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    Announcing FIRST NIGHT – Opening Night Events!

    THE DALLAS OPERA’S 2016-2017  SEASON OPENING NIGHT EVENTS

    FIRST NIGHT!
    Presented by Deutsche Bank Wealth Management

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    FESTIVITIES BEGIN FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2016 AT 5:30 PM
    THE MARGOT AND BILL WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE
    AT THE AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

    Red Carpet Arrival
    Gourmet Delights by Wolfgang Puck

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    The Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night
    Performance of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin
    Curtain Time, 8:00 p.m.

    Glittering After Party with Cast

    FIRST NIGHT CHAIRS
    ELLEN AND DON WINSPEAR

     Honorary Chairs Joyce and Harvey Mitchell

    DALLAS, August 2, 2016 – Celebrating its dazzling 60th Season, The Dallas Opera presents FIRST NIGHT—part of the magnificent kick-off of the 2016-2017 Season.

    Devoted philanthropists Ellen and Don Winspear chair the festivities and Joyce and Harvey Mitchell are Honorary Chairs. The Presenting Sponsor is Deutsche Bank Wealth Management. 

    Patrons will be immersed in the celebrity treatment with a red carpet entrance outside the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House on Friday, October 28, 2016 beginning at 5:30 p.m. A lovely tent in Sammons Park is the setting for the elegant Pre-Performance Dinner which starts at 6:00 p.m. Creative culinary genius Wolfgang Puck will cater the event which is chaired by Matrice Ellis-Kirk and Ambassador Ron Kirk.

    The Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin begins at 8:00 p.m. in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.

    The celebrations continue with the FIRST NIGHT After Party with the cast from 11:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The dancing and dining with the principal performers of Eugene Onegin is sure to be a highlight of the kick-off events!

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

    “Don and I are extremely honored to chair this year’s season opening events. Both of our parents were so deeply involved with the opera, we see this as a way to honor them in addition to the entire opera family who have made the past 60 years possible, said Ellen Winspear.

    “Sixty years is a tremendous milestone for The Dallas Opera! The growth of this company, from Maria Callas’ 1957 inaugural concert to current day when we beam our productions around the globe by satellite, is a testimony to the innovation we have experienced and our dedication to ensuring that opera remains appealing and relevant,” added Don Winspear.

    FIRST NIGHT - The WINSPEAR FAMILY - Photo by Lara Bierner L-R Erika and Frank Winspear, Don and Ellen Winspear, Ryan and Catherine Winspear (800x533)
    FIRST NIGHT Elegance and Excitement! (L-R) Erika and Frank Winspear, Event Chairs Don and Ellen Winspear, Ryan and Catherine Winspear (Photo by Lara Bierner, FIRST NIGHT 2015

    “We certainly have much to celebrate as we begin our 60th Season!  Not only are we proud to present a diverse group of classic and lesser-known operas this season, but we are honored to reflect on all the success of the previous decades. It is also a unique opportunity to express our thanks to our many dedicated patrons and sponsors who have supported this company throughout the years. It is through their commitment to this magnificent art form that we continue to bring the experience of international caliber opera to North Texas. Please join us!” explains Keith Cerny, the Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO for The Dallas Opera.”

    The ambiance of the black-tie Pre-Performance Dinner will be inspired by the opera Eugene Onegin, and catered by Wolfgang Puck. Tables for the dinner range from $25,000 to $7,500 with individual tickets available for $1,000. All dinner tickets include After Party tickets. Please visit www.dallasopera.org/firstnight to purchase tickets.

    “Deutsche Bank has always been an engaged partner in support of the arts community in Dallas,” said Mark LaRoe, Head of Dallas Private Bank office Deutsche Bank Wealth Management. “On a personal note, FIRST NIGHT at The Dallas Opera is one of the highlights of the year for Dianne and me.”

     In Tchaikovsky’s lush opera, Eugene Onegin, innocence and passion collide. Set in 19th century Russia, a naïve young country girl 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. Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director Emmanuel Villaume will lead The Dallas Opera Orchestra in this beautiful Israeli Opera production.

    Performances will continue on October 30(m), November 2 and 5, 2016 in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House. All evening performances (other than the Opening Night of the Season) will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m.  Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. A free, pre-performance lecture (“The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talks”) will be conducted one hour prior to curtain at most performances. 

    The After Party offers a fun opportunity to mingle with the incredible performers of Eugene Onegin while enjoying the fabulous entertainment of the Hunter Sullivan Big Band. A very popular group in Dallas, it specializes in danceable Big Band classics. The fete also features delectable noshes, desserts, coffee and specialty cocktails by Wolfgang Puck Sweet & Savory.

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    QUICK FACTS

    2016-2017 FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT
    PRESENTED BY THE DALLAS OPERA
    FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show and Luncheon
    NorthPark Center Presenting Sponsor
    Thursday, October 27, 2016
    11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

    Kick-Off Event for 60 Year Celebration
    Chairs: Ellen and Don Winspear
    Honorary Chairs: Joyce and Harvey Mitchell
    Luncheon Chairs: Tiffany Divis, Kara Goss, Rhonda Marcus
    Featuring: Fashions by Italian Luxury Brand Versace
    Catering: Wolfgang Puck
    Location: Winspear Opera House
    Tickets: Start at $300
    www.dallasopera.org/firstsight

     

    FIRST NIGHT
    Deutsche Bank Wealth Management Presenting Sponsor
    Pre-Performance Dinner and After Party
    Friday, October 28, 2016
    5:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

    Celebrating the 60th Year of The Dallas Opera
    Chairs: Ellen and Don Winspear
    Honorary Chairs: Joyce and Harvey Mitchell
    First Night Dinner Chairs: Matrice Ellis-Kirk, Ambassador Ron Kirk
    Featuring: Red carpet glamour; gourmet black tie dinner prior to the Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance of Eugene Onegin
    Location: Sammons Park in Front of the Winspear Opera House – Tent
    Catering: Wolfgang Puck
    Tickets start at $1000
    www.dallasopera.org/firstnight

     

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

    Location: Sammons Park in Front of the Winspear Opera House – Tent
    Featuring: The Hunter Sullivan Big Band
    Catering: Wolfgang Puck Sweet & Savory, Open Bar
    Tickets: Included with First Night Ticket Purchase

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    EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT EVENTS AT THE DALLAS OPERA
    IS CONVENIENTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7
    VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG AND CHECK THE CALENDAR LISTINGS

    2016-2017 DALLAS OPERA SEASON

    EUGENE ONEGIN
    By Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky
    October 28, 30(m), November 2, 5, 2016

    MOBY-DICK
    By Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer
    November 4, 6(m), 9, 12, 18, 20(m), 2016

    MADAME BUTTERFLY
    By Giacomo Puccini
    March 10, 12(m), 15, 18, 24, 26(m), 2017 

    THE TURN OF THE SCREW
    By Benjamin Britten
    March 17, 19(m), 22, 25, 2017 

    NORMA
    By Vincenzo Bellini
    April 21, 23(m), 26, 29, May 7(m), 2017

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

    ______________________________________________________________________

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

     

    EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA
    IS AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7.  VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG
    FOR HIGH-RESOLUTION PHOTOGRAPHS
    Contact Suzanne Calvin, Director of Media and PR at suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org
    Or Celeste Hart, Communications Manager at celeste.hart@dallasopera.org

     

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    Chairs for Dazzling 60th Season Opening Events Announced!

    DEDICATED PHILANTHROPISTS ELLEN AND DON WINSPEAR

    APPOINTED AS CHAIRS  FOR FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    QUICK FACTS

    2016-2017 FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT

    PRESENTED BY THE DALLAS OPERA

     

    FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show and Luncheon

    NorthPark Center Presenting Sponsor

    Thursday, October 27, 2016

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

    Kick-Off Event for 60 Year Celebration

    Chairs: Ellen and Don Winspear

    Honorary Chairs: Joyce and Harvey Mitchell

    Luncheon Chairs: Tiffany Divis, Kara Goss, Rhonda Marcus

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

    Catering: Wolfgang Puck

    Location: Winspear Opera House

    Tickets: Start at $300

    www.dallasopera.org/firstsight

     

    FIRST NIGHT

    Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management Presenting Sponsor

    Pre-Performance Dinner and After Party

    Friday, October 28, 2016

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

    Celebrating the 60th Year of The Dallas Opera

    Chairs: Ellen and Don Winspear

    Honorary Chairs: Joyce and Harvey Mitchell

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

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

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

    Catering: Wolfgang Puck

    Tickets start at $1000 (After Party ticket included)

    www.dallasopera.org/firstnight

     

    AFTER PARTY

    Friday, October 28, 2016

    11:00 pm to 1:30 am

    Chairs: Ellen and Don Winspear

    Honorary Chairs: Joyce and Harvey Mitchell

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

    Featuring: The Hunter Sullivan Band

    Catering: Wolfgang Puck Sweet & Savory, Open Bar

    Tickets: Included with First Night Ticket Purchase

     

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    The Dallas Opera Family Performances are generously supported by

    Texas Instruments, the Betty and Steve Suellentrop

    Educational Outreach Fund, and Lockheed Martin.

    TDO Family Performances are a part of the

    Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs

     

    2016-2017 DALLAS OPERA SEASON

    EUGENE ONEGIN

    By Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky

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

     

    MOBY-DICK

    By Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer

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

     

    MADAME BUTTERFLY

    By Giacomo Puccini

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

     

    THE TURN OF THE SCREW

    By Benjamin Britten

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

     

    NORMA

    By Vincenzo Bellini

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

    ~~~~

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

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

    ______________________________________________________________________________

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

     

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