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  • Home > 2016-2017 season

    Single Tickets for 2016-17 Season On Sale July 11!

    THE DALLAS OPERA IS PROUD TO OFFER
    SINGLE TICKETS
    FOR TDO’S 60TH SEASON ON SALE 

    Monday, July 11, 2016 at 10 a.m.
    214-443-1000 or www.dallasopera.org

    ~~~~
    Single Tickets for 2016-17 Season Start at $19
    ~~~~
    Family Performance Singles, $5 Apiece

    DALLAS, JUNE 28, 2016 – The Dallas Opera is pleased to announce that single tickets for its eagerly-anticipated 2016-2017 “60th” Season and popular Family Performances Series will go on sale to the general public on Monday, July 11, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.

    The upcoming season features both fully-staged operas and concert performances. These include classic productions of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin from the Israeli Opera Tel Aviv-Jaffa, and Puccini’s Madame Butterfly—in a production new to Dallas—designed by Michael Yeargan for San Francisco Opera.

    The 2016-17 Season also marks the return of the hugely successful 2010 Dallas Opera world premiere, Moby-Dick by Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer; as well as TDO’s first-ever productions of Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw (a Jonathan Kent production from Glyndebourne Opera) and Vincenzo Bellini’s bel canto masterpiece, Norma.
               
    The Dallas Opera will also present a special, one-night-only concert event: Joby Talbot and Gene Scheer’s Everest—Friday, May 5, 2017—with stars from the original cast and video projections designed by Elaine J. McCarthy.

    Single tickets start at the low price of $19 and may be purchased, 24/7, at www.dallasopera.org or by calling our friendly Ticket Office professionals at 214-443-1000 (during regular business hours).
               
    Each opera features some of the greatest music of all time, captivating sets and costumes, orchestra, chorus, technological embellishments and world-class performers! All Dallas Opera productions display English translations projected above the stage enabling patrons to easily follow the action.

    Mainstage performances take place in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, 2403 Flora Street, in the Dallas Arts District.

    Ticket buyers may also take advantage of substantial savings off the regular ticket price and other benefits by subscribing. Full subscriptions (five productions) begin at the incredibly low price of just $95; Flex subscriptions (three productions) start at just $75. Four opera packages are also available upon request. Benefits include optimal seat selection, ticket exchange privileges, discounted parking, free ticket replacement, payment plans, invitations to exclusive events and promotions.

    Highlights of the landmark 60th Season of The Dallas Opera:

    • EUGENE ONEGIN features the late-Romantic music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky in this episodic opera. Ukranian baritone Andrei Bondarenko portrays a jaded Russian aristocrat in the title role. Russian soprano Svetlana Aksenova makes her North American debut as the smitten Tatyana, Estonian mezzo-soprano Kai Rüütel makes her American debut as Olga, and tenor Stephen Costello, a Dallas Opera favorite, portrays Lensky. Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director Emmanuel Villaume conducts, while Jean-Claude Auvray makes his TDO debut directing. (Oct. 28, The Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance, Oct. 30(m), Nov. 2, 5, 2016)

    • MOBY-DICK by Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer is back by popular demand after its highly successful Dallas Opera world premiere in 2010! The seafaring drama, based on the novel by Herman Melville, stars tenor Jay Hunter Morris as Captain Ahab—a man obsessed with capturing the great, white whale. Stephen Costello reprises his role as Greenhorn, and Morgan Smith returns as Starbuck. Conducted by Music Director Emmanuel Villaume and staged by Director Leonard Foglia, one of the creators of this production. (Nov. 4, 6(m), 9, 12, 18 and 20(m), 2016)

    • MADAME BUTTERFLY is Giacomo Puccini’s heart-wrenching tale of love, misunderstandings, and inconsolable loss, conducted by Donato Renzetti and staged by director John Copley—who made his Dallas Opera debut in 1972. A naïve Japanese girl, Cio-Cio-San (Chinese soprano Hui He) marries a callous American naval officer, Lt. B.F. Pinkerton (Italian tenor Gianluca Terranova), stationed temporarily in Nagasaki. Appearing as Butterfly’s confidante, Suzuki, is Italian mezzo-soprano Manuela Custer, with baritone Lucas Meachem singing the role of the American Consul, Sharpless. (Mar. 10, 12(m), 15, 18, 24, 26(m), 2017)

    • THE TURN OF THE SCREW is composer Benjamin Britten’s atmospheric work based on the novella by Henry James. A Governess is tormented by strange visions and stranger suspicions while caring for two mysterious children. British soprano Emma Bell stars as the Governess, tenor William Burden sings the dual roles of the Prologue and Peter Quint, and dramatic mezzo-soprano Dolora Zajick makes her long-awaited TDO debut as Mrs. Grose. This 20th century masterpiece will be conducted by Nicole Paiement, the Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Principal Guest Conductor and directed by Francesca Gilpin in her company debut. (Mar. 17, 19(m), 22, 25, 2017)

    • NORMA is a bel canto gem by Vincenzo Bellini set in Roman Gaul. South African soprano Elza van den Heever returns in the title role of the betrayed priestess, Yonghoon Lee is her lover Pollione, Australian soprano Nicole Car, another Dallas Opera favorite, portrays the young rival, Adalgisa. Music Director Emmanuel Villaume conducts this passionate score staged by director Nic Muni. (Apr. 21, 23(m), 26, 29 & May 7(m), 2017)

    • EVEREST in Concert is a revival of the 2015 Dallas Opera world premiere—in concert form—by composer Joby Talbot and librettist Gene Scheer. This critically acclaimed new opera depicts two days in 1996 that ended in a tragic loss of life on Mount Everest. Conducted by Music Director Emmanuel Villaume and staged by Director Leonard Foglia, this one-night-only special event also features video projections by Elaine J. McCarthy. Returning original cast members include tenor Andrew Bidlack as Rob Hall, bass-baritone Kevin Burdette as Beck Weathers, and Julia Rose Arduino as Meg Weathers. (May 5, 2017)

    “Our 60th Season offers something for everyone! We believe audiences will be captivated by the spectacular music, intriguing storylines and unique settings of these five operas. As always, we have cast world-class artists in principal roles—as well as engaging conductors, directors and designers of the highest caliber,” notes Keith Cerny, the Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO. “While we believe this music is some of the greatest ever written, opera is a tremendous form of entertainment that delights the eye and mind, as well as the ear. We hope everyone in North Texas will wish to take advantage of our magnificent offerings this season!”

    Tchaikovsky’s EUGENE ONEGIN kicks off the season with a bittersweet story about love, pride and regrets. Set in 19th century Russia, a naïve young country girl Tatyana, becomes smitten with an aristocrat, Onegin. Tatyana (soprano Svetlana Aksenova) confesses her love in a letter to the arrogant Onegin (baritone Andrei Bondarenko) who rejects her affections. Pride and jealousy lead to a confrontation between Onegin and his friend Lensky (Stephen Costello), who is in love with Tatyana’s sister Olga (Kai Rüütel), resulting in a fatal duel. Internationally acclaimed conductor Emmanuel Villaume will lead The Dallas Opera Orchestra in this beautiful Israeli Opera production directed by the renowned Jean-Claude Auvray in his company debut.

    MOBY-DICK, a Dallas Opera world premiere, has been met with thunderous applause and both popular and critical acclaim in six years of traveling the globe. Composer Jake Heggie and librettist Gene Scheer based their riveting new opera on the epic novel by Herman Melville. Moby-Dick explores the danger, tensions, and exhilaration of life aboard the Pequod, a 19th century whaling vessel, as it spins the tale of a sea captain (Jay Hunter Morris as Captain Ahab) determined to be avenged on Moby-Dick after the great white whale took his leg and his ship on a previous voyage. Dallas favorite Stephen Costello reprises his role as Greenhorn, and Morgan Smith returns as the voice of reason, Starbuck. Dallas Opera Music Director Emmanuel Villaume conducts this eagerly-anticipated revival, directed by Leonard Foglia.

    MADAME BUTTERFLY is the perfect introduction to the art form. This classic, turn-of-the-century Italian opera, with unforgettable melodies by Giacomo Puccini, is loosely based on true events in Nagasaki, Japan. A trusting young Japanese girl, Cio-Cio-San (nicknamed Butterfly) portrayed by Hui He, marries a callous American naval officer, Lt. B.F. Pinkerton (Gianluca Terranova). She is deeply in love and committed for life, while the groom intended only a “marriage of convenience.” Even as Butterfly bears his son and remains blindly devoted to the officer who has abandoned her, Pinkerton commits an even more shocking betrayal. Renowned Italian conductor Donato Renzetti conducts this quintessential production staged by esteemed British director John Copley.

    Based on the ghostly novella by Henry James, THE TURN OF THE SCREW is the dark and gripping story of a Governess (Emma Bell) who takes a new position caring for two mysterious children on a remote English country estate. After seeing what she believes is a ghost (William Burden in the dual roles of the Prologue and Quint) and witnessing the children’s bizarre and troubling behavior, the Governess must decide whether to stay and fight the forces of darkness. Martha R. and Preston Peak Principal Guest Conductor Nicole Paiement conducts English composer Benjamin Britten’s enthralling 20th century score which uses a haunting twelve-note “Screw” theme, mixing tonality and dissonance. In a much-awaited debut, Dolora Zajick, portrays the housekeeper, Mrs. Grose. Francesca Gilpin directs the Jonathan Kent production from Glyndebourne in this, her Dallas Opera debut.

    NORMA is a grand, mid-19th century period piece that centers on a high priestess who is betrayed by her lover, who fathered their two children. Set during the Roman occupation of Gaul in 50 B. C., a passionate love triangle threatens to turn deadly after Norma discovers Pollione, (Yonghoon Lee) has fallen for a young priestess, Adalgisa (Nicole Car). Amidst the turmoil of the occupation and impending revolution, Norma is driven to despair and the brink of insanity—the consequences of which could prove fatal. Emmanuel Villaume leads The Dallas Opera Orchestra in one of Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini’s most magnificent operas, known for its ornate bel canto score. Nic Muni directs this dramatic production designed by John Conklin.

    “The Dallas Opera is presenting a fantastic array of programming this season at affordable prices. Our tickets start at only $19, yet audience members will get to enjoy unforgettable music and drama, renowned singers, superb sets and costumes, exciting technological elements, The Dallas Opera Orchestra and Chorus and much more! It’s a tremendous entertainment value!” adds Dallas Opera Marketing Director Carrie Ellen Adamian.

    Principal Singers making highly-anticipated Dallas Opera debuts this season include:

    • Svetlana Aksenova, soprano, stars as Tatyana in Eugene Onegin. “The care with the interpretation of the text, from which you can extract contrasting and rare beauty effects, was the mark of…(Tatyana) Svetlana Aksenova.” (Estadao)
    • Musa Ngqungwana, bass, debuts as Zaretski in Eugene Onegin. Mr. Ngqungwana “…impressed with a rich, glowing voice and elegant legato…” (The New York Times)
    • Kai Rüütel, mezzo-soprano, makes her TDO debut as Olga in Eugene Onegin. According to Seen and Heard International, the statuesque Rüütel performed with “warmth, dramatic conviction and a pleasing hint of sensuality.”
    • Jacqueline Echols, soprano, portrays the pants role Pip in Moby-Dick. “Jacqueline Echols’ Pip soared gracefully over Heggie’s orchestra, soloists and chorus for most of the first act.” (Opera Today)
    • Hui He, soprano, makes her TDO debut as Butterfly/Cio-Cio-San in Madame Butterfly. “The debut of Hui He in the role of Butterfly was sensational…her big voice, her wonderful technique and her marvelous timbre…a deep and emotional interpretation. The best Butterfly that you can wish,” (Wiener Zeitung, Austria).
    • Gianluca Terranova, tenor, appears as Lt. B.F. Pinkerton, in Madame Butterfly. His “youthful, heroic and clear voice perfectly suggests the poetic, dreamy nature of the character…but it can also just as beautifully convey the later anguish and troubled self-awareness…” (Atlanta Journal Constitution)
    • Lucas Meachem, baritone, portrays Sharpless in Butterfly. “A natural on stage, he…dazzled the audience with the power and beauty of his voice,” (Broadway World).
    • Emma Bell, soprano, stars as the Governess in The Turn of the Screw. “Emma Bell…by vocal and dramatic means brought the character to frightening life,” (Opera)
    • Dolora Zajick, soprano, portrays Mrs. Grose in The Turn of the Screw. “Zajick’s voice, acting, and sheer presence carry the audience to a higher level of emotional truth than anything in the show.” (DC Theatre Scene)
    • Ashley Emerson, soprano, performs the role of the child Flora in The Turn of the Screw. “…Ashley Emerson was eerily child-like. Her voice was very pretty, flexible, and youthful.” (The Opera Tattler)
    • Yonghoon Lee, tenor, stars in Norma as Pollione, Norma’s lover and father of her children. “Yonghoon Lee gave a full-blooded, dramatically intense and vocally elegant performance…” (The New York Times)

    Many internationally acclaimed artists will be returning to The Dallas Opera:

    • Andrei Bondarenko, baritone, stars in the title role of Eugene Onegin. “Andrei Bondarenko is perfect for the role of Onegin…with such allure as to make clear why such a ripe and ready girl as Tatyana would fall so helplessly in love.” (MusicOMH)
    • Stephen Costello, tenor, begins the season portraying the role of Onegin’s friend Lensky and then reprises the role of Greenhorn that he successfully created for Moby-Dick. “Tenor Stephen Costello was a bright-toned and sympathetic Greenhorn…” (San Francisco Chronicle)
    • Jay Hunter Morris stars as Captain Ahab, which has become a signature role for the Texas native. “…he sang with a pressurized fury that practically shook the seats…of the Opera House.” (San Jose Mercury News)
    • Manuela Custer, Italian mezzo-soprano, performs the role of Butterfly’s confidante, Suzuki. “This role is more than the usual comprimario…Custer sang (her aria) with huge aplomb and brought the house down with it.” Ian Graham regarding her role as Emma in Zelmira.
    • William Burden, grammy-award winning tenor, sings the dual roles of Prologue and Peter Quint in The Turn of the Screw. His “subdued emotional intensity permeates every line of Mr. Burden’s elegant singing.” (The New York Times)
    • Elza van den Heever, South African soprano, stars in the title role of Norma. “…her voice takes wings and slowly soars with indelible beauty. It’s like a white dove slowly opening its wings and rising towards the sky.” (BachTrack)
    • Nicole Car, Australian soprano, portrays Adalgisa “the other woman” in Norma. A review of that role for Victorian Opera stated “Nicole Car was without doubt the star of the show. Her voice is at once rich, sweet, crystalline, moving, focused, and her onstage presence superb.” (Limelight Magazine)
    ~~~~

    The Dallas Opera’s 2016-2017 Family Performance Series offers three wonderful productions that will delight the young as well as the young at heart! Each is performed by professional singers in the spectacular Winspear Opera House. The lobby opens at 12:30 p.m. with a variety of hands-on activities for the children. Single tickets are just $5 each and may be purchased at the door, by calling our friendly Ticket Office at 214-443-1000 or online at www.dallasopera.org/family. The subscription price for the three Family Performances is $12.

    The Dallas Opera Family Performance Series is proudly presented by Texas Instruments, and made possible with additional generous support from the Betty and Steve Suellentrop Educational Outreach Fund and Lockheed Martin.

    THE THREE LITTLE PIGS – Based on scenes and music from operas by W.A. Mozart, this production is an operatic version of the beloved children’s fairy tale, with adaptations by John Davies. As constructive as it is instructive! Performances at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 23, 2016 and Sunday, February 26, 2017 at the Winspear Opera House.

    VERDI AND COMPANY – A delightful production that introduces families to the most popular hits of Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, conducted by 2015 Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors Fellow, Anna Skryleva (at the podium for the fall performance) and by renowned Principal Guest Concert Master Peter Manning (spring performance). Audiences will recognize magnificent pieces from the Italian composer’s brilliant operas: La traviata, Rigoletto and Aida, sung by Metropolitan Opera baritone Yunpeng Wang (fall performance), Santa Fe Opera star Tim Mix (spring performance), Merola Program alumnus Elizabeth Baldwin and local favorite, tenor Don O’Neal LeBlanc. This captivating presentation also features the acclaimed Dallas Opera Orchestra and a charismatic narrator who highlights fascinating facts about Verdi! Performances at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 13, 2016 and Sunday, March 5, 2017 at the Winspear Opera House.

    BASTIEN AND BASTIENNE – One of Mozart’s earliest works, written at age twelve, Bastien and Bastienne is a one-act comic opera that tells the tale of a pretty young shepherdess, Bastienne, and her boyfriend, Bastien. Bastienne believes her beau has fallen in love with a wealthy girl from the big city. The heart-broken girl encounters Colas, the town “magician,” who has a few ideas of his own on how to reunite the young couple. Performances at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2016 and Saturday, April 22, 2017.

    TDO Family Performances are a part of the 
    Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs
    ~~~~

    EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT “FALL 2016 AT THE DALLAS OPERA”
    IS CONVENIENTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7
    VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG AND CHECK THE CALENDAR LISTINGS

    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.
    ~~~~

    Ticket Information for the 2016-2017 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 11, 2016. Full and Flex Subscriptions are on sale now 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 2016-2017 FALL SEASON INFORMATION
    The Dallas Opera celebrates its Sixtieth 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.

    Announcing Our Dazzling 2016-2017 Season!

    THE DALLAS OPERA PROUDLY PRESENTS ITS

    60TH INTERNATIONAL SEASON

    ~~~~

    FIVE DAZZLING PRODUCTIONS

    INCLUDING THREE CLASSIC PRODUCTIONS: TCHAIKOVSKY’S EUGENE ONEGIN,

    PUCCINI’S MADAME BUTTERFLY

    AND BELLINI’S NORMA

     

    2016-2017 MARKS THE RETURN OF HEGGIE AND SCHEER’S 2010 TRIUMPH, MOBY-DICK, AND TDO’S FIRST PRODUCTION OF BRITTEN’S 1954 MASTERPIECE, THE TURN OF THE SCREW

    ~~~~

    OPENING NIGHT OF THE SEASON:

    FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016 AT 8:00 PM

    THE MARGOT AND BILL WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE

    AT THE AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

                DALLAS, JANUARY 21, 2016 –The Dallas Opera is proud to announce its spectacular 2016-2017 Season, consisting of five brilliant mainstage productions, including two repertoire classics never before performed by this company. 

                The Dallas Opera’s Keith Cerny, the Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO, announced the 2016-2017 Season Schedule this afternoon in Hamon Hall, with additional comments from Dallas Opera Board Chairman Steve Suellentrop, the Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Principal Guest Conductor Nicole Paiement, Director of Marketing and Ticket Sales Carrie Ellen Adamian and Mary M. Jalonick, the President and CEO of The Dallas Foundation.

                The 60th Season of The Dallas Opera features three extraordinary classics by some of the greatest composers in the Western Canon, and two mesmerizing psychological dramas from the 20th and 21st centuries—offering a superb range of works certain to inspire and entertain.

               Considered by many to be the ultimate art form, each opera will feature the powerful singing and acting of acclaimed international artists; outstanding conductors, directors and designers; The Dallas Opera Orchestra and The Dallas Opera Chorus; superb sets and costumes; imaginative technological enhancements and more. 

               Every production will be presented in the magnificent Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, located at 2403 Flora Street in the heart of the Dallas Arts District.

               Back by popular demand, this season also marks the return of at 21st century phenomenon: Moby-Dick, The Dallas Opera’s 2010 world premiere that has continued to earn both critical and popular acclaim in revivals across the U.S. and abroad.

                “It is my very great pleasure to bring the beauty of opera to all the people of North Texas,” explains The Dallas Opera’s Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO Keith Cerny. “To that end, The Dallas Opera has scoured the globe for the best productions and the finest artists the world has to offer. We have enlisted the talents of singularly gifted conductors, directors and designers; enabling us to create emotionally truthful, visionary productions for patrons of every age and background; reflecting every personal taste.

                “Great opera is timeless, whether composed in the 18th century or in the new millennium.  It is my aim to give our audiences the opportunity to better understand their world through the powerful mediums of music and drama,” adds Mr. Cerny.  “Our 60th International Season, filled with remarkable storytelling and unforgettable performances, undoubtedly, will have lasting and profound impact.”

                The Dallas Opera continues to expand and increase its reputation for producing world class opera with each successful season. The 2016-2017 season will be no exception as each production will feature artists expertly interpreting their roles, supported by the top skills of The Dallas Opera Orchestra and Chorus, and production teams.

                The season will also present internationally renowned conductors: Music Director Emmanuel Villaume at the podium for three operas, Principal Guest Conductor Nicole Paiement and Donato Renzetti.  Staged by prominent international directors, including Leonard Foglia, with debuts by Jean-Claude Auvray and Francesca Gilpin.         

                In an effort to present each work in its truest form as written by the composer and librettist, The Dallas Opera will continue to produce each opera in its original language with English supertitles projected above the stage for maximum enjoyment.


    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 go on sale April 1, 2016 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’s 2016-2017 Season, begins with The Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance on Friday, October 28, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. (note the special time). Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s powerful and passionate EUGENE ONEGIN will kick off the season with a dynamic cast headed by baritone Andrei Bondarenko in the title role.

                This classic period production from Tel Aviv also features a fabulous creative team including Stage Director Jean-Claude Auvray in his Dallas Opera debut.

                Set in late 19th century Russia, innocence and passion collide as a country girl, Tatyana, becomes smitten by the aristocratic Eugene Onegin.  She naively confesses her love in a letter, but is swiftly rejected by the arrogant nobleman. Years later, Onegin, attending a prominent ball alone, reflects on the emptiness of his life and his many regrets.  He is captivated when a regal beauty enters the ball—it is Tatyana!  Now it is Onegin who is obsessed with the woman whose love he had scorned.

                How will his love letter be received?

                Ukranian baritone Andrei Bondarenko, who made his exciting American debut as Robert in Dallas Opera’s 2015 production of Iolanta, returns in the title role.

                “Andrei Bondarenko, is perfect for the role of Onegin…with such allure as to make clear why such a ripe and ready girl as Tatyana would fall so helplessly in love,” wrote Melanie Eskenazi, of musicOMH.

                Mezzo-soprano Kai Rüütel of Estonia makes her Dallas Opera and American debut as Olga, Tatyana’s sister. “…Kai Rüütel is evidently a highly musical and truly dramatic mature artist,” observed Musical Criticism.  Of her performance for the University of London Symphony Orchestra in Gustav Mahler’s “Rückert-Leider,” according to Seen and Heard International, the statuesque Rüütel performed with “warmth, dramatic conviction and a pleasing hint of sensuality.”

                Tenor Stephen Costello, an audience favorite, will portray the role of Onegin’s friend, Lenksy, in his seventh mainstage appearance with The Dallas Opera.  Opera News sums up his many gifts saying, “A first-class talent…an intelligent, well-trained singer whose enormous talent and natural musical instincts mark him for potential greatness.” He also stars in Manon this spring as the smitten des Grieux.

                This production also marks the long-awaited return of Russian bass Mikhail Kazakov, who made a stunning 2011 company debut in the title role of Boris Godunov.  Dallas Morning News Classical Music Critic Scott Cantrell enthused that Kazakov’s Boris produced “thrilling sounds to paste you against the seatback, but also every nuance of expressivity.”  In Onegin,

                Mr. Kazakov will sing the role of Prince Gremin.

                Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director Emmanuel Villaume will conduct Tchaikovsky’s most lushly romantic opera in this classic production from Tel Aviv.  He conducted Manon for the Metropolitan Opera to rave reviews sparking Zachary Woolfe of The New York Times to write: “Emmanuel Villaume, paces it with vigor and a sense of movement in the most delicate, reflective passages. (He) makes the score feel lean and agile.” 

                Most recently, Maestro Villaume triumphed in a revival of Jonathan Kent’s production of Tosca at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; prompting Hannah Nepil of The Financial Times to praise Villaume for “teasing out sultry, sumptuous playing from his orchestra.”

                Performances continue on October 30(m), November 2, and 5, 2016 at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m., (other than opening night), and the matinee begins at 2:00 p.m. EUGENE ONEGIN will be performed in its original language, Russian, with English translations projected above the stage.

                Tickets may be purchased by phone (214.443.1000), online (www.dallasopera.org) or at the door.  Student Rush Tickets are available 90 minutes prior to curtain – a valid student ID is required.

    ~~~~

                Back by popular demand, the second production of The Dallas Opera’s 2016-2017 Season is Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s riveting MOBY-DICK opening on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

                Performed in English with English supertitles projected above the stage, the excitement continues with additional performances November 6(m), 9, 12, 18 and 20(m), 2016 with evening performances beginning promptly at 7:30 p.m. and matinees at 2:00 p.m.

                MOBY-DICK, which “opened in a blaze of glory” in 2010, has been met with thunderous applause and critical acclaim in ports of call around the world since its maiden voyage at The Dallas Opera. Composer Jake Heggie, and librettist Gene Scheer based their work on Herman Melville’s epic tale of Captain Ahab’s obsession with the great white whale, Moby-Dick. The opera splendidly illustrates the danger, tensions, and exhilaration of life aboard a 19th century whaling ship, as crew members battle the forces of nature in addition to Ahab’s brewing madness. George Loomis of the Financial Times raved that audiences “…can warm to Heggie’s musically lush, aptly proportioned and forthrightly tonal score (which) also boasts striking melodies, vivid atmospheric scenes and vocal lines capable of showing off voices.”

                Starring is tenor Jay Hunter Morris in the role of Captain Ahab, which has become a signature role for the Dallas Opera favorite, and a native of Paris, Texas. Hailed as a force of nature “…he sang with pressurized fury that practically shook the seats of the…Opera House,” exclaimed Richard Scheinin of the San Jose Mercury News of Morris’ portrayal.  “Enduring three hours strapped into a peg leg, Morris sang the heldentenor role with the dramatic intensity of a man possessed, tempered by the character of a stoic New Englander.  It was an admirable interpretation.” Wrote Jane Rosenberg of Seen and Heard International.

                Stephen Costello, “bright-toned, sympathetic” returns to The Dallas Opera to reprise his role as Greenhorn. David Patrick Stearns of Grammophone  reviewed the tenor’s poignant performance on the San Francisco Opera DVD; “Singing with more ease and richness of tone than anytime previously, Stephen Costello (Greenhorn) projects a sense of profound personal revelation in the final moments when, rescued at sea, he owns his own name (‘Call me Ishmael’).

               Baritone Morgan Smith also reprises his role as Starbuck for which he earned significant critical acclaim. Joshua Kosman of the San Francisco Chronicle touted his performance; “whose Starbuck joined vocal splendor, moral authority and deep empathy in a phenomenal combination.” Scott Cantrell of the Dallas Morning News also singled out his portrayal for special praise: “Morgan Smith’s strong, dense baritone perfectly suits the sturdy Quaker Starbuck.”

                Making his Dallas Opera debut is up-and-coming South African bass-baritone, Musa Ngqungwana.  Maria Nockin of Opera Today wrote Mr. Ngqungwana portrayed “an intense, commanding Queequeg whose musings showed the spiritual side of the voyage.”           

                Music Director Emmanuel Villaume, who conducts this revival, recently inspired Scott Cantrell of the Dallas Morning News to write that “Villaume does an impressive job of coordinating both singers and orchestra in some very complicated music,” regarding another contemporary work, the world premiere of Mark Adamo’s Becoming Santa Claus.

                MOBY-DICK is directed by Leonard Foglia who returns to The Dallas Opera after his recent success directing the critically acclaimed 2015 world premiere of Joby Talbot and Gene Scheer’s Everest. According to Heidi Waleson of The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Foglia’s “staging brilliantly captured the immediacy and peril of the piece.”

    ~~~~

                The third production of The Dallas Opera’s 60th Season is Giacomo Puccini’s unforgettable MADAME BUTTERFLY with a libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa & Luigi Illica. BUTTERFLY opens on Friday, March 10, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. at the Winspear Opera House.

                With poignant melodies, memorable characters and a heart-wrenching storyline in what was then a “contemporary” new opera, MADAME BUTTERFLY has captivated audiences and dampened handkerchiefs for more than a hundred years. Loosely based on true events in Nagasaki, Japan; MADAME BUTTERFLY tells the tale of a naïve Japanese girl, Cio-Cio-San (portrayed by Hui He), blinded by her love for a callous American naval officer.

                Lt. B.F. Pinkerton (Gianluca Terranova) rents a wife, as well as a house, in a false marriage of convenience.  Although he abandons her not long after their wedding, Pinkerton has promised to return.  Despite interest from worthy suitors and numerous pleas from her devoted maid Suzuki to give up her vigil, the woman nicknamed “Butterfly” remains steadfast (“One Beautiful Day”) during his three-year absence.

                This lovely, period production designed by Michael Yeargan (sets) and Anita Yavich (costumes) for San Francisco Opera, will be led by renowned Italian conductor Donato Renzetti.

                Regarded as one of the most famous new interpreters of the role, exciting Chinese soprano Hui He makes her Dallas Opera debut as Cio-Cio-San. “The debut of Hui He in the role of Butterfly was sensational: she has convinced not only with her big voice, her wonderful technique and her marvelous timbre, but also she touched with a deep and emotional interpretation. The best Butterfly that you can wish,” (Wiener Zeitung, Austria).

                The role of “love ‘em and leave ‘em” Pinkerton will be performed by Italian lyric tenor Gianluca Terranova in his eagerly anticipated company debut.  Andrew Alexander of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, recently described the charismatic Italian in another role saying his “youthful, heroic and clear voice perfectly suggests the poetic, dreamy nature of the character…but it can also just as beautifully convey the later anguish and troubled self-awareness that come to the character…”

                Internationally acclaimed Italian mezzo-soprano Manuela Custer stars as Suzuki, Butterfly’s confidant and devoted maid. “Vocally, she displayed an impeccable line of singing, with a pleasing and refreshing timbre that contains an ample range of rich colors,” raved Ramon Jacques, Opera Click, of her role as Isabella in our 2009 production of Rossini’s The Italian Girl in Algiers.

                American baritone Lucas Meachem stars as Sharpless, the American consul in Nagasaki.  “A natural on stage, he…dazzled the audience with the power and beauty of his voice,” (Broadway World).

                Winner of multiple international awards, conductor Donato Renzetti has achieved much critical acclaim from around the globe. Robert J. Farr of MusicWeb International “The singers do not have to force, particularly when accompanied by a maestro of such experience and sympathy as Donato Renzetti.” George Loomis of The New York Times wrote that the Maestro “conducted a warm, expansive performance,” of a recent production of Tosca (Puccini) for Rome Opera.

                Performed in Italian with English translations projected above the stage, this classic period production will receive five additional performances on March 12(m), 15, 18, 24 and 26(m), 2017.  Tickets are likely to go quickly; renew your subscription today!

    ~~~~

                The fourth production of The Dallas Opera’s 60th year is THE TURN OF THE SCREW by Benjamin Britten with libretto by Myfanwy Piper. This production opens on Friday, March 17, 2017, at 7:30 p.m. at the Winspear Opera House.

                Based on the novella by Henry James, this Jonathan Kent production from Glyndebourne will be performed in English with English supertitles projected above the stage.

               This dark and gripping 19th century tale (updated to the 1950’s in this acclaimed production from Glyndebourne) is based on the atmospheric novel by Henry James.

                A governess is hired to care for two children at Bly, an English country house. The position, which initially seemed promising, soon turns puzzling when the governess sees what she believes to be a ghost. The housekeeper reveals a sordid series of events involving two former employees, now dead, who may have had inappropriate relationships with the children. The children themselves, Miles and Flora, display bizarre and often troubling behavior. The ghosts torment the children and the governess to such an extreme that she must decide whether to leave Bly House or stay in order to protect the children. Principal Guest Conductor Nicole Paiement conducts Britten’s enthralling twentieth-century score, mixing tonality and dissonance with the recurrent use of a twelve-note theme.

                Making her Dallas Opera debut, British soprano Emma Bell stars as the tormented Governess. “… Emma Bell deserves pride of place for her overwhelming performance as the Governess, an assumption that by vocal and dramatic means brought the character to frightening life,” (Carlos Maria Solare, Opera). “As the governess, Emma Bell is superbly equivocal, neurotic but never hysterical,” (Shirley Apthorp, Financial Times).

                American tenor William Burden, who sings the dual roles of the Prologue and Peter Quint, recently won a Grammy for best opera recording for his part in the Metropolitan Opera’s production of The Tempest. His “virile passion and consummate lyricism” inspired The New York Times to rave that his “subdued emotional intensity permeates every line of Mr. Burden’s elegant singing.”  He charmed Dallas audiences as Lindoro in The Italian Girl in Algiers (2009).

              Known as a “mezzo in a class by herself,” Dolora Zajick makes her long-awaited Dallas Opera debut as Mrs. Grose, the housekeeper. “Zajick’s voice, acting, and sheer presence carry the audience to a higher level of emotional truth than anything in the show,” raved DC Theatre Scene. “Zajick’s voice, with a hint of metal at the back of the upper notes and cavernous expansion in the lower ones, is still a couple of sizes bigger than most people’s, and as an actress, too, she delivered the goods” (Washington Post).

                THE TURN OF THE SCREW will be conducted by Dallas Opera Principal Guest Conductor Nicole Paiement, who has developed an international reputation as a conductor of contemporary music and opera.

                Wayne Lee Gay of D Magazine’s Front Row wrote of The Dallas Opera’s 2015 world premiere of Everest: “(Paiement) combined old-fashioned precision and discipline with up-to-the-minute insight into the complex modernity of the score.”

                Gregory Sullivan Isaacs, Theater Jones, also acknowledged Maestra Paiement’s skill with contemporary works. “…balancing these three musical elements so that each one comes forward at its assigned time and then retreats, allowing another to take over, is a superhuman endeavor. This charge falls to conductor Nicole Paiement, who brilliantly weaves Talbot’s warp and woof into what can only be called a soundscape of Everest.”

                Three additional performances of Benjamin Britten’s THE TURN OF THE SCREW will take place on March 19(m), 22, and 25, 2017.  Seating is limited.  Season subscriptions will go on sale April 1, 2016.  Season subscribers may renew at any time by contacting the friendly professionals in The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office, at 214.443.1000.

    ~~~~

                The final production of the 60th International Season is Vincenzo Bellini’s thrilling and suspenseful 1831 masterpiece, NORMA, with a libretto by Felice Romani, which opens Friday, April 21, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. at the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.

                Performed in Italian with English translations projected above the stage, this towering period production continues with four additional performances, April 23(m), 26, 29 and May 7(m), 2017.  

                In this outstanding John Conklin production from Cincinnati Opera, set during the Roman occupation of Gaul in 50 B.C., a passionate love triangle in the midst of a deepening culture clash leads to dangerous consequences.  A Druid high priestess, Norma, is in the throes of despair after discovering that her lover, a Roman proconsul with whom she has two children, may have been unfaithful.  Pollione confesses to a friend that he no longer loves Norma. His amorous attentions are now focused on Adalgisa, a young novice priestess, who returns his love—and he brushes aside a warning about Norma’s capacity for rage.  Amidst the turmoil of the occupation and impending revolution, Norma is driven to the brink of insanity, convinced of her betrayal and fearing disgrace for her fatherless children.

                The dazzling South African soprano Elza van den Heever stars as Norma, her first appearance on The Dallas Opera stage since her acclaimed 2003 Dallas debut in Mozart’s Così fan tutte.  This versatile artist describes her vocal style as a ‘voyage of discovery.” Christophe Rizoud, of Forum Opéra recently described her virtuosity: “Elza van den Heever moves us deeply, enthralls and captivates…she delighted us with her powerful and controlled voice, with a splendid midrange that does not exclude high notes. But those extreme notes are never sung without purpose; they are used to convey meaning the same way as volume or colour offer expression.”

                Superb South Korean tenor, Yonghoon Lee—one of opera’s busiest performers according to Bachtrack—stars as Norma’s lover, the Roman proconsul Pollione. According to Anthony Tommasini of The New York Times, “He is an outstanding tenor. Handsome and youthful, he is a natural onstage and a sensitive listener during duets and ensembles.”

                Nicole Car, the lovely Australian soprano who thrilled audiences and critics alike with her recent appearances in The Dallas Opera’s The Marriage of Figaro, stars as “the other woman,” Adalgisa.

                “The vocal standout is Australian soprano Nicole Car, in her U.S. debut, as Countess Almaviva.  With a lustrous shine on a warm core of sound, and generous amplitude and expressivity, she could be a wonderful Straussian, although she never overdoes anything here. She also has a strikingly expressive face, registering the painful emotional ambiguities of her relationship with the Count,” wrote Scott Cantrell of The Dallas Morning News.
                American bass Christian Van Horn, acclaimed for his “sturdy voice and commanding presence…” (Anthony Tommasini, The New York Times) will portray the role of Oroveso.

                Critically acclaimed Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director Emmanuel Villaume leads The Dallas Opera Orchestra in one of Bellini’s greatest contributions to the bel canto repertoire.

                “Keith Cerny and I are excited to program works that patrons have longed to experience just as much as we do.  My energies are devoted to sharing this most relevant and revealing of art forms with North Texas and all the world,” says Music Director Emmanuel Villaume.

                “We invite everyone to join us in the Winspear Opera House next season, to thrill to the world-class productions, as well as the unique musicianship and incomparable artistry that can only be fully appreciated in a live performance.

                “I certainly hope I will see you there!”

    ~~~~

                Evening performances during the 2016-2017 Season will begin at 7:30 p.m., unless otherwise stated (including an 8:00 p.m. curtain for the Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance).  All Sunday matinees are slated to begin at 2:00 p.m.

                The “Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talks,” a free background lecture for the opera being performed, takes place in Nancy B. Hamon Hall located just off the Winspear Opera House lobby one hour prior to each performance, except for Opening Night of the Season.

                Dallas Opera performs works in their original languages.  Easy-to-read English translations are projected above the stage during every Dallas Opera performance—even those sung in English—and special headsets are available for the hearing impaired.

                No late seating is permitted at Dallas Opera performances once the house doors are closed.  Latecomers will be seated at the first available opportunity, usually, intermission.

     

                Flex subscriptions begin at $75 for the 2016-2017 Season.  Full Subscriptions begin at $95. Single Tickets range from $19 to $275.

                For additional information about the coming season, call The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214-443-1000 or visit us online at www.dallasopera.org.

    ~~~~

                Put aside those computers, tablets, and smart phones—and grab the kiddoes—in order to take advantage of budget-minded, kid-friendly performances offered by The Dallas Opera in the 2016-2017 Season!

                In addition to presenting world-class opera, and to providing support for outstanding young artists, established stars, and up-and-coming female conductors; The Dallas Opera is also committed to introducing the joys of opera to as many people as possible, and to provide budget-minded, kid-friendly performances that can be enjoyed by North Texans of every age, educational level and background.

                The always popular Dallas Opera Family Performance Series is proudly presented by Texas Instruments, and made possible with additional generous support from 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.

                Five dollar single tickets are available now through The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or 24/7 at dallasopera.org/family.


    2016-2017 Family Performance Series

    Presenting Sponsor, Texas Instruments

     

    THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

    Sunday, October 23, 2016

    Sunday, February 26, 2017

    Based on scenes and music from operas by W.A. Mozart, this production is an operatic version of the beloved children’s fairy tale, with adaptations by John Davies. The story reinforces the virtues of reading as one of the little pigs, Despina, successfully reads up on building a “huff-proof, puff-proof” house at the library.  As constructive as it is instructive!

     

    VERDI AND COMPANY

    Sunday, November 13, 2016

    Sunday, March 5, 2017

    A delightful production that introduces families to the most popular hits of Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi.  Audiences will recognize magnificent pieces from the Italian composer’s brilliant operas: La traviata, Rigoletto and Aida. This captivating presentation also features the acclaimed Dallas Opera Orchestra and a charismatic narrator who highlights fascinating facts about Verdi!

     

    BASTIEN AND BASTIENNE

    Saturday, November 19, 2016

    Saturday, April 22, 2017

    One of Mozart’s earliest works, written at age twelve, Bastien and Bastienne is a one-act comic opera that tells the tale of a pretty young shepherdess, Bastienne, and her boyfriend, Bastien. Bastienne believes her beau has fallen in love with a wealthy girl from the big city. The heart-broken girl encounters Colas, the town “magician,” who has a few ideas of his own on how to reunite the young couple.

    Single tickets are just $5 apiece and may be purchased at the door

    Or online at www.dallasopera.org/family

    ~~~~

    EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT “JANUARY AT THE DALLAS OPERA”

    IS CONVENIENTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7

    VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG

     

    For high-resolution digital photographs suitable for print

    To arrange an interview or obtain additional information

    Please contact Suzanne Calvin, Director of Media and Public Relations

    214.443.1014 or suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org

    Or Celeste Hart, Communications Manager

    214-443-1071 or celeste.hart@dallasopera.org.

     

    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.  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.

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    The Dallas Opera

    • Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House
    • 2403 Flora Street, Suite 500
    • Dallas, TX 75201
    • 214.443.1000
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