston Grand Opera Studio / Des Moines Metro Opera Apprentice Artist Program
- Jeff Byrnes, baritone, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Gerdine Young Artists Program
- Anthony Ciaramitaro, tenor, Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Program / Merola Opera Program
- Lauren Decker, contralto, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago
- Ben Edquist, baritone, Houston Grand Opera Studio
- Calvin Griffin, bass-baritone, Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio
- Pureum Jo, soprano, Houston Grand Opera Studio
- Meghan Kasanders, soprano, Artist Diploma in Opera Studies at the Juilliard School
- Andrew Manea, baritone, Adler Fellowship at San Francisco Opera
- Felicia Moore, soprano, Artist Diploma in Opera Studies at the Juilliard School
- Rafael Moras, tenor, Santa Fe Apprentice Program / Domingo Colburn Stein Young Artists Los Angeles Opera
- John Matthew Myers, tenor, Academy of Vocal Arts
- Diana Newman, soprano, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago
- Ndumiso Nyoka, tenor, Southern Methodist University
- Christopher Oglesby, tenor, San Francisco Opera Adler Fellowship / Utah Opera Resident Artist
- Emmett O’Hanlon, baritone, The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago
- Christian Pursell, bass-baritone, Adler Fellowship at San Francisco Opera
- Abigail Rethwisch, soprano, Santa Fe Apprentice Program / Utah Opera Resident Artist
- Reginald Smith, Jr., baritone, Winner of Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions / Houston Grand Opera Studio
- Xiaomeng Zhang, baritone, Artist Diploma in Opera Studies at the Juilliard School
Competitors in the 2018 Competition took home prize monies totaling $18,500. Although this competition has as its primary focus artists in the 18 to 34 age range, singers of any age were eligible to apply and considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition originally focused on young artists with Texas roots or Lone Star academic connections, and its many distinguished alumni include luminaries from throughout the opera world: Latonia Moore, Clifton Forbis, Marjorie Owens, Michael Sumuel, Weston Hurt, Steven LaBrie, Amanda Woodbury, Jesus Garcia.
As the competition sought to gain even greater prominence and significance, The Dallas Opera and The Dallas Opera Guild made significant changes in 2015, prompting Dallas Morning News Classical Music Critic Scott Cantrell to write that the competition had “considerably upped its ante.” The evolution didn’t stop there:
- In order to attract the most talented applicant pool with the greatest potential, the eligibility criteria for applicants changed. Today, it is open to residents of all 50 states and U.S. Territories, including international students attending American colleges, universities, and music conservatories. Also eligible are active members of any young artist program associated with an American opera company.
- During the Finals Round, competing artists will be accompanied by The Dallas Opera Orchestra, guided in 2019 by noted guest conductor Riccardo Frizza. Up to six finalists will participate, singing two arias each.
The impact of these changes was immediately perceived. Senior Classical Music Critic Gregory Sullivan Isaacs of theaterjones.com wrote: “The results surely exceeded expectations for this newly re-envisioned competition…It won’t take long to situate itself at the top of such events and become an important gold star on any young artist’s résumé.”
Winners in 2015 and in the years since have included J’nai Bridges, Anthony Clark Evans, Kang Wang, Virginie Verrez, Samantha Hankey (the 2018 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Grand Finals winner), Laura Wilde, Kihun Yoon, and, most recently, Mario Rojas, Josh Lovell and last year’s top prize winner – countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen.
The special guest emcee for this year’s Finals Round, Nia Franklin, is the reigning Miss America who wowed the audience and judges during the competition with her rendition of “Quando m’en Vo” from La bohème. Ms. Franklin is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where she studied music composition.
“I am thrilled to be a part of the 31st Annual Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition!” writes Ms. Franklin. “It is such an honor to emcee this competition featuring the best young opera singers from around the country as they share their talent and dedication for all of Dallas to see!”
This year’s honorees are Holly and Tom Mayer for their tremendous dedication, service and support of The Dallas Opera and its commitment to emerging and developing artists. Most recently, Holly served as Chairman of The Dallas Opera (2016-2018) and she continues to guide and inspire the company as a member of The Dallas Opera Board Executive Committee.
Dallas Opera Guild Co-Presidents James and Jan Clay remarked, “Our exciting annual competition is the most high-profile facet of The Dallas Opera Guild’s yearlong commitment to support exceptionally talented young opera artists. The future of opera, not only in Texas—but throughout the world—is dependent on the discovery and development of bright new talent. The Guild takes that part of our mission very seriously and we encourage everyone in the community to turn out next spring to show their support for these fine young singers, as well.”
Linda McKown, one of the 2019 Co-Chairs for the annual competition, writes: “I’m excited to be getting more involved with the Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition and doing what I can to help Susan Fleming carry out the Guild’s responsibilities. I feel it is so important to give these young opera singers the opportunity to perform before a live audience with Maestro Frizza conducting the outstanding Dallas Opera Orchestra.”
Adds Co-Chair Susan Fleming, “The Dallas Opera Guild is extremely proud of the many professional voices in development that we have fostered for more than three decades. We are eager to hear those who will be selected this year—twenty from over 300 applicants—and look forward to hosting a large audience on May 2 and 3, 2019.
“We encourage YOU to be part of the crowd that comes to the Winspear Opera House to cheer them on!”
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Lexus Red Parking beneath the Winspear Opera House is free for the Semi-Finals Round, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 2. Parking is $6 for the Finals Round of the competition the following evening, Friday, May 3, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
The list of esteemed judges for the 2019 Vocal Competition reads like a music industry “Who’s Who.”
Judges for the 2019 Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition:
Peter Czornyj
Vice President of Artistic Operations, The Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Ian Derrer
The Kern Wildenthal General Director & CEO, The Dallas Opera
Dominic Domingo
Director of Artistic Administration, San Diego Opera
Riccardo Frizza
Music Director of the Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo, Italy
David Lomeli
Director of Artistic Administration, The Dallas Opera
Andreas Melinat
Vice President, Artistic Planning, Lyric Opera of Chicago
Evamaria Wieser
Casting Director, Salzburg Festival
Brian Zeger, Chair
Artistic Director of the Ellen and James S. Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts
The Juilliard School
However, the judging isn’t left entirely to the professionals; “amateur” music lovers will have the opportunity to express their views, too. Audience participation is part of the fun at each year’s Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition. For the nineteenth consecutive year, attendees will be given the chance to vote on their personal favorites to receive the coveted “People’s Choice Award.”
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RICCARDO FRIZZA CONDUCTOR
Award-winning Italian maestro Riccardo Frizza is a galvanizing presence on the podium, inspiring performances as exhilarating as they are expressive. Championed by Alberto Zedda, Bruno Cagli, and Gian Carlo Menotti, he is a leading exponent of the bel canto repertoire, collaborating with a who’s who of today’s most iconic singers at opera houses from Milan’s Teatro alla Scala to the Metropolitan Opera in New York. In the concert hall, he graces the podiums of such world-class ensembles as the Leipzig Gewandhaus, Rome’s Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, London’s Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Tokyo Symphony, while his extensive discography includes Decca’s Una furtiva lagrima, winner of the 2004 Cannes Classical Award.
Highlights of Riccardo Frizza’s last season included Falstaff at Festival Verdi di Parma, La Traviata at New National Theatre in Tokyo, Il barbiere di Siviglia at the Opéra National de Paris, Norma in Tokyo, Luisa Miller at Zürich Opera, L’elisir d’amore and Norma at Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Semiramide at the Bavarian State Opera and Il pirata at Teatro alla Scala in Milan. In September 2017, Maestro Frizza was named Music Director of the Donizetti Opera Festival in Bergamo, Italy. Having already conducted Roberto Devereux at San Francisco Opera, in other season highlights, he will appear at the podium of La Fenice three times (for three different productions), will return to Bilbao in order to conduct his debut performance of Verdi’s I Lombardi, and will conduct Falstaff in The Dallas Opera’s spring season finale in 2019.
NIA IMANI FRANKLIN (MISS AMERICA 2019)
Classically trained opera singer and advocate for the arts
Nia Franklin was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and lived in the state through graduate school. She earned an undergraduate degree in composition from East Carolina University, and a master’s in fine arts from The University of North Carolina’s School of the Arts. Shortly thereafter, Nia was awarded a Kenan Fellowship at New York’s Lincoln Center Education and made the move to New York City. She currently resides in Brooklyn.
During Nia Franklin’s college freshman year, her father was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and she became his stem cell donor. This turn of events led Nia to the Miss America Organization. “I had to find a way to pay for myself to go to school and so I entered this competition and this organization and it became much more than just the scholarship money for me, it was also about the mentorship, leadership and sisterhood you find in this program.”
Nia was crowned Miss Five Boroughs at the age of 23, and then went on to win Miss New York 2018. And was awarded the job of Miss America 2019 on September 9, 2018.
Ms. Franklin has been a teacher and music mentor, and has written over 100 songs, including one she began performing at age five. (The lyrics begin: “Love, love, love, love, love is the only thing that matters to me…”). For the Miss America 2019 competition, Franklin sang “Quando m’en Vo’” from Puccini’s La bohème and wowed audiences and judges alike.
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HISTORY OF THE DALLAS OPERA GUILD VOCAL COMPETITION:
In February of 1987, then-Dallas Opera Guild Presidents Connie and Jerry Klemow proposed establishing a Guild-sponsored scholarship fund to financially assist qualified singers seeking a career in opera. With the approval of The Dallas Opera management and the enthusiastic support of Artistic Director Nicola Rescigno, a committee comprised of Pat Blankenship, Nora Sands and Maria Santarelli, chaired by Connie Klemow, was entrusted to formulate a plan. Soon, the committee welcomed the assistance of then-General Director Plato Karayanis, company dramaturg Roger Pines and Dallas Morning News Classical Music Critic John Ardoin.
Mr. Ardoin suggested a grants program be established in lieu of a scholarship fund or a competition. His suggestion was considered and the concept accepted. It was decided to focus on applicants from North Texas, ages 18-35 with some professional experience. Roger Pines named the program “The Career Development Grant for Singers” (CDGS) and after 20 months of planning the first CDGS program was presented on October 8, 1988 at SMU’s Caruth Auditorium.
However, for any program to remain dynamic, it must grow and evolve. During these past three decades there have been many changes, including the additions of a “People’s Choice Award,” and a significant name change to “The Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition” in 2004.
From the initial grants program, the concept evolved into an annual competition that, until 2014, focused on vocalists with a Texas connection, both home-grown and temporary residents. Through this event, the Guild continues to recognize and honor members of The Dallas Opera community who have demonstrated a special interest in promoting the careers of talented young singers, or, have given exceptional support to The Dallas Opera and the Guild. Jonathan Pell, former Artistic Director of The Dallas Opera, led the Judge’s panel for the first 26 years.
The vocal competition was significantly reimagined and expanded in its 27th year, under the leadership of former Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny, to allow applicants from all 50 states and U.S. Territories. Dr. Brian Zeger, Artistic Director of Juilliard’s Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts and former Executive Director for the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program of the Metropolitan Opera now chairs a judge’s panel that includes leading figures in music administration and classical music.
The competition was expanded to take place over a two-day period. Participants in 2019 will be heard during Thursday’s semi-finals and the selected finalists will perform again Friday evening, accompanied by The Dallas Opera Orchestra under the direction of Riccardo Frizza.
The Dallas Opera Guild remains dedicated to its original commitment to recognize, honor and support exceptionally talented young singers. The distributed award monies are funded anew each year. Guild members graciously donate their time, energy, money and talents to ensure that this prestigious annual competition succeeds in cultivating the next generation of world-class artists.
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SPECIAL THANKS
TO THE AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AND STAFF
FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE
2019 DALLAS OPERA GUILD VOCAL COMPETITION
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2018-2019 SEASON SPONSOR
The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family
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ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA
Founded in 1957, The Dallas Opera is an internationally-recognized innovator dedicated to the overall advancement of the operatic art form and the support of established and emerging artists, as well as the education and development of new opera audiences in North Texas—and beyond. These goals are achieved by commissioning and producing world-class opera; through ground-breaking institutes, national competitions and topical programs; and by presenting opera in both traditional and non-traditional formats and venues in order to attract patrons of every age, background, educational level, and ethnicity—while engaging with more than 87,000 people in our community each year. TDO is equally committed to the task of responsible stewardship and is managed with efficiency and accountability, to the highest possible standards.
~~~~
EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA
IS AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7. VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG
FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHS
Contact Suzanne Calvin, Director of Media and PR at suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org
The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: Elsa von Seggern Foundation, Texas Instruments Foundation, the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; the Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera. Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera.
Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News.
The Dallas Opera Family Performances are generously supported by
Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, and
The Betty and Steve Suellentrop Educational Outreach Fund
TDO Family Performances are a part of the
Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs
TICKET INFORMATION FOR THE 2018-2019 DALLAS OPERA SEASON
All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise indicated. Flex Subscriptions are on sale now; single tickets range from $19 to $289 (excluding boxes). Family performance tickets are just $5. For more information or to make your purchase, contact The Dallas Opera Ticket Office at 214.443.1000 or visit us online, 24/7, at www.dallasopera.org.
THE DALLAS OPERA 2018-2019 MAINSTAGE SEASON: SPRING
The Dallas Opera celebrates its 62nd International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired. With the exception of FIRST NIGHT, The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk will begin one hour prior to curtain, at most performances.
MANON LESCAUT by Giacomo Puccini
Semi-Staged Concert, March 1, 3 (m), 6, 9, 2019
Featuring images of select art works from the collections of The Dallas Museum of Art!
The woman who has everything discovers too late that she has nothing – without true love!
Libretto by Domenico Oliva and Luigi Illica
Time: Late 18th century
Place: France and America
Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
Director: Ed Berkeley
Costume Designer: Tommy Bourgeois
Lighting Designer: Krista Billings
Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Kristin Lewis* (Manon Lescaut), Musa Ngqungwana (Lescaut), Gregory Kunde (Chevalier des Grieux), Andrea Silvestrelli (Geronte de Ravoir), Jonas Hacker* (Edmondo), Mark S. Doss (Innkeeper), Alyssa Martin (Singer), Matthew Grills* (Dance Master), Clay Hilley* (Lamplighter), Mark McCrory (Sergeant of the Royal Archers) and David Leigh* (Naval Captain).
LA BOHÈME by Giacomo Puccini
March 15, 17 (m), 20, 23, 29, 31 (m), 2019
The most timeless love story in all of opera returns to break your heart!
Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica
Time: 19th century
Place: The Latin Quarter of Paris, France
Conductor: Giuliano Carella
Director: Tomer Zvulun
Set Designer: Erhard Rom
Costume Designer: Peter J. Hall
Lighting Designer: Robert Wierzel
Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Jean-François Borras* (Rodolfo), Pumeza Matshikiza** (Mimi), Anthony Clark Evans* (Marcello), Sara Gartland (Musetta), Will Liverman* (Schaunard), Nicholas Brownlee* (Colline), and Samuel Ramey (Benoit/Alcindoro).
FALSTAFF by Giuseppe Verdi
April 26, 28 (m), May 1, 4, 2019
Shakespeare’s uproarious comedy brought to musical life!
Libretto by Arrigo Boito
Time: During the reign of Henry IV of England
Place: Windsor
Conductor: Riccardo Frizza
Original Director: Lee Blakeley
Revival Director: Shawna Lucey*
Set and Costume Designer: Adrian Linford*
Lighting Designer: Rick Fisher*
Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Mark Delavan* (Sir John Falstaff), Angela Meade (Alice Ford), Quinn Kelsey* (Ford), Mojca Erdmann* (Nanetta), Airam Hernández* (Fenton), Stephanie Blythe* (Dame Quickly), Megan Marino* (Meg Page), Alex Mansoori* (Bardolfo), Andrea Silvestrelli (Pistola), and Robert Brubaker (Dr. Caius).
* Dallas Opera Debut
** American Debut
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