The Dallas Opera and NorthPark Center Present “The Fabric of Opera: The Winspear World Premieres”

Principal singers in costume for the 2015 world premiere of Mark Adamo’s “Becoming Santa Claus” (photo by Karen Almond, Dallas Opera)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014

suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org

The Dallas Opera and NorthPark Center Present

THE FABRIC OF OPERA:

The Winspear World Premieres

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Exhibit of Historic Dallas Opera Costumes Sept. 13 – Nov. 6, 2019

NorthPark Center, Dallas, TX

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The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family – Season Sponsors of The Dallas Opera

DALLAS, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019 – The Dallas Opera and NorthPark Center are proud to present rarely-exhibited historic costumes from the private collection of The Dallas Opera.

The all-new FABRIC OF OPERA exhibition, building on the popular success of last year’s inaugural display, will be on view from September 13, 2019 through November 6, 2019 at NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75225. The exhibition is located on Level One near Neiman Marcus.

This year’s exhibition will consist of spectacular costumes created for The Dallas Opera by some of the finest design talents in the world—including Tony Award winners Jane Greenwood and Bob Crowley, renowned British set and costume designer Gary McCann, and Drama Desk Award winner David C. Woolard. The new exhibition will showcase designs specifically created for The Dallas Opera world premieres at the Winspear Opera House (2009-2019) during the company’s first decade in this critically-acclaimed venue.

“We were delighted by the chance to create a second edition of The Fabric of Opera, and happy to renew our partnership with NorthPark Center,” said Ian Derrer, The Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO.

“As The Dallas Opera celebrates a successful decade in the Winspear Opera House, it seemed only natural to focus on the world premieres that helped put the company in the international spotlight.”

The Fabric of Opera: The Winspear World Premieres, curated by Dallas Opera set and costume designer Tommy Bourgeois, will showcase characters and costumes—both real and fantastical.

NorthPark Center visitors will get close-up views of the meticulously-researched outfits of nineteenth century seafarers, modern day mountaineers, contemporary opera stars, and the imaginary denizens of the North Pole—including sprightly elves and a young man named Nick. It will also include revealing commentary from the composers and librettists who poured themselves into these important contemporary works.

“From the start,” writes Moby-Dick (2010) composer Jake Heggie, “we imagined an innovative, modern set and physical production, but we always thought of the costumes in classic terms. So did the great Jane Greenwood and she delivered beautiful clothes that helped us to understand and identify the characters clearly at every turn.”

Mark Adamo, the composer/librettist of Becoming Santa Claus (2015), worked closely with set and costume designer Gary McCann: “What Gary came up with is, to me, a designer’s equivalent to what Tolkien devised in The Lord of the Rings: a world made entirely of fantasy which is, at once, as persuasive as history. I tried to achieve that project in sound. Gary made that sound visible.”

“Superb costume designs have always been an integral part of our company fabric,” explains Mr. Derrer. “The work of today’s best designers, seen in this exhibit, will undoubtedly inspire new generations of artists, designers, and Dallas Opera audiences.

“We are deeply indebted to Nancy Nasher and David Haemisegger for their unwavering support for this project.”

NorthPark Center, Dallas’ premier shopping destination, has long been associated with high style and luxury, as has opera design from the very beginning. As NorthPark is the long-term presenting sponsor of TDO’s FIRST SIGHT Fashion Presentation and Luncheon, it is the perfect place to host these exhibitions.

“The amazing Nasher Sculpture Center was one of the first places I visited when I came to Dallas,” recalls Emmanuel Villaume, the Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director. “That world-class collection told me a great deal about the influence of the Nasher Family on the arts in North Texas. However, it was a subsequent trip to NorthPark Center that made me realize that there was so much more to be explored.

“I embrace every opportunity for collaboration between our two companies,” Maestro Villaume adds. “They are always profoundly beautiful experiences.”

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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 by the incomparable Maria Callas in 1957, 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 such as the Hart Institute for Women Conductors, free public simulcasts, acclaimed art song recitals, the national and state vocal competitions, special concerts, and outstanding family and 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 63^rd 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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Dolce&Gabbana Will Command Centerstage at FIRST SIGHT 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Monday, July 29, 2019

Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014

suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org

THE DALLAS OPERA IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE

THE INTERNATIONAL FASHION HOUSE

Dolce&Gabbana

Will be Center Stage in the 2019

FIRST SIGHT

Fashion Presentation and Luncheon

Thursday, October 17, 2019

The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House

At the AT&T Performing Arts Center

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NorthPark Center, Presenting Sponsor

Kim and Greg Hext, Chairs for

FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT 2019

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Gourmet Luncheon by Wolfgang Puck Catering

Ellen Winspear, Fashion Presentation & Luncheon Chair

DALLAS, JULY 29, 2019 – Fashionistas and opera lovers alike are marking their fall calendars for one of the early highlights of the season, The Dallas Opera’s FIRST SIGHT Fashion Presentation and Luncheon (NorthPark Center, Presenting Sponsor) taking place Thursday, October 17, 2019, beginning with a late-morning reception in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center (2403 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201). The highlight of the 2019 FIRST SIGHT Fashion Presentation will be head-turning designs created by the acclaimed international design house of Dolce&Gabbana.

The Chairs for this year’s FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT, as announced during the Opening Night Dinner last October, are Kim and Greg Hext.

“I am delighted that The Dallas Opera will be partnering in 2019 with the ultra-sophisticated Dolce&Gabbana brand to enable FIRST SIGHT—which in a few short years has become a firmly established fashion institution—to expand the scope of its influence,” says Kim Hext.

“I am profoundly grateful to Nancy Nasher and our presenting sponsor, NorthPark Center and, of course, to Dolce&Gabbana for their enthusiastic support of The Dallas Opera’s FIRST SIGHT celebrations.

“We will have other exciting partnership announcements to share later this summer,” Ms. Hext adds.

Additional Chairs for the upcoming events are:

Ellen Winspear, FIRST SIGHT Fashion Presentation and Luncheon Chair
Carol and Don Glendenning, Dinner Chairs for FIRST NIGHT
Honorary Chairs for 2019 FIRST SIGHT & FIRST NIGHT: The Winspear Family

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FIRST SIGHT – 2019

ELLEN WINSPEAR, FASHION PRESENTATION & LUNCHEON CHAIR

Socialites, benefactors, and avid supporters of the performing arts in North Texas will gather in the C. Vincent Prothro Lobby for a reception, while a superb seated luncheon is meticulously prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering. A fashion presentation will follow the reception.

“This October, the people of Dallas will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House and the AT&T Performing Arts Center,” explains 2019 FIRST SIGHT Fashion Presentation and Luncheon Chair Ellen Winspear. “These festivities will showcase the many ways in which these venues have created opportunities for world-class performances and quality entertainment right in the heart of the city.

“The Winspear Family is tremendously pleased to serve as Honorary Chairs for FIRST SIGHT and FIRST NIGHT, and it is my special privilege to help launch these celebrations on October 17^th with support from an amazing array of sponsors and underwriters.

“FIRST SIGHT is one of my favorite events on the fall calendar and just when I thought it couldn’t possibly top last year—we found a new and exciting partner in Dolce&Gabbana!” she adds.

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Established in 1985, Dolce&Gabbana is an international leader in the fashion and luxury goods sector. The founders, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, have always been the creative and stylistic source of all the brand’s activities as well as the drivers behind the development strategies.

The Group creates, produces and distributes high-end clothing, leather goods, footwear, accessories, jewelry and watches. The brand is present in the Prêt-à-porter segment with Men’s, Women’s and Children’s collections and has Alta Moda, Alta Sartoria, Alta Gioielleria and Alta Orologeria collections.

The only activities entrusted to licensee partners are the production and distribution of Eyewear and Beauty lines.

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Early sales have begun for both FIRST SIGHT (Thurs. October 17, 2019) and FIRST NIGHT (Friday, October 18, 2019).

FIRST SIGHT tables will range from $5,000 to $25,000. Individual tickets are also on sale starting at $500.

For additional information about FIRST SIGHT and FIRST NIGHT or to purchase tables for either event, please visit www.dallasopera.org/firstsight or contact Special Events Manager Tracy Mott at 214.443.1063 or tracy.mott@dallasopera.org.

2019 FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT CHAIR BIOS

About Kim Hext:

From 1991 through 2012, Kim Hext was a National Spokesperson for Buick Motor Division. Prior and concurrent to that role, she was a Feature Correspondent on the “Scuba World Television Series” which was syndicated to The Travel and Discovery Channels. Additionally, from 1982 to 1998 she was a Corporate Meeting Planner for Hugh Hunt Productions. Kim was also with the premier Kim Dawson Agency from 1988 to 2008 where she had various modeling and acting roles. Kim’s love of fashion and modeling, as well as her strong philanthropic involvement, has led her to her position as a 2019 NorthPark Luxury Ambassador.

Kim has made it her life’s work to positively impact the community around her. She currently sits on the Board of Governors for the Texas Ballet Theater and The Dallas Symphony Orchestra. She serves on the Board of Directors for The Dallas Opera, the Aging Minds Foundation and serves as Vice-Chair of the board for Hope Supply Co. Kim has been involved with a number of other Non-Profits. She is a member of The Crystal Charity Ball Committee and loves the Dallas Zoo. In 2018, Kim and her husband, Greg, chaired Zoo To Do raising over $1 million for the zoo.

The American Heart Association is another organization that has been near and dear to Kim’s heart. She was the Cotes du Coeur Gala Co-Chairman in 2017, and helped to raise $4.61 million at the annual Celebrity Chef Dinner and wine auction. Kim has been involved with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra for many years and in 2018, she was the Savor the Symphony Chair for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League. She continues her involvement as a Board of Governors member and serves on the Development Committee.

In 2017, Kim began working with The Arts Community Alliance (TACA). She is a member of their Nominating Committee and has served as a Grant Panelist. She also sits on their Board of Directors. In 2020, Kim will be the Party on the Green Chair.

In 2003, Kim began volunteering with Dallas Salvation Army Auxiliary. She has a passion for the Angel Tree Program and has served in the Christmas Distribution Center and as an Angel Tree Volunteer. In 2020, she will be the Dallas Salvation Army Auxiliary’s Fashion Show and Luncheon Chair.

Kim is so thrilled to be the 2019 First Sight/First Night Gala Chair (along with husband Greg Hext) for the Dallas Opera. She has been involved with the Opera in the past serving on the FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT Advisory Committee and as a member of the Women’s Council. Kim also serves as a 2019 NorthPark Center Ambassador, a recognition of her commitment to our community.

About Greg Hext:

From 1974 through 1979, Greg Hext was President of a closely held, family-owned corporation, which was diversified in its business endeavors. In 1979, Greg joined the Houston office of Benson, Wells & Co., a regional CPA firm. In 1980 the Houston office formed the firm of Shelby, Rucksdashel & Jones (SRJ). Greg continued with the new firm.

In 1984, Greg opened the Dallas office of SRJ as Partner-in-Charge. He continued as an Audit and Consulting Partner as well as Partner-in-Charge of the Dallas office until 1989. In 1990, he became the Shareholder in charge of Audit and Consulting, for Chapman, Hext & Co. (CH&Co). In 2006, Greg assumed the role of majority shareholder of the firm and CEO of the firm and its family of companies.

Currently he is the CEO and sole shareholder of Chapman, Hext &Co and the family of companies, which consist of White Rock Advisors (WRA), CH Wealth Management and the White Rock Venture Fund.

WRA is a registered FINRA Broker Dealer and provides Investment Banking services to private and public companies across the United States and globally. CH Wealth Management provides wealth management and investment advisory services to family office and high net worth individuals. The White Rock Venture Fund operates as a family office and invests in companies needing expansion and growth capital. Greg has extensive experience in consulting, merger & acquisition transactions, financial reporting, along with a breadth of experience in corporate finance, debt and equity financing transactions.

Mr. Hext is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, and various civic and religious organizations. He also holds a Series 7, 24, 63 and 79 securities licenses. In addition, he sits on various corporate and advisory boards.

Greg and his wife Kim live in Dallas. They have a son Preston who attends SMU at the Cox School of Business. Greg and Kim are involved with SMU. Kim pursues her passion for philanthropy and sits on the Board of a number of non-profits in Dallas.

About Ellen Winspear:

Ellen Winspear is a native Dallasite having graduated from the Hockaday School. Following her undergraduate degree at TCU, she completed her graduate education at SMU as a Certified Academic Language Therapist. She then engaged in a successful career as a teacher and private tutor at schools focusing on children with learning differences.

Ellen has many interests in Dallas ranging from the arts, animals, and education. She either has or currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Dallas Opera, the Dallas Zoo, the Annette Simmons School of Education at SMU and the Dallas Film Society. She has served as Chair of First Sight/First Night twice for The Dallas Opera. Ellen and Don also served as NorthPark Ambassadors in 2017.

Ellen has been married to Don for 38 years. Together, they have two sons and three grandsons. The older son serves as a Sergeant First Class in the United States Army. The younger is also married and is a maritime engineer residing in the area following his education at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

About Carol and Don Glendenning:

Carol and Don Glendenning have been attending and supporting the Dallas Opera since they married and moved to Dallas 40 years ago after meeting in law school at Stanford. Don jokes that he was an unwilling attendee of the Opera for the first 17 years, but has enjoyed the last 23. Carol served on the Board of Directors of The Dallas Opera from 1988-1997 and, again, from 2009 until 2014.

Carol and Don are also ambassadors for The Dallas Opera, having served as Chairs of the 2013 Dallas Opera Magnifique Gala, and having chaired the Ovation Champagne Dessert Celebrations, part of the celebratory events that opened the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House in 2009. Through Carol’s leadership, Strasburger & Price, now Clark Hill Strasburger, was a supporter of the Dallas Opera Offices Campaign, making it possible for the Opera to enjoy rent-free office space in the Winspear Opera House. In 2014, Carol and Don received the Juanita and Henry S. Miller, Jr. Founders Award from the Women’s Board of The Dallas Opera.

Together, Carol and Don are deeply involved in the Dallas community, giving their time and talent to many different organizations encompassing not only the arts, but human rights and social justice, public health, education and the environment. Currently, Carol serves as a Director of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation and of North Texas Public Broadcasting, Inc. Don currently serves as a Director of the SMU Tower Center, the Trinity Park Conservancy, the Texas Trees Foundation and Year Up. Don was a 2015 recipient of the TACA Silver Cup Award, and Carol and Don are 2019 Recipients of the TACA Founders Circle Award. They recently co-chaired the TACA Silver Cup Award luncheon honoring Opera supporters Margot Perot and Davis Hamlin.

About The Winspear Family, Honorary Chairs:

Music and, in particular, Opera has been a part of the Winspear family for generations. It has been the foundation for music education, for awareness of the art form and for love.

Even as university students, both Bill Winspear and Margot Macleod enjoyed opera. When Bill proposed to Margot, they were listening to an AM Radio. Just as he reached for the ring, something amazing happened. Bill had arranged for the radio station to play the trio—their favorite aria from Gounod’s opera, Faust—at that specific time. So, as the radio personality announced that the following was by special request, Bill got down on one knee and asked Margot to marry him; hence, cementing a lifelong love affair of each other and of opera. The one constant in each of the cities they lived in was their involvement with the local opera company. They were both extremely active on the Opera Boards and guilds of Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto and ultimately, Dallas.

While all five children were attending opera by the time they were living in Toronto, some were exposed to the art form many years prior. Don remembers his first opera: Gounod’s Faust from his time in Edmonton. Despite finding it a “sappy” love story, he was most pleased that it had the devil and demons. Oldest sister Deb remembers that Ermanno Mauro, whom Bill and Margot discovered in Edmonton, was slated to perform at her wedding until he had to decline at the last minute for a performance at La Scala.

Seven sets of season tickets were purchased in the lower orchestra. Attendance was compulsory, all homework was to be completed. This was in the early 70’s which predated subtitles, so reading the plot summary beforehand was extremely beneficial. The children all learned to appreciate the art form that was one of their parents’ biggest passions. Some have continued to support the art in cities around North America with Don and his wife Ellen being ardent supporters of the opera here in Dallas.

The pinnacle of Bill and Margot’s affection for opera would be their donation of $42 million towards the creation of a world class opera house in Dallas. In his announcement of the donation, his final words were from the movie, Field of Dreams. He told those in attendance that “if you build it, they will come.” And come they have. They made the donation because, as Bill said, “We love opera, and we love Dallas.”

About NorthPark Center

NorthPark Center is the preeminent shopping center in the Southwest and one of the finest shopping experiences in the world with more than 230 stores and restaurants, including more than 60 market exclusives. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Dillard’s, NorthPark offers an unparalleled collection of luxury boutiques set amid internationally acclaimed 20th and 21st century art, award-winning architecture, and extraordinary landscaping—as well as a 1.4-acre garden, CenterPark, and a state-of-the-art movie theatre, AMC NorthPark 15. NorthPark consistently ranks as one of the top five performing shopping centers in the United States and is North Texas’ number one visitor destination. NorthPark is conveniently located 7 miles from downtown Dallas and 35 miles from Fort Worth. northparkcenter.com, 214.363.7441, 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75225.

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. 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 63rdInternational 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.

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Historic Dallas Opera Costume Exhibit at NorthPark Center, Sept. 12-Nov. 4

Soprano Emily Magee as Floria Tosca in a costume created by Peter J. Hall (Photo by Karen Almond)

Find yourself closer than you’ve ever been before to glamorous costumes worn by operatic legends! THE FABRIC OF OPERA at NorthPark Center, Sept. 12-Nov. 4, 2018. Details below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Monday, August 27, 2018

Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014

suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org

The Dallas Opera and NorthPark Center Present

THE FABRIC OF OPERA

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Exhibit of Historic Dallas Opera Costumes Sept. 12 – Nov. 4, 2018

NorthPark Center, Dallas, TX

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The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family – Season Sponsors of The Dallas Opera

DALLAS, AUGUST 27, 2018 – The Dallas Opera and NorthPark Center are proud to present rarely-exhibited historic costumes from the private collection of The Dallas Opera Wardrobe Department.

The exhibit, entitled “THE FABRIC OF OPERA,” will be on view from September 12, 2018 to November 4, 2018 at NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75225, near the CH Carolina Herrera boutique on Level One between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom. The exhibition presents 22 spectacular costumes created for The Dallas Opera by some of the finest talents in the world and showcase a wide variety of historical periods and designs worn by some of the greatest opera artists of the 20^th and 21^st century.

“Nancy Nasher, David Haemisegger, and the NorthPark Center team have been working closely with TDO to develop The Fabric of Opera in order to generate interest in the art form among the millions of people who visit NorthPark each year,” said Ian Derrer, The Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO. “It is our privilege to be in a position to contribute to the wealth of great art in the public marketplace, as shown by NorthPark’s exemplary leadership,” Derrer adds.

The majority of these magnificent, hand-detailed costume designs are the creations of the late Peter J. Hall, who served as TDO’s resident costume designer for more than four decades. This brilliant designer was engaged by many of the most important opera houses in the world and dressed many stars in the entertainment field as well, with a legendary client list that included David Bowie, Elizabeth Taylor, and Mick Jagger.

“The Fabric of Opera” will consist of costumes created for characters from all walks of life; from enslaved captives to matadors to royalty. Spanning historical periods from Ancient Egypt to the Victorian Era, nearly two dozen magnificent costumes have been curated by Dallas Opera prop, set, and costume designer Tommy Bourgeois, who worked alongside Peter J. Hall for decades. Other renowned costume designers represented in the NorthPark Center exhibit include Constance Hoffman and Allen Charles Klein.

“Today’s Dallas Opera continues to build on a lavish design tradition begun in the 1950s by company co-founder Larry Kelly, director/designer Franco Zeffirelli, resident costume designer Peter J. Hall, and other extraordinary artists whose magnificent creations—over the course of six decades—became an integral part of our company fabric,” explains Ian Derrer, “Their dreams and ideas, brought to life in this special exhibit, continue to inspire new generations of artists, designers, and opera audiences, and we are deeply grateful to Nancy Nasher, David Haemisegger, and NorthPark for their enthusiasm and steadfast support.”

NorthPark Center, Dallas’ premier shopping destination, has long been associated with high style and luxury, which are hallmarks of opera’s most exciting designs. As NorthPark is the presenting sponsor until 2036 of TDO’s FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show and Luncheon, it is a fitting location to host this exhibition.

“One of the first places I visited when I came to Dallas,” reports Emmanuel Villaume, the Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director, “was the incredible Nasher Sculpture Center. That world-class collection served as my introduction to the impact of the Nasher Family on the arts in North Texas; however, it took a trip to NorthPark Center for me to realize that what I was seeing was merely ‘the tip of the iceberg.’

“I’ve been the lucky recipient of Nancy’s warmth and enthusiasm for the past five years, and I embrace every opportunity for collaboration between our two companies—because they are always meaningful and beautiful experiences,” adds Maestro Villaume.

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ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA

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2018-2019 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 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. Full and Flex Subscriptions are on sale now; single Tickets range from $19 to $289 and go on sale to the public on July 9, 2018. 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

The Dallas Opera celebrates its 62ndInternational 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 FLYING DUTCHMAN by Richard Wagner

October 12, 14 (m), 17 & 20, 2018

The season sets sail with Wagner’s sweeping, romantic masterpiece – not seen in Dallas since 1994!

Time: the German Expressionist 1920s

Place: the coast of Norway

Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume

Original Director: Christopher Alden

Set Designer: Allen Moyer

Costume Designer: Allen Moyer

Lighting Designer: Anne Militello

Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

Starring: Greer Grimsley (The Dutchman), Anja Kampe* (Senta), Jay Hunter Morris (Erik), Mark S. Doss (Daland), Luretta Bybee (Mary) and Andrew Stenson (Steersman).

CARMEN by Georges Bizet

October 19, 21 (m), 24, 27, November 2 & 4 (m), 2018

The woman who won’t be owned returns to The Dallas Opera stage!

Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy

Time: 19^th century

Place: Seville, Spain and the surrounding countryside

Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume and Pierre Vallet (10/24 and 11/2)

Original Director: Sir David McVicar

Revival Director: Jack Furness

Set Designer: Michael Vale

Costume Designer: Sue Blane

Lighting Designer: Clare O’Donoghue

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

Original Choreographer: Andrew George

Revival Choreographer: Andrzej Glosniak

Starring: Stephanie D’Oustrac* (Carmen), Stephen Costello (Don José), Vanessa Vasquez* (Micaëla), Alexander Vinogradov (Escamillo), Sarah Tucker* (Frasquita), Lindsay Metzger* (Mercédès), Rafael Moras (El Remendado), Corey Crider (El Dancairo), Ben Wager (Zuniga), Gideon Dabi* (Morales).

MANON LESCAUT by Giacomo Puccini

March 1, 3 (m), 6, 9, 2019

The woman who has everything discovers too late that she has nothing – without true love!

Libretto by Domenico Oliva and Luigi Illica

Time: Late 18^th century

Place: France and America

Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume

Director: Ed Berkeley

Set Designer: TBA

Costume Designer: TBA

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), Geronte de Ravoir (Andrea Silvestrelli), 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: 19^th 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-Francois 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 Designer: Adrian Linford

Costume Designer: Adrian Linford

Lighting Designer: Rick Fisher

Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

Starring: Mark Delevan* (Sir John Falstaff), Angela Meade* (Alice Ford), Quinn Kelsey* (Ford), Mojca Erdmann* (Nanetta), Airam Hernandez* (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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60th Season Kick-Off Event – FIRST SIGHT FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON!

CELEBRATING OUR DAZZLING 60^TH SEASON!

THE DALLAS OPERA PRESENTS

FIRST SIGHT FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON

NORTHPARK CENTER PRESENTING SPONSOR

~~~~

FEATURING ITALIAN LUXURY BRAND VERSACE

GOURMET LUNCHEON BY WOLFGANG PUCK

DALLAS, July 7, 2016 – In what promises to be the scintillating high point of the arts and social season, The Dallas Opera celebrates the start of its 2016-2017 Season with international couture and culture. All eyes will focus on FIRST SIGHT FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON, the official kick-off of the company’s 60^th Season.

A runway stage in The C. Vincent Prothro Lobby in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House will be graced by designs from one of the world’s leading international fashion brands, Versace. The symbol of Italian style worldwide, Versace has a boutique at NorthPark Center, Presenting Sponsor of FIRST SIGHT. The enchanting event is chaired by well-known philanthropists Ellen and Don Winspear with Honorary chairs Joyce and Harvey Mitchell, and Luncheon Chairs Tiffany Divis, Kara Goss and Rhonda Marcus.

FIRST SIGHT FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON will be held Thursday, October 27, 2016, 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Coordinated by the crème-de-la-crème of Dallas fashion show producers, RSC Productions will present dozens of the most memorable Versace pieces. Delightful cuisine master Wolfgang Puck will cater, offering creative culinary pleasures. Tables start at $5,000 and individual tickets are $300. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.dallasopera.org/firstsight.

~~~~ Versace Fall 2016 (589x800)

Versace, founded in 1978 by Gianni Versace, is one of the leading international fashion design houses and symbol of Italian luxury worldwide. The brand, now spearheaded by creative director Donatella Versace, offers ready to wear, couture, accessories, jewelry and fragrances, all bearing the iconic and distinctive Medusa logo. NorthPark Center is proud to house the only Versace boutique
in North Texas.

“We are delighted to coordinate this event once again and are honored to work for such an amazing team at The Dallas Opera,” said Rhonda Sargent Chambers, RSC Show Productions. “The Dallas Opera provides an experiential event with a seasoned blend of entertainment, arts and fashion for the FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show and Luncheon. How thrilling when an artistic community offers so many genres of incredible talent. Beyond thrilled to have NorthPark Center featuring Versace this year for FIRST SIGHT! A power design house to impact our cognitive senses…this fashion extravaganza will be like no other!”

~~~~

The Winspear Opera house is located at 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, TX, 75201.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit: www.dallasopera.org/firstsight.

QUICK FACTS

2016-2017 FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT

PRESENTED BY THE DALLAS OPERA

FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show and Luncheon

NorthPark Center Presenting Sponsor

Thursday, October 27, 2016

11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Kick-Off Event for 60 Year Celebration

Chairs: Ellen and Don Winspear

Honorary Chairs: Joyce and Harvey Mitchell

Luncheon Chairs: Tiffany Divis, Kara Goss, Rhonda Marcus

Featuring: Fashions by Italian Luxury Brand Versace

Catering: Wolfgang Puck

Location: Winspear Opera House

Tickets: Start at $300

www.dallasopera.org/firstsight

FIRST NIGHT

Deutsche Bank Wealth Management Presenting Sponsor

Pre-Performance Dinner and After Party

Friday, October 28, 2016

5:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Celebrating the 60th Year of The Dallas Opera

Chairs: Ellen and Don Winspear

Honorary Chairs: Joyce and Harvey Mitchell

First Night Dinner Chairs: Matrice Ellis-Kirk, Ambassador Ron Kirk

Featuring: Red carpet glamour; gourmet black tie dinner prior to the Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance of Eugene Onegin

Location: Sammons Park in Front of the Winspear Opera House – Tent

Catering: Wolfgang Puck

Tickets start at $1000

www.dallasopera.org/firstnight

AFTER PARTY

Friday, October 28, 2016; 11:00 pm to 1:30 am

Location: Sammons Park in Front of the Winspear Opera House – Tent

Featuring: The Hunter Sullivan Band

Catering: Wolfgang Puck Sweet & Savory, Open Bar

Tickets: Included with First Night Ticket Purchase

~~~~

2016-2017 DALLAS OPERA SEASON

EUGENE ONEGIN

By Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky

October 28, 30(m), November 2, 5, 2016

MOBY-DICK

By Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer

November 4, 6(m), 9, 12, 18, 20(m), 2016

MADAME BUTTERFLY

By Giacomo Puccini

March 10, 12(m), 15, 18, 24, 26(m), 2017

THE TURN OF THE SCREW

By Benjamin Britten

March 17, 19(m), 22, 25, 2017

NORMA

By Vincenzo Bellini

April 21, 23(m), 26, 29, May 7(m), 2017

Season subscriptions are on sale and prices start at $95 for all five opera productions. The benefits of becoming a Dallas Opera subscriber include substantial savings off single ticket prices, priority seating, lost ticket replacement, ticket exchanges and invitations to special events. For more information, please contact the friendly staff in The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214-443-1000 or visit us online at www.dallasopera.org.

The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House is located in the heart of the Arts District at 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201.

______________________________________________________________________________

The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: TACA, 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. A special thanks to the Elsa von Seggern Foundation for its continuing support.

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
Or Celeste Hart, Communications Manager at celeste.hart@dallasopera.org

###

Chairs for Dazzling 60th Season Opening Events Announced!

DEDICATED PHILANTHROPISTS ELLEN AND DON WINSPEAR

APPOINTED AS CHAIRS FOR FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT

~~~~

DALLAS, TX, JUNE 3, 2016 – The Dallas Opera is proud to announce that Ellen and Don Winspear have accepted the appointments as Chairs of FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT to head up the dazzling 60^th Season kick-off celebrations. Honorary Chairs are Joyce and Harvey Mitchell.

The Dallas Opera’s 2016-2017 Season begins with the captivating FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show and Luncheon, NorthPark Center presenting sponsor, on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. In an outstanding pairing of two world-class companies, The Dallas Opera will present fashions by Italian luxury brand Versace.

Red carpet glamour welcomes patrons to FIRST NIGHT, Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management presenting sponsor. Sammons Park in front of the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House is the setting for the splendid Pre-Performance Dinner, Friday, October 28, 2016 beginning at 5:30 p.m with a reception. The event will also showcase spectacular opera costumes from previous productions.

The black-tie fete continues with a scrumptious dinner by Wolfgang Puck Catering which begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Sammons Park tent. It precedes the Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin at 8:00 p.m. (note the curtain time). Immediately following the performance, opera-goers will flow into the FIRST NIGHT After Party where The Hunter Sullivan Band will provide the party tunes for patrons, and Puck will provide a variety of themed palate pleasers. The Winspear Opera House is located at 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, TX, 75201. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://dallasopera.org/first-night/.

“We are honored to chair the opening events for The Dallas Opera’s 60^th Season! Our hope is that we have created a weekend of festivities that people will cherish and remember,” said Mrs. Winspear.

FIRST SIGHT - Chairs Don and Ellen Winspear - Photo by Kristina Bowman SM (637x800) — Don and Ellen Winspear at the 2015 FIRST SIGHT FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON. (Photo credit: Kristina Bowman)

“The 60^th Season of The Dallas Opera is a remarkable milestone. Most exciting is that the company is setting industry standards for its innovation, production quality and community engagement. The season opening will celebrate all that we have accomplished so far with anticipation of the many magnificent productions to come,” added Mr. Winspear.

“We are so grateful for the continued leadership and enthusiasm of Ellen and Don Winspear and are thrilled that they are heading up the exciting events for our 60^th Season kick-off!” said Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny. “We know our patrons will love the festivities they have planned and we invite opera newcomers and aficionados alike to join us as we celebrate decades of success of The Dallas Opera. Our organization depends on the ongoing support of wonderful philanthropists such as Ellen and Don, and we salute their dedication and generosity.”

Ellen Winspear is a native of Dallas who graduated from the Hockaday School. Following her undergraduate degree at Texas Christian University, she completed her graduate education at Southern Methodist University as a Certified Academic Language Therapist. She has many interests ranging from the arts and animals to education. She either has served or currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Dallas Opera, the Dallas Zoo, and the Annette Simmons School of Education at SMU. She has been married to Don for nearly 35 years and they have two sons. The younger son is a newlywed who graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and is a maritime engineer in Lafayette, Louisiana. Their older son serves in the United States Army at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, where he lives with his wife.

Donald Winspear is president of Crescent Research, Inc., a full service market research company headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Crescent conducts strategic marketing research for a variety of different companies across multiple industry sectors, including many Fortune 100 companies. He is currently on the Board of The Dallas Opera having previously served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. He also serves on TDO’s Executive Committee and Finance Committee. Mr. Winspear has also served as a committee member on the Board of Directors of The Dallas Opera Foundation. He has served on the Board of Directors for the AT&T Performing Arts Center and currently serves on both the Executive Committee and Programming Committee. Mr. Winspear has lectured at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at area universities on the topics of marketing research and entrepreneurialism.

In addition to his role at Crescent Research, he is active with the Boy Scouts of America and a former Scoutmaster of Troop 577. Mr. Winspear has also held a number of leadership roles with his church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Dallas, including the Board of Directors of the church foundation.

~~~~

QUICK FACTS

2016-2017 FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT

PRESENTED BY THE DALLAS OPERA

FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show and Luncheon

NorthPark Center Presenting Sponsor

Thursday, October 27, 2016

11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Kick-Off Event for 60 Year Celebration

Chairs: Ellen and Don Winspear

Honorary Chairs: Joyce and Harvey Mitchell

Luncheon Chairs: Tiffany Divis, Kara Goss, Rhonda Marcus

Featuring: Fashions by Italian Luxury Brand Versace; Distinctive Opera Costumes

Catering: Wolfgang Puck

Location: Winspear Opera House

Tickets: Start at $300

www.dallasopera.org/firstsight

FIRST NIGHT

Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management Presenting Sponsor

Pre-Performance Dinner and After Party

Friday, October 28, 2016

5:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

Celebrating the 60th Year of The Dallas Opera

Chairs: Ellen and Don Winspear

Honorary Chairs: Joyce and Harvey Mitchell

First Night Dinner Chairs: Matrice Ellis-Kirk and Ambassador Ron Kirk

Featuring: Red carpet glamour; gourmet black tie dinner prior to the Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance

Location: Sammons Park in Front of the Winspear Opera House – Tent

Catering: Wolfgang Puck

Tickets start at $1000 (After Party ticket included)

www.dallasopera.org/firstnight

AFTER PARTY

Friday, October 28, 2016

11:00 pm to 1:30 am

Chairs: Ellen and Don Winspear

Honorary Chairs: Joyce and Harvey Mitchell

Location: Sammons Park in Front of the Winspear Opera House – Tent

Featuring: The Hunter Sullivan Band

Catering: Wolfgang Puck Sweet & Savory, Open Bar

Tickets: Included with First Night Ticket Purchase

~~~~

The Dallas Opera Family Performances are generously supported by

Texas Instruments, the Betty and Steve Suellentrop

Educational Outreach Fund, and Lockheed Martin.

TDO Family Performances are a part of the

Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs

2016-2017 DALLAS OPERA SEASON

EUGENE ONEGIN

By Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky

October 28, 30(m), November 2, 5, 2016

MOBY-DICK

By Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer

November 4, 6(m), 9, 12, 18, 20(m), 2016

MADAME BUTTERFLY

By Giacomo Puccini

March 10, 12(m), 15, 18, 24, 26(m), 2017

THE TURN OF THE SCREW

By Benjamin Britten

March 17, 19(m), 22, 25, 2017

NORMA

By Vincenzo Bellini

April 21, 23(m), 26, 29, May 7(m), 2017

~~~~

The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House is located in the heart of the Arts District at 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201.

______________________________________________________________________________

The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: Texas Instruments Foundation, TACA, 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. A special thanks to the Elsa von Seggern Foundation for its continuing support.

###

FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT CO-CHAIRS ANNOUNCED!

The Dallas Opera is Proud to Announce

THE APPOINTMENT OF CO-CHAIRS ELLEN AND DON WINSPEAR

FOR FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT

EXCITING KICK-OFF EVENTS FOR TDO’S 2015-2016 SEASON!

“Seeking the Human Element”

~~~~

DALLAS, JUNE 2, 2015 – The Dallas Opera is thrilled to announce the Co-Chairs for the eagerly anticipated 2015-2016 FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT events: Ellen and Don Winspear; Honorary Co-Chairs are Mrs. Micki Rawlings and The Honorable Michael S. Rawlings.

The Dallas Opera’s 2015-2016 Season “Seeking the Human Element” kicks off on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with the exhilarating FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show and Luncheon, NorthPark Center presenting sponsor. This fantastic event features five custom styles inspired by the season’s operas, created by internationally renowned designers from Dallas, as well as fashions by British designer Mulberry.

The excitement continues with the elegant events of FIRST NIGHT, presenting sponsor Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management. The Pre-Performance Dinner will be held on Friday, October 30, 2015 in Sammons Park in front of the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Patrons will enjoy celebrity treatment with a red-carpet arrival that begins at 5:30 p.m. which also features models showing the opera-inspired designs revealed at FIRST SIGHT.

A delectable, three-course gourmet dinner prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering begins at 6:00 p.m. in a lovely, adorned party
tent on the lawn. It precedes the much awaited Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance of the world premiere of Great Scott by Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally at 8:00 p.m. (note the unusual curtain time). The fun and festivities continue at the FIRST NIGHT After Party immediately following the performance, with popular DJ Lucy Wrubel rockin’ the tunes to get patrons groovin’ on the dance floor.

“We are thrilled to Co-Chair FIRST SIGHT and FIRST NIGHT and to represent such a stellar organization. The Dallas Opera continues to bring exceptional arts and entertainment to North Texas and the world premiere of Great Scott is a perfect production to kick-off a spectacular season! We invite everyone to take part in these fantastic events and share in the magnificence that this company brings to our community and the world stage!” said Mrs. Winspear.

“Ellen and I invite everyone to our season opening, regardless of whether you are a first-time or long-time lover of opera! This company is creating magic, not just with its phenomenal opera productions, but with its outreach efforts like the simulcasts, family and education programs that reach thousands. Come join in all the festivities and experience the excitement while supporting this great arts organization!” added Mr. Winspear.

“We couldn’t be more delighted to have Ellen and Don Winspear at the helm of FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT!” said Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny. “Their passion for our organization and willingness to share their extraordinary talents will ensure an outstanding opening for our bold upcoming season! The generosity of the Winspear family has contributed greatly to The Dallas Opera’s ongoing growth and viability and we are truly grateful for their leadership!”

Ellen Winspear is a native of Dallas who graduated from the Hockaday School. Following her undergraduate degree at Texas Christian University, she completed her graduate education at Southern Methodist University as a Certified Academic Language Therapist. She has many interests ranging from the arts and animals to education. She either has served or currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Dallas Opera, the Dallas Zoo, the Annette Simmons School of Education at SMU and the Dallas Film Society. She has been married to Don for nearly 35 years and they have two sons. Their older son serves in the United States Army at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, where he lives with his wife. The younger graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and is a maritime engineer in Lafayette, Louisiana.

~~~~

The Winspear Opera house is located at 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, TX, 75201.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit:

https://dallasopera.org/support/special-events/first-night/.

QUICK FACTS

FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show and Luncheon

NorthPark Center Presenting Sponsor

Thursday, October 29, 2015; 11:00 am to 1:30 pm

Co-Chairs – Ellen and Don Winspear

Honorary Chairs – Mrs. Micki Rawlings and The Honorable Michael S. Rawlings

Fashion Show Producer and Chair – Rhonda Sargent Chambers

Luncheon Chair – Mrs. Micki Rawlings

Event Architect – Jeffrey Horn

Event Designer – Larry Leathers

Winspear Opera House Lobby

Cost: Tables start at $10,000. Individual tickets for $250.00

Featuring: Fashion Show by Mulberry Boutique at NorthPark Center; Unveiling of Opera-Inspired Designs

All proceeds benefit the Dallas Opera

FIRST NIGHT – Presenting Sponsor Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management

Pre-Performance Dinner

Friday, October 30, 2015; 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Co-Chairs – Ellen and Don Winspear

Honorary Chairs – Mrs. Micki Rawlings and The Honorable Michael S. Rawlings

Dinner Chairs Anne and Steven Stodghill

Sammons Park in front of the Winspear Opera House – Tent

Cost: Tables starting at $25,000. Individual tickets for $1,000.00 (All Dinner tickets include After Party ticket)

(Opening night Opera performance tickets sold separately)

Featuring: Three-course gourmet dinner and “red carpet” arrival (Dessert at the After Party)

Black Tie

All proceeds benefit The Dallas Opera

After Party

Friday, October 30, 2015; 11:00 pm to 1:30 am

Co-Chairs – Ellen and Don Winspear

Honorary Chairs – Mrs. Micki Rawlings and The Honorable Michael S. Rawlings

Sammons Park in front of the Winspear Opera House – Tent

Featuring: DJ Lucy Wrubel, Wolfgang Puck Sweet & Savory, Open Bar

~~~~

TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, 2015-2016 SEASON SPONSOR FOR THE DALLAS OPERA’S “SEEKING THE HUMAN ELEMENT” SEASON

Ticket Information for the 2015-2016 Dallas Opera Season

All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise described. Single Tickets range from $19 to $275 and will be available July 15. Full and Flex Subscriptions are on sale now starting at $75. Family performance tickets (available June 1) are just $5. For more information or to make your purchase, contact The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or visit us online, 24/7, at www.dallasopera.org.

THE DALLAS OPERA 2015-2016 FALL SEASON INFORMATION

The Dallas Opera celebrates its Fifty-Ninth 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. The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk will begin one hour prior to curtain, at most performances excluding FIRST NIGHT of the season.

GREAT SCOTT by Jake Heggie

October 30, November 1(m), 4, 7 & 15(m), 2015

A Thrilling Dallas Opera World Premiere!

Libretto by Terrence McNally*

Time: Present Day

Place: A Major American City

Conductor: Patrick Summers

Stage Director: Jack O’Brien*

Production Design: Bob Crowley

Lighting Design: Brian MacDevitt*

Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

Starring: Joyce DiDonato* (Arden Scott), Ailyn Pérez (Tatyana Bakst), Frederica von Stade (Mrs. Edward “Winnie” Flato), Nathan Gunn (Sid Taylor), Anthony Roth Costanzo* (Roane Heckle), Kevin Burdette (Eric Gold), Michael Mayes* (Wendell Swan).

A Brand-New Dallas Opera Production!

TOSCA by Giacomo Puccini

November 6, 8(m), 11, 14, 20 & 22(m), 2015

A passionate and timeless masterpiece in a beloved period production

An opera in three acts first performed in Rome, Italy on January 14, 1900

Text by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa after Victorien Sardou’s 1887 French-language play, La Tosca

Time: Early 19^th century

Place: Locations in and around the City of Rome

Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume

Stage Director: Ellen Douglas Schlaefer*

Production Design: Ulisse Santicchi

Lighting Design: Marie Barrett

Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

Children’s Chorus Master: TBA

Starring: Emily Magee (Floria Tosca), Giancarlo Monsalve* (Mario Cavaradossi), Raymond Aceto (Baron Scarpia), William Ferguson (Spoletta), Dale Travis* (A Sacristan) and Ryan Kuster (Angelotti).

One of The Dallas Opera’s Most Popular!

BECOMING SANTA CLAUS by Mark Adamo

December 4, 6(m), 9 & 12, 2015

An Eagerly Awaited Dallas Opera World Premiere!

Libretto by the composer, Mark Adamo.

Time: Where time divides into “before” and “after”

Place: An Elven kingdom in the far, far north

Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume

Stage Director: Paul Curran

Production Design: Gary McCann*

Video Design: Elaine J. McCarthy

Lighting Design: Paul Hackenmueller*

Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

Starring: Jennifer Rivera* (Queen Sophine), Juan José de León (Prince Claus), Matt Boehler* (Donkey)

Another New Dallas Opera Production

* Dallas Opera Debut

** American Debut

2026/2027 Season

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The Dallas Opera and NorthPark Center Present “The Fabric of Opera: The Winspear World Premieres”

Dolce&Gabbana Will Command Centerstage at FIRST SIGHT 2019

Historic Dallas Opera Costume Exhibit at NorthPark Center, Sept. 12-Nov. 4

60th Season Kick-Off Event – FIRST SIGHT FASHION SHOW AND LUNCHEON!

Chairs for Dazzling 60th Season Opening Events Announced!

FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT CO-CHAIRS ANNOUNCED!

Ticket Information for the 2015-2016 Dallas Opera Season