The numbers are in – and they are staggering! Thanks to you and 6,999 of your friends, neighbors, co-workers and acquaintances. Please read on.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014 Or Celeste Hart 214.443.1071
suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org celeste.hart@dallasopera.org
THE DALLAS OPERA IS THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE
A Crowd of 7,000
ATTENDED THE OCTOBER 24TH KLYDE WARREN PARK SIMULCAST OF MOZART’S “THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO” LIVE FROM THE MARGOT AND BILL WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE
AT THE AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
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TDO SIMULCAST PROGRAM TOPS 50,000!
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THOUSANDS—WITH KIDS, PETS AND PICNICS—EXPERIENCED MOZART BY STARLIGHT ON A PICTURE-PERFECT NIGHT IN ONE OF THE CITY’S MOST POPULAR OUTDOOR DESTINATIONS
DALLAS, OCTOBER 28, 2014 —The Dallas Opera is thrilled to announce that last Friday evening’s live simulcast of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro in Klyde Warren Park, the company’s ninth simulcast in four years, attracted a record-breaking crowd for any Dallas Opera performance outside a sports stadium.
“Our official estimate,” explained Tara Green, President, Klyde Warren Park, “puts the attendance on October 24, 2014 at approximately seven thousand, making this the second-largest crowd ever recorded in the park’s history. The Dallas Opera’s superb production of The Marriage of Figaro not only drew people to this wonderful park to sit with loved ones beneath the stars and the city lights in anticipation of a terrific performance—it kept them engaged throughout the evening—proving once again the power of ‘marrying’ great art to great public spaces like this one.”
“I couldn’t be more delighted with the huge demonstration of public interest in our Opening Night Simulcast,” remarked Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny.
“We hoped this brilliant classic opera with its phenomenal ensemble cast would generate the kind of interest we saw at last year’s season opener in Klyde Warren Park. In retrospect, however, it appears we underestimated the magnetism of Mozart. Our analysis of initial data indicates this Dallas Opera park simulcast managed to attract the youngest, most ethnically diverse audience ever to experience one of our mainstage performances—in any setting.
“It was a genuine community event,” Cerny added, “in the very best sense of the word, and I find that both humbling and deeply gratifying.”
The evening marked another major milestone: The Dallas Opera’s Public Simulcast Program surpassed 50,000 in total attendance, as it continues to attract audiences from across North Texas.
“It was an altogether remarkable night of music,” said Dallas Opera Music Director Emmanuel Villaume, “that made an exceptional opera more fully accessible to everyone. The entire city, young and old, rich or poor, was invited to experience Beaumarchais’ timeless characters and Mozart’s incomparable genius—and the people came, filling both the Winspear Opera House and Klyde Warren Park.
‘I have never seen the company’s vision for community outreach and inclusion more perfectly realized than it was last Friday evening through a performance that proclaimed one simple truth: ‘all patrons are created equal.’ It’s an idea that, no doubt, would have received the hearty approval of those who created this revolutionary 18th century masterpiece.”
“During Friday night’s grand opening performance,” Stage Director Kevin Moriarty (Artistic Director of the Dallas Theater Center) revealed: “I snuck out of the theater in the second act to visit the park. I was amazed at what I saw: a massive, diverse crowd, inspiring in its friendliness, rapt attention and joyful energy.
“I’m certain that if they were alive today, Mozart, Da Ponte and Beaumarchais would agree with me that this event confirmed the rightful place of the arts as a cultural birthright of all citizens in a great democracy,” adding, “It was a highlight in a night filled with joyful, triumphant moments.”
Last year’s Klyde Warren Park Dallas Opera Simulcast (Carmen) drew just under 4,000.
This year, park patrons were entertained by a classic 1945 Three Stooges short, “Micro-phonies” in which Curly impersonates an Italian diva, prior to the live simulcast, in addition to a “Worst Bridesmaid’s Dress EVER!” contest, and bouquet tosses for assorted prizes.
Underwritten by the Sheila and Jody Grant Opera Discovery Program, additional support was provided by the AT&T Performing Arts Center, celebrating the second anniversary of Klyde Warren Park, and Chase.
Radio personality Jody Dean and Dr. Stephen Dubberly of UNT’s Opera Program delighted the park crowd with trivia, musical interludes and running commentary.
Performances of The Marriage of Figaro will continue on October 29, November 1, 7 & 9(m), 2014 in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, selected by Southern Living as the best new venue for opera. All evening performances will begin promptly at 7:30 PM. Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 PM.
Dallas Morning News Classical Music Critic Scott Cantrell wrote: “A splendidly sung and played Marriage of Figaro on Friday night was a fine season opener for the Dallas Opera…you’d be hard pressed anywhere to hear more consistently satisfying singing. Even ensembles were remarkably taut.”
David Weuste of Opera Pulse praised the production for “one of the strongest casts in recent memory.”
And Zachariah Stoughton of Theater Jones added: “It was in some ways a relief to hear and see this work performed so ideally.”
A free pre-performance lecture (“The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talks”) will be conducted one hour prior to curtain at most performances.
Flex subscriptions begin at $75 for the 2014-2015 Season, with full subscriptions starting at $95. Single tickets are also available and start at $19. Contact The Dallas Opera Ticket Office at 214-443-1000 or purchase online, 24/7 at www.dallasopera.org.
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TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, 2014-2015 SEASON SPONSOR
FOR THE DALLAS OPERA’S “HEIGHTS OF PASSION” SEASON
EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA
IS CONVENIENTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7
VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG AND CHECK THE CALENDAR LISTINGS
Ticket Information for the 2014-2015 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 Flex Subscriptions are on sale starting at $75. Family performance tickets 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 2014-2015 SEASON INFORMATION
The Dallas Opera celebrates its Fifty-Eighth 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 begins one hour prior to curtain, at most performances excluding FIRST NIGHT of the season.
THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
October 24 (The Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance), Oct. 26(m), 29, November 1, 7 and 9(m), 2014
In a single crazy, romantic day, doors will be locked and unlocked, disguised donned, kisses exchanged and innermost hearts revealed—to some of the most memorable music Mozart ever composed.
An opera in four acts first performed in Vienna on May 1, 1786
Text by Lorenzo Da Ponte after the 1784 play La folle journée, ou Le mariage de Figaro by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais
Time: The late 18th century
Place: Aguasfrescas near Seville, Spain, the Almaviva’s country house
Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
Stage Director: Kevin Moriarty
Production Design: John Bury*
Lighting Design: Mark McCullough
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Choreography: Joel Ferrell*
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Mirco Palazzi (Figaro) , Beate Ritter** (Susanna), Joshua Hopkins (Count Almaviva), Nicole Car** (Countess Almaviva), Emily Fons (Cherubino), Diana Montague* (Marcellina), Kevin Langan (Doctor Bartolo), Doug Jones (Don Basilio), Angela Mannino (Barbarina), Adam Lau* (Antonio) and Jon Kolbet (Don Curzio).
Production Owned by Lyric Opera of Chicago
SALOME by Richard Strauss
October 30, November 2(m), 5, 8, 2014
Once in a great while, the term “over the top” doesn’t seem nearly high enough.
An opera in one act first performed in Dresden, Germany on December 9, 1905
Hedwig Lachmann’s German translation of Oscar Wilde’s French language play
Time: During the time of Jesus Christ
Place: King Herod’s palace on the Sea of Galilee
Conductor: Evan Rogister*
Stage Director: Francesca Zambello
Original Production: Francesca Zambello
Scenic Design: Peter J. Davison*
Costume Design: Anita Yavich
Lighting Design: Mark McCullough
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Choreography: Yael Levitin*
Starring: Deborah Voigt* (Salome), Robert Brubaker (Herod), Greer Grimsley* (Jokanaan), Susan Bickley* (Herodias), Scott Quinn (Narraboth), Heather Johnson* (Herodias’Page), Bradley Garvin (First Nazarene), Grigory Soloviov* (First Soldier), Jason Grant (Second Soldier), Joseph Hu (First Jew), Jay Gardner (Second Jew), John Robert Lindsey (Third Jew), Steven Haal (Fourth Jew), Patrick Guetti* (Fifth Jew), Tyler Simpson* (Second Nazarene), NaGuanda Nobles (A Slave) and Matthew Stump* (A Cappadocian).
Production Owned by Washington National Opera
A RARE DALLAS OPERA DOUBLE BILL:
LA WALLY by Alfredo Catalani
January 30, February 1(m), 4 and 7, 2015
The Climactic Final Act!
First performed in Milan, Italy on January 20, 1892
Text by Luigi Illica after Wilhelmine von Hillern’s story, Die Geyer-Wally
Time: Around the year 1800
Place: The Austrian Alps
Conductor: Anthony Barrese
Stage Director: Candace Evans
Scenic Design: Robert Brill
Costume Design: David C. Woolard
Lighting Design: Christopher Akerlind
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Latonia Moore (Wally), Carl Tanner* (Giuseppe Hagenbach) and Jennifer Chung (Walter)
A Brand-New Dallas Opera Production!
With EVEREST by Joby Talbot
January 30, February 1(m), 4 and 7, 2015
A Dallas Opera World Premiere!
Text by Gene Scheer
Time: Modern Day
Place: In the Death Zone on Mount Everest
Conductor: Nicole Paiement
Stage Director: Leonard Foglia
Scenic Design: Robert Brill
Costume Design: David C. Woolard
Video Design: Elaine J. McCarthy
Lighting Design: Christopher Akerlind
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Andrew Bidlack (Rob Hall), Sasha Cooke (Jan Arnold), Kevin Burdette* (Beck Weathers) and Craig Verm* (Doug Hansen).
LA BOHÈME by Giacomo Puccini
March 13, 15(m), 18, 21, 27 and 29(m), 2015
A passionate and timeless masterpiece in a beloved period production
An opera in four acts first performed in Turin, Italy on February 1, 1896
Text by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica after Henry Murger’s novel Scènes de la vie de bohème
Time: mid-19th century
Place: The Latin Quarter of Paris, France
Conductor: Riccardo Frizza*
Stage Director: Peter Kazaras
Scenic Design: Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
Costume Design: Peter J. Hall
Lighting Design: Thomas C. Hase
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Children’s Chorus Master: Melinda Cotton
Starring: Ana Maria Martinez (Mimi), Bryan Hymel (Rodolfo), Davinia Rodriguez* (Musetta), Jonathan Beyer (Marcello), Alexander Vinogradov* (Colline), Stephen LaBrie (Schaunard) and Stefan Szkafarowsky (Benoit).
One of the Dallas Opera’s Most Popular!
IOLANTA by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
April 10, 12(m), 15 and 18, 2015
A rarely performed Tchaikovsky gem, set in Medieval Provence!
First performed in St. Petersburg, Russia on December 18, 1892
Text by Modest Tchaikovsky based on the Danish play King Rene’s Daughter by Henrik Hertz
Time: The 15th century
Place: Provence, a mountainous region in Southern France
Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
Stage Director: Christian Räth
Scenic Design: Christian Räth
Costume Design: Susan Cox
Video Design: Elaine J. McCarthy
Lighting Design: Thomas C. Hase
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Ekaterina Scherbachenko* (Iolanta), Sergey Skorokhodov* (Count Vaudémont), Joanna Mongiardo* (Brigitta), Lauren McNeese (Laura), Tamara Mumford* (Marta), Andrei Bondarenko** (Robert, Duke of Burgandy), Mikhail Kolelishvili (Renè, King of Provence), Andrew Bidlack (Alméric), Vladislav Sulimsky** (Ibn-Hakia) and Jordan Bisch (Bertrand).
Another New Dallas Opera Production
* Dallas Opera Debut
** American Debut
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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.
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