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    THE DALLAS OPERA PRESENTS STATE-OF-THE-ART OPERA!

    THE U.S. PREMIERE OF MICHEL VAN DER AA’s
    SUNKEN GARDEN
    OPENING FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018
    The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House
    AT&T Performing Arts Center
    ~~~~
    AN “OCCULT MYSTERY FILM OPERA”
    WITH A LIBRETTO BY DAVID MITCHELL
    CONDUCTED BY NICOLE PAIEMENT
    ~~~~
    ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCES: March 11, 14, 17, 2018
    Sunken Garden is made possible by an OPERA America Innovation Grant, supported by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation

                DALLAS, TX, FEBRUARY 16, 2018 – This may be the first time in the U.S. that 3-D glasses will be handed out to patrons as they enter an opera house. The fourth production of The Dallas Opera’s decidedly adventurous 61st Season is SUNKEN GARDEN, an opera by Dutch composer/director Michel van der Aa with a libretto by acclaimed Science Fiction novelist David Mitchell.
    This production opens on Friday, March 9, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center for the first of four performances.
    Michel van der Aa’s contemporary operatic masterpiece has been applauded by both critics and audiences as “a fantastical tale to set the ears and eyes popping” (New York Times headline). The U.S. premiere of this groundbreaking opera will be directed by the composer himself—working with live singers interacting with both 2-D and 3-D film.
    Described by its creator as an “occult mystery film opera,” Sunken Garden fuses film and live performance to deliver what Steve Smith of The New York Times called “a bold, rewarding venture” during its 2013 English National Opera world premiere at the Barbican.  The production coming to Dallas was reworked for a successful 2015 relaunch of the production at Opéra de Lyon.

    ~~~~
    A film maker’s obsession with the disappearance of a young girl leads to the discovery of a walled garden, which is the barrier between life and death.  Does this place actually exist or is it just a stunning journey of the imagination?  Either way, it immerses audiences into a world of crime and mystery to create a one-of-a-kind production unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before.

    Sunken Garden (640x427)

                Sunken Garden will star English baritone Roderick Williams as Toby Kramer,
    British soprano Katherine Manley as Zenna Briggs, and renowned Swedish soprano Miah Persson (the Marnie and Kern Wildenthal Principal Artist) as Iris Marinus.  It also stars (on film) crossover singer-composer Kate Miller-Heidke (The Rabbits) as Amber Jaquemain, and British baritone Jonathan McGovern as Simon Vines.  All will be making their Dallas Opera debuts in this production.
    Williams has been praised for “his astonishing ability to perform highly emotional music…from the top of his vocal range (where he was clear as a bell and his diction impeccable) to rich, low notes that stirred the heart” (Laura Kate Wilson, Bachtrack).

    Sunken Garden will be conducted by the Martha R. and Preston A. Peak 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.”  Recent engagements for Maestra Paiement have included Kevin Puts’ Silent Night at Atlanta Opera, Handel’s Xerxes at Glimmerglass, a revival of Joby Talbot and Gene Scheer’s Everest for Lyric Opera of Kansas City and a double bill of Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti and Jake Heggie’s At the Statue of Venus for Opera Parallèle, where she serves as Artistic Director.
    Sunken Garden (640x427)

    Upcoming conducting engagements for Nicole Paiement include Bernstein’s Candide for Washington National Opera, Kevin Puts’ Silent Night for both Glimmerglass and WNO, Mason Bates’ The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs for Seattle Opera and Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking for Lyric Opera of Chicago.
    Set and lighting design for Sunken Garden is by Theun Mosk with costumes by Astrid Schulz and sound design by Tom Gelissen in their company debuts.  Wig and make-up design is by Dawn Rivard.

    The Dallas Opera 2018 production of Sunken Garden is made possible by an OPERA America Innovation Grant, supported by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation.  The Dallas Opera’s newest restaurant partner, Musume, is sponsoring the production’s 3-D glasses.

    ~~~~

    Sunken Garden was originally a co-commission/co-production of English National Opera and London’s Barbican Centre, Opéra National de Lyon, the Toronto Festival of Arts Culture and Creativity, and associate co-producer – the Holland Festival.  This opera also marked the first collaboration between the composer and British novelist David Mitchell (The Bone Clocks, Cloud Atlas).
    Heidi Waleson, reviewing for The Wall Street Journal described the experience: “The inventive and haunting music is acoustic and electronic, live and prerecorded, classical and pop…Film and music align seamlessly; neither would make sense without the other…When the live singers enter the 3-D garden, the music grows richer and more expansive…The images here are spectacular: the opulent trees and flowers; the quivering holograms of the two captives, Amber and Simon; and the vertical pool through which Zenna enters and departs, which explodes out toward the audience as a shower of droplets or a giant, whirling funnel.
    “The fine singers—live and on film—adeptly captured the ferocity and pathos in Sunken Garden.  And the lively actors…were completely believable…technical wizardry enhanced the humanity of the piece rather than overwhelming it,” Ms. Waleson added.
    Antony Craig of Gramophone (UK) emphasized that SUNKEN GARDEN is a compelling theatrical work: “This is real drama and it works dramatically. The mystery is as complex as TV film noir. The spoken interviews work as film and the 3D successfully drew me right into the sunken garden. Crucially, Sunken Garden works as opera, with Van der Aa’s fusion of musical styles matching the fusion of mediums.”
    And Andrew Clement of The Guardian added, “Van der Aa has directed the show as well as the often sumptuous-looking film sequences. As always he’s done it with immense technical skill, and both his orchestral writing and the electronic soundtrack are strikingly effective.”
    Sunken Garden runs approximately one hour and fifty minutes.  It is presented without an intermission.

                Three additional performances of Michel van der Aa’s Sunken Garden will take place on March 11(2:00 p.m. matinee), 14, and 17, 2018.  Single tickets begin at just $19.  Current season subscribers may renew their seats for 2018-2019 by contacting The Dallas Opera Ticket Office, at 214.443.1000.  
                Sunken Garden will be performed in English with English supertitles projected above the stage at each performance.
    ~~~~

    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.

    2017-2018 SEASON SPONSOR
    The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family
    ~~~~
    EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA
    IS AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7.  VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG

    FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHS
    Contact Suzanne Calvin, Director of Media and PR at suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org

    The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: Elsa von Seggern Foundation, Texas Instruments Foundation, the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; the Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).  American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera.  Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera. 
    Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News.

    The Dallas Opera Family Performances are generously supported by
    Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, and
    The Betty and Steve Suellentrop Educational Outreach Fund

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

    THE DALLAS OPERA 2017-2018 SPRING SEASON MAINSTAGE INFORMATION
    The Dallas Opera celebrates its Sixty-First International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated.  English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired.  With the exception of FIRST NIGHT, The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk will begin one hour prior to curtain, at most performances. 

    THE RING OF POLYKRATES & VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D MAJOR
    A sweeping Viennese concerto paired with a charming domestic comedy!
    By Erich Wolfgang Korngold
    February 9, 11 (m), 14 and 17, 2018

    Violin Soloist (KORNGOLD CONCERTO): Augustin Dumay*
    The Dallas Opera Orchestra conducted by Emmanuel Villaume

    THE RING OF POLYKRATES
    Sumptuous Viennese music laced with orchestral color and wit!
    Libretto by Leo Feld
    Time:Early 20th century
    Place:Vienna, Austria
    Conductor:Emmanuel Villaume
    Director:Peter Kazaras
    Set Designer: Donald Eastman*
    Costume Designer: Tommy Bourgeois
    Lighting Designer:Krista Billings
    Wig & Make-up Designer:Dawn Rivard
    Starring:Paul Groves* (Wilhelm Arndt), Laura Wilde* (Laura), Brenton Ryan (Florian Döbllinger), Susannah Biller* (Lieschen), and Craig Colclough* (Peter Vogel).
    One of the most rarely performed opera gems!  In its third professional U.S. production!

    SUNKEN GARDEN by Michel van der Aa
    March 9, 11 (m), 14 and 17, 2018
    A phenomenal visual, musical and emotional adventure – live and in 3-D!
    Libretto by David Mitchell
    Time: Present Day
    Place: Unknown
    Conductor: Nicole Paiement
    Director: Michel van der Aa*
    Set Designer: Theun Mosk**
    Costume Designer: Astrid Schulz**
    Lighting Designer: Theun Mosk**
    Sound Designer: Tom Gelissen*
    Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
    Starring: Roderick Williams* (Toby Kramer), Katherine Manley* (Zenna Briggs), and Miah Persson* (Iris Marinus).
    Combining live actors and 2-D and 3-D film, to take you where opera has never gone before!

    DON GIOVANNI by W.A. Mozart
    April 13, 15 (m), 18, 21, 27 and 29 (m), 2018
    Mozart’s operatic masterpiece brought vividly to life under the baton of Music Director Emmanuel Villaume!
    Time: 20th century
    Place: Seville, Spain and the surrounding countryside
    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
    Director: Robert Falls*
    Set Designer: Walt Spangler*
    Costume Designer: Ana Kuzmanic*
    Original Lighting Designer: Duane Schuler
    Lighting Designer: Chris Maravich
    Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Starring: Mariusz Kwiecień (Don Giovanni), Laura Claycomb (Donna Anna), David Portillo* (Don Ottavio), Katie Van Kooten* (Donna Elvira), Kyle Ketelsen* (Leporello), Virginie Verrez (Zerlina), Craig Verm (Masetto), and Morris Robinson (The Commendatore).
    An evocative and thrilling production from Lyric Opera of Chicago!

    * Dallas Opera Debut
    ** American Debut

    Outstanding Semi-Finalists Announced for Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition!

    The Dallas Opera and The Dallas Opera Guild
    Are Proud to Announce the 20 Outstanding Semi-Finalists of the 30th Annual
    “Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition”

    Competition Dates
    Semi-Finals: Friday, April 27, 2018, 11:00 a.m.
    Finals: Saturday, April 28, 2018, 7:30 p.m.
    Finals Feature The Dallas Opera Orchestra
    Conducted by Music Director Emmanuel Villaume
    Visit www.dallasopera.org/vocal for details.

    Also Announcing the Springs Gala Benefiting The Dallas Opera Education Programs
    Gala Co-Chairs Susan Geyer and Lynn Mock

    2018 Vocal Competition Honorees: Phyllis and Tom McCasland

    ~~~~

    The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House
    At the AT&T Performing Arts Center
    2403 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201

    DALLAS, JANUARY 31, 2018 – Twenty of the finest young opera singers in the United States will be competing in the 30th Annual Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition presented, jointly, by The Dallas Opera and The Dallas Opera Guild.

    The artists will compete onstage in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas on April 27 & 28, 2018.  At stake are thousands of dollars in cash awards and prestigious honors including the “People’s Choice Award” selected during the Finals Round by audience ballot.  The competition will serve as the centerpiece of The Dallas Opera’s glamorous Springs Gala, an annual fundraising celebration of opera’s fast-rising stars benefiting The Dallas Opera’s highly acclaimed Education Program. Tens of thousands of children across North Texas benefit from this program.

    The quest for these gifted young singers will begin with the Semi-Finals Round of the Vocal Competition on Friday, April 27, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. Tickets are free.

    Six finalists will be selected to return the following evening for the Finals Round Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 7:30 p.m., to perform with The Dallas Opera Orchestra, conducted by the internationally renowned Emmanuel Villaume (The Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director). Tickets are $5 and available at the door, at www.dallasopera.org/vocal, or by calling 214-443-1000.

    Emmanuel Villaume SM
    Internationally acclaimed Music Director Emmanuel Villaume will conduct The Dallas Opera Orchestra for the Finals Competition. (Photo by Akos Photography)

    The Springs Gala features a gourmet dinner on Saturday, April 28, at 5:30 p.m.; one Vocal Competition Finals ticket with early seating (event begins at 7:30 p.m.); and an invitation to the festive post-competition celebration at the Winspear Opera House. Tickets start at $750 for a single ticket; tables are available starting at $7500. For more information about the 2018 Springs Gala, visit dallasopera.org/gala or contact Special Events Manager Tracy Mott at tracy.mott@dallasopera.org. Proceeds will go to support the multifaceted education programs of The Dallas Opera, which serves thousands of students and teachers throughout the region.

    Two great Dallas Opera traditions create one truly remarkable evening of music, competition and celebration!  It is certain to be an affair—and a weekend—you won’t want to miss!

    ~~~~

    This year, the twenty semi-finalists were selected from a group of 364 applicants from 35 states—and one competitor currently residing in Germany (residents of the U.S. territories are eligible to apply for the prestigious competition, as well) by a panel of preliminary judges that included American pianist and educator Dr. Brian Zeger of the Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts at The Juilliard School, and David Lomeli, Casting and Hart Institute for Women Conductors Manager.

    “We are very proud to collaborate with our Guild on this extraordinary showcase,” says Kern Wildenthal, The Dallas Opera’s Interim General Director and CEO.  “This is a great opportunity for the entire community to experience opera’s exciting ‘next wave,’ and to show their enthusiastic support for the dreams of these outstanding young artists who will be the opera stars of the future.”

    THE 2018 SEMI-FINALISTS OF THE DALLAS OPERA GUILD VOCAL COMPETITION

    • Lawson Anderson, bass-baritone, 1st Prize Gerda Lissner
    • Anush Avetisyan, soprano, Opera Theater of Saint Louis Gerdine Young Artist Program, Academy of Vocal Arts
    • Vanessa Becerra, soprano, Glimmerglass Artist
    • Bille Bruley, tenor, Indiana University
    • Alex DeSocio, baritone, San Francisco Merola Opera Program
    • Patrick Guetti, bass, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago
    • Josh Lovell, tenor, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago
    • David Margulis, tenor, Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio, Zurich Opera Studio
    • Alyssa Martin, mezzo-soprano, Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio, Glimmerglass Artist
    • Lindsay Metzger, mezzo-soprano, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago
    • Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen, countertenor, San Francisco Merola Opera Program, Houston Grand Opera Studio, San Francisco Opera Adler Fellowship
    • Richard Ollarsaba, bass-baritone, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago
    • Takaoki Onishi, baritone, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago
    • Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, San Francisco Merola Opera Program, San Francisco Opera Adler Fellowship
    • David Pershall, baritone, San Francisco Merola Opera Program, Vienna Staatsoper Ensemble
    • Alexandra Razskazoff, soprano, San Francisco Merola Opera Program, Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Program, Minnesota Opera Resident Artist Program, Academy of Vocal Arts
    • Mario A. Rojas Calleja, tenor, Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago
    • Sarah Tucker, soprano, Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio, Santa Fe Opera Apprentice Program
    • Julia Wolcott, soprano, Juilliard School of Music
    • Xiaomeng Zhang, baritone, Juilliard School of Music

    Competitors in the 2017 Competition took home prize monies totaling $18,500.  Although this competition has as its primary focus artists in the 18 to 34 age range, singers of any age were eligible to apply and considered on a case-by-case basis.

    The Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition originally focused on young artists with Texas roots or Lone Star academic connections, and its many distinguished alumni include luminaries from throughout the opera world: Latonia Moore, Clifton Forbis, Marjorie Owens, Weston Hurt, Steven LaBrie, Amanda Woodbury, Jesus Garcia, J’nai Bridges, Anthony Clark Evans, Kang Wang, Virginie Verrez—and, most recently, Samantha Hankey (the 2018 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Grand Finals winner), Laura Wilde and Kihun Yoon.

    As the competition sought to gain even greater prominence and significance, The Dallas Opera and The Dallas Opera Guild made significant changes in 2015, prompting Dallas Morning News Classical Music Critic Scott Cantrell to write that the competition had “considerably upped its ante.”  The evolution didn’t stop there:

    • In order to attract the most talented applicant pool with the greatest potential, the eligibility criteria for applicants changed. Today, it is open to residents of all 50 states and U.S. Territories, including international students attending American colleges, universities, and music conservatories.  Also eligible are active members of any young artist program associated with an American opera company.
    • The Finals Round, now taking place on as part of The Dallas Opera’s annual Springs Gala, will be accompanied by The Dallas Opera Orchestra, conducted by TDO’s internationally acclaimed Music Director, Emmanuel Villaume. Up to six finalists will participate, singing two arias each.

    The impact of these changes was immediately perceived.  Senior Classical Music Critic Gregory Sullivan Isaacs of theaterjones.com wrote: “The results surely exceeded expectations for this newly re-envisioned competition…It won’t take long to situate itself at the top of such events and become an important gold star on any young artist’s résumé.”

    Dallas Opera Guild Co-Presidents Jan and James Clay explain, “Our exciting annual competition is the most high-profile facet of The Dallas Opera Guild’s year-long commitment to support exceptionally talented young opera artists.  The future of opera, not only in Texas, but throughout the world, is dependent on the discovery and development of bright new talent.  The Guild takes that part of our mission very seriously, and we encourage everyone in the community to turn out next spring to show their support for these fine young singers!”

    Dallas Opera Guild 2018 Vocal Competition Chairs Patsy and Bob Brooks write: “The Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition gives singers pursuing a professional opera career the opportunity to showcase their talents and compete with other singers for financial rewards.  Best of all is the chance to perform before a panel of distinguished judges celebrated throughout the opera world.”

    Lexus Red Parking is available for just $5 at both the Semi-Finals Round, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 27 as well as the Finals Round of the competition the following evening, Saturday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Winspear Opera House.

    The list of esteemed judges for the 2018 Vocal Competition reads like a music industry “Who’s Who”:

    Judges for the 2019 Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition:

    Brian Zeger, Chair

    Artistic Director of the Ellen and James S. Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts

    The Juilliard School

    Emmanuel Villaume

    The Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director, The Dallas Opera

    Peter Czornyj

    Vice President of Artistic Operations, The Dallas Symphony Orchestra

    Kathleen Kelly

    Associate Professor of Music, University of Michigan

    Former Director of Music Studies, Vienna State Opera

    Alain Lanceron

    President of Warner Classics

    Andreas Melinat

    Vice President Artistic Planning, Lyric Opera of Chicago

    Pål Moe

    Casting Director, Bavarian State Opera;

    Casting Consultant, Glyndebourne Festival and Opéra de Lille

    However, the judging isn’t left entirely to the professionals; “amateur” music lovers will have the opportunity to express their views, too. Audience participation is part of the fun at each year’s Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition. For the nineteenth consecutive year, attendees will be given the chance to vote on their personal favorites to receive the coveted “People’s Choice Award.”

    ~~~~

    HISTORY OF THE DALLAS OPERA GUILD VOCAL COMPETITION:

    In February of 1987, then-Dallas Opera Guild Presidents Connie and Jerry Klemow proposed establishing a Guild-sponsored scholarship fund to financially assist qualified singers seeking a career in opera. With the approval of The Dallas Opera management and the enthusiastic support of Artistic Director Nicola Rescigno, a committee comprised of Pat Blankenship, Nora Sands and Maria Santarelli, chaired by Connie Klemow, was entrusted to formulate a plan. Soon, the committee welcomed the assistance of then-General Director Plato Karayanis, company dramaturg Roger Pines and Dallas Morning News Classical Music Critic John Ardoin.

    Mr. Ardoin suggested a grants program be established in lieu of a scholarship fund or a competition. His suggestion was considered and the concept accepted. It was decided to focus on applicants from North Texas, ages 18-35 with some professional experience. Roger Pines named the program “The Career Development Grant for Singers” (CDGS) and after 20 months of planning the first CDGS program was presented on October 8, 1988 at SMU’s Caruth Auditorium.

    However, for any program to remain dynamic, it must grow and evolve. During these past three decades there have been many changes, including the additions of Encouragement Awards, a “People’s Choice Award,” and a significant name change to “The Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition” in 2004.

    From the initial grants program, the concept evolved into an annual competition that, until 2014, focused on vocalists with a Texas connection, both home-grown and temporary residents. Through this event, the Guild continues to recognize and honor members of The Dallas Opera community who have demonstrated a special interest in promoting the careers of talented young singers, or, have given exceptional support to The Dallas Opera and the Guild. Jonathan Pell, former Artistic Director of The Dallas Opera, led the Judge’s panel for the first 26 years.

    The vocal competition was significantly reimagined and expanded in its 27th year, under the leadership of former Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny, to allow applicants from all 50 states and U.S. Territories. Dr. Brian Zeger, Artistic Director of Juilliard’s Marcus Institute for Vocal Arts and former Executive Director for the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program of the Metropolitan Opera now chairs a judge’s panel that includes leading figures in music administration and classical music.

    The competition was expanded to take place over a two-day period.  Participants in 2018 will be heard during Friday’s semi-finals and the selected finalists will perform again Saturday evening, accompanied by The Dallas Opera Orchestra under the direction of the Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director Emmanuel Villaume.

    The Dallas Opera Guild remains dedicated to its original commitment to recognize, honor and support exceptionally talented young singers. The distributed award monies are funded anew each year. Guild members graciously donate their time, energy, money and talents to ensure that this prestigious annual competition succeeds in cultivating the next generation of world-class artists.

    ~~~~

    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

    ~~~~

    SPECIAL THANKS

    TO THE AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AND STAFF

    FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE

    2018 DALLAS OPERA GUILD VOCAL COMPETITION

     

    2017-2018 SEASON SPONSOR

    The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family

    ~~~~

    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

     

    The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: Elsa von Seggern Foundation; Texas Instruments Foundation; the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; the Texas Commission on the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

    American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera. Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera. Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News.

     

    The Dallas Opera Family Performances are generously supported by

    Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, and the Betty and Steve Suellentrop

    Educational Outreach Fund.

     

    TDO Family Performances are a part of the

    Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs

    Dallas Opera Names Interim Gen. Dir. & CEO

    Wildenthal solo shot UTSW2008

    Dr. Kern Wildenthal

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    Thursday, December 21, 2017
    Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014 Or Celeste Hart 214.443.1071
    suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org celeste.hart@dallasopera.org

    The Dallas Opera Announces
    The Appointment of
    Dr. Kern Wildenthal
    Former Dallas Opera Board Chairman
    As Interim General Director and CEO
    ~~~~
    Transition Team in Place
    The Search for Permanent General Director Begins

    DALLAS, TX, DECEMBER 21, 2017 – The Dallas Opera has announced the appointment of longtime Dallas Opera Board member, Executive Committee member, and former Board Chairman Kern Wildenthal as Interim General Director and CEO of the company. He will serve in a volunteer capacity, with no compensation, until a permanent general director is appointed.
    Dr. Wildenthal, who chaired TDO’s Board from 2008 to 2012 (during its move to the Winspear Opera House), has been a loyal supporter of the company for many years. In 2015, Mrs. Eugene McDermott and the McDermott Foundation made major 7-figure gifts to endow the company’s top job and to honor Dr. Wildenthal by naming the position—in perpetuity—the “Kern Wildenthal General Director.”

    “I have always had the highest regard for Kern Wildenthal’s ability to apply his wide-ranging experience and leadership skills to The Dallas Opera, We are so fortunate that he has agreed to assume the responsibility to steer the company through this transitional time,” says Board Chairman Holly Mayer.

    DR. KERN WILDENTHAL BIO:

    Kern Wildenthal, M.D., Ph.D., was the second President of UT Southwestern Medical Center, serving in that position from 1986–2008, after a ten-year stint as Dean. Under his administrative leadership, UT Southwestern quintupled in size; four faculty members were awarded the Nobel Prize; two million square feet of research buildings were constructed; two hospitals and six clinics were added to the campus, while referral medical services increased ten-fold. Also during this period, the institution’s endowment grew from $40 million in 1986 to $1.3 billion in 2008.
    Following his retirement as President of UT Southwestern, he became President and Senior Consultant of Southwestern Medical Foundation from 2008–2013. From 2013 to 2016, he served as President of Children’s Medical Center Foundation and Executive Vice President of Children’s Health System of Texas. Since his retirement from those roles in September 2016, he holds appointments as Past President of the Foundation and Consultant for Children’s Health, as well as President Emeritus and Professor Emeritus at UT Southwestern.
    Dr. Wildenthal received his medical education at UT Southwestern and New York University Medical Center and his research training at UT Southwestern; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and the University of Cambridge in England, where he earned a Ph.D. in cell physiology in 1970.
    He has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship and was elected to the National Academy of Medicine, as well as being selected to chair multiple medical and educational organizations and committees.
    Locally, Dr. Wildenthal has been a member of numerous civic, arts, and philanthropic boards, including the Greater Dallas Chamber of Commerce, Dallas Citizens Council, Dallas Assembly, Science Place, Dallas Center for the Performing Arts, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Symphony Association, The Dallas Opera, Moncrief Cancer Foundation, Hamon Foundation, Reves Foundation, and Hoblitzelle Foundation.
    He has received the Excellence in Community Service Award from the Dallas Historical Society, the Virginia Chandler Dykes Award for Public Service from Texas Woman’s University, the TACA Silver Cup Award for Volunteer Leadership in the Arts, the Spirit of Generations Award of Dallas’ Senior Source, and the 2017 Ruth and Ken Altshuler Callier Care Award. He has been awarded honorary Doctor of Science degrees by Austin College and Southern Methodist University. In 2008, he was elected to the Texas Business Hall of Fame, the first leader of a nonprofit organization to be so recognized.
    In 2014, the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System honored him by naming the newest research building on the UT Southwestern campus as the “C. Kern Wildenthal Research Building.”
    ~~~~

    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.

    2017-2018 SEASON SPONSOR
    The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family

    ~~~~
    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

    The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: Elsa von Seggern Foundation, Texas Instruments Foundation, the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; the Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera. Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera.
    Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News.

    The Dallas Opera Family Performances are generously supported by
    Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, and
    The Betty and Steve Suellentrop Educational Outreach Fund
    TDO Family Performances are a part of the
    Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs

    TICKET INFORMATION FOR THE 2017-2018 DALLAS OPERA SEASON
    All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise indicated. Single Tickets range from $19 to $289. 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 2017-2018 SPRING SEASON INFORMATION
    The Dallas Opera celebrates its Sixty-First International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired. With the exception of FIRST NIGHT, The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk will begin one hour prior to curtain, at most performances.

    THE RING OF POLYKRATES & VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D MAJOR
    A sweeping Viennese concerto paired with a charming domestic comedy!
    By Erich Wolfgang Korngold
    February 9, 11 (m), 14 and 17, 2018
    Violin Soloist (KORNGOLD CONCERTO): Augustin Dumay*
    The Dallas Opera Orchestra conducted by Emmanuel Villaume

    THE RING OF POLYKRATES
    Sumptuous Viennese music laced with orchestral color and wit!
    Libretto by Leo Feld
    Time: Early 20th century
    Place: Vienna, Austria
    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
    Director: Peter Kazaras
    Set Designer: Donald Eastman*
    Costume Designer: Tommy Bourgeois
    Lighting Designer: Krista Billings
    Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
    Starring: Paul Groves* (Wilhelm Arndt), Laura Wilde* (Laura), Brenton Ryan (Florian Döbllinger), Susannah Biller* (Lieschen), and Craig Colclough* (Peter Vogel).
    One of the most rarely performed opera gems! In its third professional U.S. production!

    SUNKEN GARDEN by Michel van der Aa
    March 9, 11 (m), 14 and 17, 2018
    A phenomenal visual, musical and emotional adventure – live and in 3-D!
    Libretto by David Mitchell
    Time: Present Day
    Place: Unknown
    Conductor: Nicole Paiement
    Director: Michel van der Aa*
    Set Designer: Theun Mosk**
    Costume Designer: Astrid Schulz**
    Lighting Designer: Theun Mosk**
    Sound Designer: Tom Gelissen*
    Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
    Starring: Roderick Williams* (Toby Kramer), Katherine Manley* (Zenna Briggs), and Miah Persson* (Iris Marinus).
    Combining live actors and 2-D and 3-D film, to take you where opera has never gone before!

    DON GIOVANNI by W.A. Mozart
    April 13, 15 (m), 18, 21, 27 and 29 (m), 2018
    Mozart’s operatic masterpiece brought vividly to life under the baton of Music Director Emmanuel Villaume!
    Time: 20th century
    Place: Seville, Spain and the surrounding countryside
    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
    Director: Robert Falls*
    Set Designer: Walt Spangler*
    Costume Designer: Ana Kuzmanic*
    Original Lighting Designer: Duane Schuler
    Lighting Designer: Chris Maravich
    Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Starring: Mariusz Kwiecień (Don Giovanni), Laura Claycomb (Donna Anna), David Portillo* (Don Ottavio), Nino Machaidze* (Donna Elvira), Katie Van Kooten* (Donna Elvira), Kyle Ketelsen* (Leporello), Virginie Verrez (Zerlina), Craig Verm (Masetto), and Morris Robinson (The Commendatore).
    An evocative and spine-tingling production from Lyric Opera of Chicago!

    * Dallas Opera Debut
    ** American Debut
    _____________________________________________________________________________________________

    ###

    Announcing the Resignation of General Director and CEO Keith Cerny

    DALLAS, TX, DECEMBER 15, 2017 – After seven-and-a-half years with The Dallas Opera, Keith Cerny, The Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO, has tendered his resignation.

    He has been appointed General Director and CEO of Calgary Opera, where he will assume his duties in January.

    Dr. Cerny, who took the helm of The Dallas Opera in the spring of 2010, has presided over five consecutive balanced operating budgets and a host of artistic projects, expansions, and technical innovations.  These include a highly-successful simulcast program; regional, U.S. and world premieres; and innovative community outreach programs.

    Under his leadership, TDO launched one of the very few programs for women opera conductors and administrators: The Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera, and hosted the successful 2017 OPERA America Conference, extolled as one of the most productive and thought-provoking gatherings of the opera community in recent years.

    His eye for talent led him to recruit both Music Director Emmanuel Villaume (currently preparing for Tosca at the Metropolitan Opera) and Principal Guest Conductor Nicole Paiement, as well as a team of highly-skilled senior staff members.

    “Keith has every reason to be proud of his legacy,” notes Dallas Opera Board Chair Holly Mayer. “We wish him every success with his new responsibilities as we turn our efforts to maintaining this company’s impressive forward momentum and strengthening the collaborations with other arts organizations that have marked Keith’s tenure here in Dallas.

    The search for Cerny’s successor will begin immediately.

    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.

     

    2017-2018 SEASON SPONSOR

    The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family
    ~~~~

    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

    The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: Elsa von Seggern Foundation, Texas Instruments Foundation, the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; the Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).  American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera.  Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera.

    Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News.

     

    The Dallas Opera Family Performances are generously supported by

    Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, and

    The Betty and Steve Suellentrop Educational Outreach Fund

    TDO Family Performances are a part of the

    Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs

    One of the World’s Most Thrilling Sopranos – Nadine Sierra in Recital!

    The Dallas Opera Proudly Presents

    NADINE SIERRA
    IN AN EXCLUSIVE RECITAL
    Accompanied by Bryan Wagorn
    ~~~~
    SUNDAY, JANUARY 28, 2018, 2:00 P.M.
    MOODY PERFORMANCE HALL (Dallas Arts District)
    ~~~~
    THE ROBERT E. AND JEAN ANN TITUS
    ART SONG RECITAL SERIES
    ~~~~
    TICKETS $15 and $25

    DALLAS, TX, DECEMBER 1, 2017 – The Robert E. and Jean Ann Titus Art Song Recital Series will feature American soprano, Nadine Sierra, winner of the 2017 Richard Tucker Award and the 2009 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Finals, in an exclusive recital produced by The Dallas Opera.

    Nadine HS (002) (800x533)

    The performance will take place on Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in Moody Performance Hall (a 749-seat venue located at 2520 Flora Street—across the street from the Winspear Opera House—in the Dallas Arts District). Tickets are now on sale for $15 and $25 and may be purchased at https://dallasopera.org/titus or by contacting the friendly professionals in The Dallas Opera Ticket Office at 214.443.1000.

    “Nadine Sierra has quickly progressed from enchanting ingénue to operatic powerhouse,” explains Keith Cerny (The Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO of The Dallas Opera) and we are justifiably thrilled to be able to introduce her to North Texas audiences!”

    “We are so grateful for the Titus Family’s generous support of these important recitals, which offer an intimate setting in which to appreciate these tremendous talents.

    “This is the fifth recital in the series which has included world-class tenors Ian Bostridge and Matthew Polenzani, legendary mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade in 2016 and tenor Michael Fabiano last winter,” Cerny adds, “each of which has contributed significantly to the advancement and preservation of this art form for future generations.”

    Nadine Sierra will be accompanied by renowned pianist Bryan Wagorn, an Assistant Conductor at the Metropolitan Opera who made his house debut during the 2013-14 Season working with conductor James Levine on the new production of Falstaff. He regularly performs throughout North America, Europe, and Asia as a pianist, chamber musician and piano accompanist.
    ___________________________________________________________________________

    Praised for her vocal beauty, seamless technique, and abundant musicality, soprano Nadine Sierra is being hailed as one of the most promising talents to emerge from the opera world today. The youngest winner to date of both the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and the Marilyn Horne Foundation Vocal Competition, Ms. Sierra has already attracted the attention of top-ranked opera companies and symphony orchestras, worldwide.

    Quoted in a recent New York Times article by Michael Cooper, “Barry Tucker, president of the Richard Tucker Music Foundation — and the son of the Brooklyn-born tenor for whom it was named — said that he had watched Ms. Sierra develop since she was in college. ‘She possesses an artistic maturity that is well beyond her years and is destined to be a leading light of the opera world’.”

    Ms. Sierra’s first taste of national notice came at the tender age of fifteen, in the wake of her appearance on the popular NPR program, From the Top, which showcases young musical artists. At sixteen, she sang the role of Sandman in Hansel and Gretel at Palm Beach Opera, under the baton of the legendary Julius Rudel.

    After graduating from New York’s Mannes College of Music, Ms. Sierra was accepted into the prestigious Adler Fellowship Program at San Francisco Opera, where she made her 2011 company debut in the dual roles of Juliet and Barbara, opposite Thomas Hampson, in the world premiere production of Heart of a Soldier, a 9/11 opera by Christopher Theofanidis.

    Commenting on her performances, the San Francisco Chronicle wrote: “There is no way to listen to soprano Nadine Sierra…and feel anything but awe and delight—a combination of admiration for her current gifts and eager anticipation at what the future surely holds for her.”

    Despite her youth, Ms. Sierra is already putting her special stamp on a wide variety of major signature roles including Lucia (in Lucia di Lammermoor), Musetta (in La Bohème), Gilda (in Rigoletto), and Pamina (in Mozart’s The Magic Flute).

    After earning “rave reviews at the Metropolitan Opera and La Scala, Ms. Sierra won the Richard Tucker award this past spring—as sure an indicator that exists of a successful opera career” (Lawrence A. Johnson, Chicago Classical Review). Before the January recital, Ms. Sierra will be appearing on the Metropolitan Opera stage in Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro.

    Ms. Sierra recently attracted critical acclaim for her Metropolitan Opera performances in Idomeneo, a Mozart rarity co-starring Matthew Polenzani, one of the earlier stars of the Titus Art Song Recital Series.

    The 2018 Titus Recital will include a variety of much-loved works by composers Richard Strauss, Samuel Barber, Franz Schubert, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Robert Schumann, Joaquín Turina, and Leonard Bernstein (program specifics are subject to change).
    ~~~~
    Through the generosity of the Titus Family, ticket prices are $15 or $25. Seating is reserved and tickets will be held at Will Call. $10 Student Tickets are also available with a current Student I.D. Tickets may be purchased through The Dallas Opera Ticket Office (214.443.1000) or online, 24/7, at https://dallasopera.org/titus.

    “With the selection of Nadine Sierra, Keith Cerny and The Dallas Opera continue to bring world-renowned singers to the stage in Dallas. My family is excited and honored to be a part of this important series” said Dallas Opera Trustee Sarah Titus.

    ~~~~

    NADINE SIERRA BIO:
    Ms. Sierra made her professional debut with Palm Beach Opera while still a teenager, in her home state of Florida. She studied in New York City at Mannes College of Music and was an Adler Fellow with San Francisco Opera. She made her debut at San Francisco Opera in 2011 as Juliet/Barbara in the world premiere of Christopher Theofanidis’s Heart of a Soldier. Recent engagements include Gilda in Rigoletto (La Scala, Milan, Chorégies d’Orange, Opéra Bastille, Metropolitan Opera, New York, Seattle Opera), Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor (La Fenice, Venice, San Francisco Opera, Zürich Opera), Zerlina in Don Giovanni (Metropolitan Opera, Paris Opera), Tytania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Norina in Don Pasquale (Valencia), Musetta in La Bohème, Countess Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro and Pamina in Die Zauberflöte (San Francisco Opera) and Flavia Gemmira in Eliogabalo (Paris Opéra). She is the youngest winner of the Marilyn Horne Foundation Vocal Competition, the 2017 Richard Tucker Award Winner, and has recently signed a record contract with Deutsche Grammophon/Universal. Plans include Susannah (Metropolitan Opera), Norina in Donizetti’s Don Pasquale (Paris Opéra) and Nannetta in Falstaff (Staatsoper Berlin).

    BRYAN WAGORN BIO:
    Canadian pianist and vocal coach Bryan Wagorn serves as Assistant Conductor at The Metropolitan Opera, and regularly performs throughout North America, Europe, and Asia as pianist, chamber musician, and recital accompanist to the world’s leading singers and instrumentalists. In the 2013-2014 season, Mr. Wagorn made his Metropolitan Opera debut as Assistant Conductor in their new production of Falstaff. He has performed with James Levine and the Met Chamber Ensemble at Carnegie Hall as solo pianist and chamber musician, and in recital for the George London Foundation, the Marilyn Horne Foundation and Richard Tucker Foundation, and also serves on the music staff of the Glyndebourne Festival. A participant at the Marlboro Music Festival, Mr. Wagorn has also been engaged as Staff Coach at the Ravinia Steans Music Institute, and has served on faculty of the National Arts Centre Orchestra’s Summer Music Institute directed by Pinchas Zukerman. He made his solo recital debut at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 2009, and has performed two extensive tours with Jeunesses Musicales de Canada, and performed chamber music with members of The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic. Mr. Wagorn holds degrees in piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Canada, the University of Ottawa, the Mannes College of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Manhattan School of Music. He is a graduate of The Metropolitan Opera Lindemann Young Artist Development Program.

    ~~~~
    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.

    2017-2018 SEASON SPONSOR
    The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family
    ~~~~
    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

    The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: Elsa von Seggern Foundation, Texas Instruments Foundation, the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; the Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera. Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera.
    Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News.

    The Dallas Opera Family Performances are generously supported by
    Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, and
    The Betty and Steve Suellentrop Educational Outreach Fund
    TDO Family Performances are a part of the
    Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs

    TICKET INFORMATION FOR THE 2017-2018 DALLAS OPERA SEASON
    All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise indicated. Single Tickets range from $19 to $289. 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 2017-2018 SPRING SEASON INFORMATION
    The Dallas Opera celebrates its Sixty-First International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired. With the exception of FIRST NIGHT, The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk will begin one hour prior to curtain, at most performances.

    The Dallas Opera’s LA TRAVIATA Opens Oct. 27th

    La Traviata 2004 by Karen Almond

    THE DALLAS OPERA IS PROUD TO PRESENT
    GIUSEPPE VERDI’S HEARTBREAKING 1853 MASTERPIECE
    LA TRAVIATA
    LIBRETTO BY FRANCESCO MARIA PIAVE
    ~~~~
    STARRING
    SOPRANO GEORGIA JARMAN AS VIOLETTA, TENOR RENÉ BARBERA AS ALFREDO, AND BELARUSSIAN BARITONE VLADISLAV SULIMSKY AS GIORGIO GERMONT

    ~~~~
    CONDUCTED BY MAESTRO CARLO MONTANARO
    IN HIS DALLAS OPERA DEBUT
    ORIGINAL DIRECTION BY FRANK GALATI
    2017 REVIVAL DIRECTED BY STEFANIA PANIGHINI
    IN HER AMERICAN DEBUT
    ~~~~
    OPENING NIGHT: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2017
    7:30 PM IN THE WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE

    ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCES
    October 29 (m), November 1, 4, 10 & 12 (m)
    ~~~~
    PRODUCTION UNDERWRITER:
    TEXAS INSTRUMENTS FOUNDATION

    DALLAS, OCTOBER 10, 2017 – The Dallas Opera is proud to present the second mainstage production of the 2017-2018 “Motives Unmasked!” Season: Giuseppe Verdi’s tender and bittersweet romance, LA TRAVIATA, opening on Friday, October 27, 2017 (The Amy and Vernon Faulconer Performance) at 7:30 p.m. in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Downtown Dallas. Verdi’s tragic-yet-beautiful tale of a “fallen woman” consistently appears at or near the top of the list of the world’s most popular operas.
    This sumptuous production from Lyric Opera of Chicago stars American soprano Georgia Jarman as the doomed Paris courtesan, Violetta Valéry; American tenor René Barbera in his company debut as Alfredo, the naïve young man who falls head-over-heels for her; and Belarussian baritone Vladislav Sulimsky as Alfredo’s deeply concerned father, Giorgio Germont.
    In their Dallas Opera debuts, acclaimed Italian conductor Carlo Montanaro guides the performance from the podium and Stefania Panighini—in her American debut—directs the 2017 revival of a production originally staged by director Frank Galati.
    This production is made possible through the generosity of the Texas Instruments Foundation.
    Subsequent performances of LA TRAVIATA will take place on October 29(m), November 1, 4, 10 and 12(m), 2017. Single tickets start at $19. Contact the Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or purchase online, 24/7, at dallasopera.org.

    Based on the play La dame aux Camélias by Alexandre Dumas fils (the Younger) who originally presented the tragic love story as a novel, Verdi’s 1853 masterpiece overflows with some of the opera’s most sensuous and beautiful melodies, the most memorable characters, and the most heart-rending drama, making it a popular favorite from that day to this.

    Praised for her “crystalline tone and uncommon attention to detail” combined with “rhapsodic voluptuousness” (Opera), Georgia Jarman studied at Boston University and the Manhattan School of Music before captivating opera audiences across the U.S. in performances at the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Boston Lyric Opera, Atlanta Opera, New Orleans Opera, Florentine Opera—as well as her 2010 Dallas Opera debut as Donna Elvira opposite Paolo Szot’s dangerously charming Don Giovanni. Since her initial bow at English National Opera, Ms. Jarman has conquered audiences throughout Europe and has become a favorite of audiences at Covent Garden. Her triumphs there include her portrayal of all four heroines in the Richard Jones production of The Tales of Hoffmann, for which The Independent (U.K.) hailed her as the “discovery of the year.”
    Ms. Jarman’s mastery of both lyric coloratura and bel canto repertoire has earned critical acclaim and left audiences “gasping” with pleasure.
    Romantically linked with Miss Jarman’s Violetta is tenor René Barbera, the first sole recipient of all three awards of the Operalia Competition in 2011. He sang performances of Don Ramiro in La Cenerentola in his debuts with Seattle Opera and Los Angeles Opera, and was heard as Almaviva at the Stanislavsky Music Theatre in Moscow. Mr. Barbera made his 2013 Santa Fe Opera debut as Rodrigo in Rossini’s La Donna del Lago. Recent highlights include Almaviva with the Opéra National de Paris, Ramiro in La Cenerentola, Almaviva and Iopas in Les Troyens in San Francisco, Tonio in La Fille du Régiment with Greensboro Opera, Almaviva in Il Barbiere di Siviglia with Los Angeles Opera, Giannetto in La Gazza Ladra and Narciso in Il Turco in Italia at the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro. He also appeared as the Italian Tenor in Der Rosenkavalier at the Lyric Opera of Chicago; made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera as Lindoro in L’italiana in Algeri, conducted by James Levine, prompting Classical Source to write: “He melted hearts with (his) ardent tone and thrilling high notes.”
    Mr. Barbera sang his first Alfredo in La Traviata in Palermo, Italy.
    This season, René Barbera will make a number of additional house debuts: Deutsche Oper Berlin as Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, at Teatro all Scala Milan as Ernesto in Don Pasquale with conductor Riccardo Chailly, and for the Bayerische Staatsoper Munich as Ramiro in Rossini’s version of the Cinderella story, La Cenerentola. Other notable upcoming engagements include I Puritani at the Staatstheater Stuttgart and a return to the Opéra National de Paris as Almaviva.

    ~~~~
    This celebrated production also marks the welcome return of Belarussian baritone Vladislav Sulimsky to the Dallas Opera stage in the wake of a show-stopping appearance on the Winspear stage as Ibn-Hakia in Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta. A member of the famed Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, where he has sung countless roles since 2004, the Grammy-nominated Mr. Sulimsky made a strong impression on Dallas Morning News Classical Music Critic Scott Cantrell: “With a dignified presence and a substantive polished baritone, Vladislav Sulimsky is deeply sympathetic.”

    “I am confident that Georgia Jarman and René Barbera will captivate audiences with their profound artistry and, together, they should create some of the most exciting chemistry onstage this season,” says Dallas Opera General Director & CEO Keith Cerny. “Just when you think Georgia can’t possibly sing any better—she astounds you by giving even more to her performances; and René’s star is rising so quickly in the opera firmament, he’s practically in orbit.
    “This is one TRAVIATA,” Mr. Cerny adds, “that will be talked about for many seasons to come.”
    American mezzo-soprano Abigail Levis will be making her Dallas Opera Debut as Violetta’s closest friend and confidante, Flora Bervoix. Earlier, Ms. Levis made quite a splash in the trousers role of Cherubino (at Wolf Trap and elsewhere) prompting Opera News to write that she “sailed through the role…leaving an impressive vocal glow in her wake.” Ms. Levis has been widely praised for her talent, versatility and fearlessness. She was awarded First Prize in the 2017 Klaudia Taev Competition and spent a full season with the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program at Los Angeles Opera.
    Tenor Brenton Ryan will make his first appearance on the Winspear stage as Alfredo’s friend Gastone. Hailed by Opera News for his “remarkable tonal suavity and refined phrasing,” Mr. Ryan is the winner of the Birgit Nilsson Prize of the 2016 Operalia competition and will be seen this season as Spoletta in a new Metropolitan Opera production of Tosca being broadcast to theaters around the world.
    Bass-baritone Dale Travis will return to the Dallas Opera in the role of Baron Douphol.
    Baritone Daniel Armstrong will make his house debut as the Marchese D’Obigny along with soprano Rachel Sterrenberg as Annina (Violetta’s loyal maid). In his second appearance on the TDO stage this season, bass-baritone Ryan Kuster returns in the role of the sympathetic Doctor Grenvil.
    Rounding out the cast is tenor Brian Rosewell as Violetta’s servant, Giuseppe; baritone Bobby L. Tinnion as Flora’s manservant; and bass Kyle Hancock as the Messenger.

    All six performances will be led by renowned Italian conductor Carlo Montanaro in his official Dallas Opera debut.
    After serving as music director of Warsaw’s Teatr Wielki from 2011 to 2014, Montanaro made house debuts at Opéra de Monte Carlo (Tosca), Rigoletto at Warsaw Opera, Seattle Opera (Maria Stuarda), Sydney Opera House, and San Francisco Opera where he conducted Puccini’s La Bohème. Mark Mandel of Opera News observed that Montanaro conducted with “Muti-like verve and sprung rhythms,” while a rave review of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra in Seen and Heard International drew attention to the “astounding job (Montanaro) did with this ensemble” and his terrific interaction with the singers. The review concluded, “Who says conductors don’t matter anymore?”
    Maestro Montanaro regularly conducts high-level master classes for women conductors on the cusp of major careers, as part of the prestigious Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera.

    This lushly romantic Lyric Opera of Chicago production was designed by Desmond Heeley with lighting design by Alan Burrett, and wig and make-up designs by Dawn Rivard.
    The choreographer is John de los Santos.
    Chorus Master Alexander Rom has the task of preparing the superb Dallas Opera Chorus.
    ~~~~

    Set in 19th-century Paris, where the young heir to a distinguished family name falls passionately in love with a woman of uncertain virtue, LA TRAVIATA is one of the most soulfully romantic works in the opera canon.
    Modeled after the too-short life and times of one of Paris’ best-known 19th century beauties, Marie Duplessis (who later went on to have a torrid affair with composer Franz Liszt); this is the story of her sometimes stormy relationship with writer Alexander Dumas the Younger, who immortalized her as “The Lady of the Camellias” after she succumbed to tuberculosis at the tender age of 23. After her death, the frenzied sale of her remaining jewels and belongings paid-off her outstanding debts and provided a tidy bequest to her niece in Normandy, who inherited Marie’s ill-gotten gains on the condition that she never set foot in Paris.
    In Dumas’ book, which served as the basis for his later play, his fictional heroine tells us, “I built a future life on your love; I dreamed of the country, of purity.” In Verdi’s opera, Alfredo (the stand-in for Dumas fils) was raised far from the wicked city-life and, in his naiveté, barely comprehends the choices that Violetta has been forced to make, in order to survive.
    However, composer Giuseppe Verdi, who at the time was living in his own “scandalous” and unconventional arrangement with Giuseppina Strepponi, understood these characters completely and renders them indelibly upon our hearts.
    For additional information about the cast, artistic/production team, and synopsis, or to purchase this “hot ticket”—visit www.dallasopera.org today.

    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 groundbreaking 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 background, educational level, and ethnicity—while engaging with more than 87,000 people in our community each year. TDO is equally committed to the task of responsible stewardship and is managed with efficiency and accountability, to the highest possible standards.

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    2017-2018 SEASON SPONSOR
    The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family
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    EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA
    IS AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7. VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG

    FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHS
    Contact Suzanne Calvin, Director of Media and PR at suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org
    Or Celeste Hart, Communications Manager at celeste.hart@dallasopera.org

    The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: Elsa von Seggern Foundation, Texas Instruments Foundation, the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs; the Texas Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera. Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera.
    Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News.

    The Dallas Opera Family Performances are generously supported by
    Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, and
    The Betty and Steve Suellentrop Educational Outreach Fund

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

    TICKET INFORMATION FOR THE 2017-2018 DALLAS OPERA SEASON
    All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise indicated. Single Tickets range from $19 to $289. 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 2017-2018 SEASON MAINSTAGE INFORMATION
    The Dallas Opera celebrates its Sixty-First International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired. With the exception of FIRST NIGHT, The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk will begin one hour prior to curtain, at most performances.

    SAMSON & DALILA by Camille Saint-Saëns
    October 20, 22 (m), 25, 28, and November 5 (m), 2017
    A passionate drama of biblical proportions!
    Libretto by Ferdinand Lemaire
    Time: 1150 B.C.E.
    Place: Ancient Palestine
    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume / Pierre Vallet*
    Director: Bruno Berger-Gorski*
    Set Designer: Peter Dean Beck*
    Costume Designer: Carrie Robbins*
    Lighting Designer: Alan Burrett
    Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Choreographer: Nycole Ray*
    Starring: Olga Borodina* (Dalila), Clifton Forbis (Samson), Richard Paul Fink (High Priest of Dagon), Michael Chioldi* (Abimélech) and Ryan Kuster (Old Hebrew)
    A traditional period production from Pittsburgh Opera!

    LA TRAVIATA (“The Fallen Woman”) by Giuseppe Verdi
    October 27, 29 (m), November 1, 4, 10 and 12 (m), 2017
    Come toast the greatest love story in all of opera!
    Time: Mid-19th century
    Place: Paris, France and the French countryside
    Conductor: Carlo Montanaro*
    Original Director: Frank Galati*
    Revival Director: Stefania Panighini**
    Production Designer: Desmond Heeley
    Lighting Designer: Alan Burrett
    Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Choreographer: John de los Santos
    Starring: Georgia Jarman (Violetta Valéry), René Barbera* (Alfredo Germont), Vladislav Sulimsky (Giorgio Germont), Abigail Levis* (Flora Bervoix), Brenton Ryan* (Gastone), Dale Travis (Baron Douphol), Daniel Armstrong* (Marchese D’Obigny), Ryan Kuster (Doctor Grenvil) and Rachel Sterrenberg* (Annina)
    A gorgeous, classic production from Lyric Opera of Chicago!

    THE RING OF POLYKRATES & VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D MAJOR
    A sweeping Viennese concerto paired with a charming domestic comedy!
    By Erich Wolfgang Korngold
    February 9, 11 (m), 14 and 17, 2018
    Violin Soloist (KORNGOLD CONCERTO): Augustin Dumay*
    The Dallas Opera Orchestra conducted by Emmanuel Villaume

    THE RING OF POLYKRATES
    Sumptuous Viennese music laced with orchestral color and wit!
    Libretto by Leo Feld
    Time: Early 20th century
    Place: Vienna, Austria
    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
    Director: Peter Kazaras
    Set Designer: Donald Eastman*
    Costume Designer: Tommy Bourgeois
    Lighting Designer: Krista Billings
    Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
    Starring: Paul Groves* (Wilhelm Arndt), Laura Wilde* (Laura), Brenton Ryan (Florian Döbllinger), Susannah Biller* (Lieschen), and Craig Colclough* (Peter Vogel).
    One of the most rarely performed opera gems! In its third professional U.S. production!

    SUNKEN GARDEN by Michel van der Aa
    March 9, 11 (m), 14 and 17, 2018
    A phenomenal visual, musical and emotional adventure – live and in 3-D!
    Libretto by David Mitchell
    Time: Present Day
    Place: Unknown
    Conductor: Nicole Paiement
    Director: Michel van der Aa*
    Set Designer: Theun Mosk**
    Costume Designer: Astrid Schulz**
    Lighting Designer: Theun Mosk**
    Sound Designer: Tom Gelissen*
    Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
    Starring: Roderick Williams* (Toby Kramer), Katherine Manley* (Zenna Briggs), and Miah Persson* (Iris Marinus).
    Combining live actors and 2-D and 3-D film, to take you where opera has never gone before!

    DON GIOVANNI by W.A. Mozart
    April 13, 15 (m), 18, 21, 27 and 29 (m), 2018
    Mozart’s operatic masterpiece brought vividly to life under the baton of Music Director Emmanuel Villaume!
    Time: 20th century
    Place: Seville, Spain and the surrounding countryside
    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
    Director: Robert Falls*
    Set Designer: Walt Spangler*
    Costume Designer: Ana Kuzmanic*
    Original Lighting Designer: Duane Schuler
    Lighting Designer: Chris Maravich*
    Wig & Make-up Designer: Dawn Rivard
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Starring: Mariusz Kwiecień (Don Giovanni), Laura Claycomb (Donna Anna), David Portillo* (Don Ottavio), Ellie Dehn* (Donna Elvira), Kyle Ketelsen* (Leporello), Virginie Verrez (Zerlina), Craig Verm (Masetto), and Morris Robinson (The Commendatore).
    An evocative and thrilling production from Lyric Opera of Chicago!

    * Dallas Opera Debut
    ** American Debut

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