Subscriptions to the upcoming season start for as little as $75 and single tickets this year will go for as little as $19. However, they won’t be available all at the same time. Singles for performances of Verdi’s AIDA, as well as a host of $5 Family Performances and outstanding special recitals, concerts and events, go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, September 10th.
You can consult with the super-friendly ticket office staff at 214.443.1000 or do it yourself online at dallasopera.org. Buy an extra for someone you admire…and keep scrolling.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, August 13, 2012
Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014
Suzanne.Calvin@dallasopera.org
Or Megan Meister 214.443.1071
Megan.Meister@dallasopera.org
THE DALLAS OPERA IS PLEASED TO OFFER
SINGLE TICKETS
FOR THE FIRST PRODUCTION
OF THE GLORIOUS, GLOBE-TROTTING
2012-2013 “PURSUITS OF PASSION” SEASON
Presented by Texas Instruments Foundation
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Season Subscriptions are on Sale Now! Starting at Just $75!
Single Tickets for Verdi’s AÏDA as low as $19!
On Sale Sept. 10, 2012
DALLAS, AUGUST 13, 2012 – The Dallas Opera is very pleased to announce that single tickets for the tremendously popular AÏDA – our 2012-2013 Season Opener – will become available on Monday, September 10, 2012 at 10:00 am.
Single tickets, starting at the new low price of $19, may be purchased at your convenience online, 24/7, at dallasopera.org or by contacting the friendly staff at the Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000.
The Dallas Opera, that same day, will also begin offering single tickets for “TDO Presents Laura Claycomb in Recital at the DMA” in which Dallas’ brightest star returns home the afternoon of October 7, 2012 to delight patrons in the DMA’s Horchow Auditorium with a selection of personal favorites (Tickets $25). And Maestro Evan Rogister will head to Dallas after triumphing in the current Sante Fe Opera production of King Roger for a special February 2, 2013 Dallas Opera Orchestra concert (7:30 p.m. in the Winspear), starring Italian tenor “Marcello Giordani and Friends” (Tickets start at $25).
Single tickets will also become available on September 10th for all scheduled 2012-2013 TDO Family Performances at $5 apiece, including:
• TDO Family Concerts on Sunday, November 4th and Saturday, February 2, 2013 with the Dallas Opera Orchestra and guest performers directed by Maestros Christian Capocaccia (Nov.) and Anthony Barrese (Feb.). Free family friendly activities start at noon, the performance is at 2:00 p.m.
• Georges Bizet’s Doctor Miracle in two performances with full orchestra on Saturday, November 10th followed by two additional performances on Saturday, April 27, 2013 in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House. Performances at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Come early for pre-performance fun in the lobby!
• And a brand-new adventure: TDOpage2stage which consists of fun, free activities (starting at noon) and a free Kids Book Club presented in the Winspear lobby at 12:30 p.m. followed by a performance of John Davies’ Jack and the Beanstalk at 2:00 p.m. (Saturday, October 27th and Saturday, January 26, 2013) in artistic collaboration with Dallas Children’s Theater.
Season subscriptions for our mainstage productions begin at the low, low price of $75. The trio of mainstage productions for the 2012-2013 “Pursuits of Passion” Season presented by Texas Instruments Foundation consists of:
• AÏDA by Giuseppe Verdi, with Latonia Moore in the title role
(Oct. 26 – The Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance, October 28m, 31, Nov. 3, 9 & 11m, 2012)
• TURANDOT by Giacomo Puccini, with Lise Lindstrom making her Dallas Opera debut in the title role
(April 5, 7m, 10, 13, 19 & 21, 2013)
• THE ASPERN PAPERS by Dominick Argento, with Susan Graham in her Dallas Opera debut as Tina. With additional funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and Opera America.
(April 12, 14m, 17, 20 & 28m, 2012)
“During this ‘Pursuits of Passion’ Season,” explains Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny, “we will build on the extraordinary success of last season’s unbroken string of artistic triumphs (from Lucia di Lammermoor to The Lighthouse to Tristan & Isolde) to the unparalleled community interest in the first simulcast ever conducted in Cowboys Stadium. The Dallas Opera had well over thirty thousand ticket requests and, ultimately, around 15,000 trekked to the home of the Dallas Cowboys to experience a magical night of Mozart with a multi-generational crowd that spanned all ages, income and educational levels, and ethnic groups.”
Added Mr. Cerny: “It was powerful testimony to grassroots interest in the performing arts in North Texas. For me, it was opera at its most inspiring. I’d like to see that momentum continue to build through our upcoming productions of Aida, Turandot and The Aspern Papers.”
Attention-grabbing Dallas Opera debuts this season include:
• Orlin Anastassov, the offspring of two opera singers, this accomplished Bulgarian bass has been dazzling audiences since the age of 19 (He made his La Scala and Covent Garden debuts before his mid-20s). After singing the role of the high priest, Ramfis, in Dallas he will reprise the role next year at La Scala. Opera Britannia took note of his “handsome and firm basso cantabile tone” and energetic stage presence.
• Sasha Cooke, an American mezzo-soprano who caused a sensation as Kitty Oppenheimer in the Metropolitan Opera premiere of John Adams’ Doctor Atomic, winner of the 2012 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording. The New Yorker praised her “luminous tone…verbal nuance…and flair for seduction.” She makes her TDO debut as Sonia, a young aspiring singer in Argento’s The Aspern Papers.
• Susan Graham, the “peerless American mezzo” (New York Observer) and one of the world’s most acclaimed singers will make her eagerly awaited Dallas Opera debut as Tina in our new 25th anniversary production of The Aspern Papers. “Sounding and looking fabulous,” writes the Bay Area Reporter (San Francisco), “Graham sings with such surety, tonal allure, and technical panache as to make you wonder if she is the same singer who reigns supreme in slow, sensual French repertoire.”
• Joseph Kaiser, an American tenor who starred in the Kenneth Branagh’s film adaptation of The Magic Flute (2007), will make his TDO debut as the composer, Aspern, in The Aspern Papers. Joshua Kosman of The San Francisco Chronicle wrote: “Here is a singer of unnerving ability, blessed with a muscular but flexible sound, plenty of tonal color and technical proficiency—not to mention a full helping of charismatic good looks.”
• Nadia Krasteva, a native of Sofia, Bulgaria, now on the artistic roster of Vienna State Opera and in demand from Moscow to Chicago, will make her TDO debut as Amneris in our season opener, Aïda. Operagoers can’t get enough of this “pure stage animal” (Opera Today) “sexy, beguiling, fiercely independent” (Splash) with “a warm rich mezzo” (ArkivMusic).
• Lise Lindstrom, an American soprano “who made a notable splash in the opera world (debuts at La Scala and the Met) with her portrayals of Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot” (Opera Today) will bring the princess to life in her Dallas Opera debut. “The elegant Lise Lindstrom is an imposing presence as the title character and commands our attention…capable of delicate shadings and unmitigated power” (Kansas City Star).
• Christian Van Horn, an American who performs regularly in many of the world’s great venues, has been praised for his “sonorous, rock-solid bass baritone” (John von Rhein, Chicago Tribune) as well as his “beautiful dark timbre” (Le Temps). His portrayal of Timur in Turandot will mark his TDO debut.
Among the notable artists returning to the Dallas Opera stage this year are:
• Alexandra Deshorties, a Canadian-born French soprano who made her TDO debut as Desdemona in the opera that opened the Winspear Opera House in October of 2009: Verdi’s Otello. Now she returns as Juliana Bordereau—a secretive opera singer—in the 25th anniversary production of The Aspern Papers. A phenomenal actress, during Ms. Deshorties’ “riveting…fearless” performances as Medea at last year’s Glimmerglass Festival, “she had the audience hanging on every word” (CNY Café Momus).
• Nathan Gunn, considered one of the most exciting baritones onstage today, has charmed TDO audiences as Malatesta and Guglielmo but returns in the much darker role of The Lodger in Argento’s The Aspern Papers. Most recently he triumphed in the Met’s revival of Billy Budd, earning Anthony Tommasini’s praise for his “robust, penetrating and warm (sound; Nathan Gunn is) a born actor, he sings as if speaking the words.”
• Hei-Kyung Hong, a Korean-American lyric soprano who has enchanted audiences in sympathetic roles, including Lìu in Turandot, brings her “fresh and radiant (singing) distinguished by beautiful phrasing and refined pianissimos” (The New York Times) to our upcoming production of Puccini’s final masterpiece.
• Lester Lynch, an African-American artist with a commanding stage presence and a “resounding baritone with…deep, resonant overtones and a hearty vibrato that bounces around the corners of a theater like a ball in a pinball machine” (musicalcriticism.com), makes a welcome return to TDO as the Ethiopian King, Amonasro, in our season opening production, Aïda.
• Latonia Moore, a Houston-born African-American soprano who recently triumphed at the Metropolitan Opera in her debut in the title role of Aïda, returns to Dallas in the same role this fall. She sang a memorable Micaela in our 2004 Carmen and won that season’s Maria Callas Award as the “debut artist of the year.” Of her Covent Garden debut, Hugh Canning wrote: “Moore’s creamy, lyric soprano could take her to the top of her profession.”
• Antonello Palombi, an Italian tenor who made an indelible impression as Canio in the Dallas Opera’s acclaimed 2005 production of Pagliacci, returns in two leading roles this season: Radames in Aïda and next spring as Calaf in Turandot. Several seasons ago, he was the talk of the opera world after stepping into the role of Radames in mid-performance at La Scala when Roberto Alagna walked-off. Frankfurter Neue Presse calls his tenor “firm (and) breathtaking.”
• Dean Peterson is a multifaceted American bass-baritone who will appear this season as Fafner in Siegfried at La Scala but will also portray the womanizing impresario, Barelli, in TDO’s The Aspern Papers. Possessing a voice and stage persona of “splendid gravity” (BravaDiva.com), Peterson’s chameleon-like ability to inhabit a wide variety of roles has fueled demand for his talents in opera houses around the world.
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The benefits of becoming a Dallas Opera subscriber are even more attractive this season. In addition to priority seating, lost ticket replacement, invitations to special events and a no-interest installment payment plan, the company is adding these great incentives for the 2012-2013 Season:
• The first 800 subscribers will receive FREE seats to Cabaret@TDO, this season featuring the incredibly appealing American baritone, Rod Gilfry (Billy Budd, South Pacific). This one-night-only performance will be held in the acoustically acclaimed Winspear Opera House on November 8, 2012. SOLD OUT!
• Subscribers are eligible for a 20% discount on all additional single tickets purchased.
• A free Family four-pack to attend any of our TDO Family Series performances in the Winspear Opera House.
• TDO’s Bring-a-Friend Program allows season ticket holders to bring a friend for free to select TDO performances. Quantities are limited for each performance.
• And last, but not least, priority access to TDO’s educational and social events for one entire year. These include the General Director’s Roundtables; the TDO Experience Series; “Baritones and Beachballs” summer discussions, movie screenings and more; and TDO’s Composing Conversations with the most fascinating creative minds at work in opera today.
ABOUT AÏDA:
The pursuit of passion leads to sharply divided loyalties in the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, where Aïda, an Ethiopian princess carried off by conquering Egyptians, struggles to reconcile love of country with her burning desire for the heroic captain, Radames. Complicating matters, the Egyptian princess Amneris carries a fiery torch for the same military commander, whose love for the foreign “slave girl” could cost him his honor—as well as his life!
Featuring an international ensemble cast led by acclaimed soprano Latonia Moore (an overnight star at New York’s Metropolitan Opera after making her 2012 debut in this title role) and tenor Antonello Palombi (Pagliacci) in their eagerly awaited return to the Dallas Opera stage. Verdi’s grand, glorious, and enormously entertaining drama proves that a pyramid may be the greatest love triangle of all!
At the head of a sensational cast, American soprano Latonia Moore as Aïda, Bulgarian mezzo-soprano Nadia Krasteva in her Dallas Opera debut as Amneris, Italian tenor Antonello Palombi as Radames, American baritone Lester Lynch as Amonasro, and Bulgarian bass Orlin Anastassov in his TDO debut as Ramfis.
Conducted by Dallas Opera Music Director Graeme Jenkins and staged by renowned director Garnett Bruce. Sung in Italian with English language supertitles on October 26 (The Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Performance), 28m, 31, Nov. 3, 9 & 11m, 2012.
Rating: Family friendly with intense moments. Appropriate for children old enough to read supertitles.
Single tickets for the 2012-2013 Season are subject to dynamic pricing (the earlier they are purchased and the less-in-demand, the lower the price). Subscriptions are on sale now, starting at just $75 to $1,015. Inner Circle seating may be priced higher.
EVENTS AND GUESTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT “AUGUST AT THE DALLAS OPERA”
IS CONVENIENTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7
VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG AND CHECK THE CALENDAR LISTINGS
OR DALLASOPERA.ORG/SUMMER
For high-resolution, digital photographs suitable for print
To arrange an interview
Or for additional information
Please contact Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media & PR
214.443.1014 or suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org
The Dallas Opera’s 2012-2013 “Pursuits of Passion Season”
Is Presented by Texas Instruments Foundation
THE DALLAS OPERA WISHES TO EXPRESS ITS GRATITUDE TO OUR EXCLUSIVE PARTNERS:
AMERICAN AIRLINES – OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF THE DALLAS OPERA
LEXUS – OFFICIAL VEHICLE OF THE DALLAS OPERA
CARTIER – OFFICIAL JEWELER & WATCHMAKER OF THE DALLAS OPERA
ROSEWOOD CRESCENT HOTEL – OFFICIAL HOTEL OF THE DALLAS OPERA
Ticket Information for the 2012-2013 Dallas Opera Season
All performances are in the new Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Subscriptions start at just $75 and are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale September 10, 2012, starting at just $19. For more information, contact The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or visit us online at www.dallasopera.org.
THE DALLAS OPERA 2012-2013 SEASON INFORMATION
The Dallas Opera celebrates its Fifty-Sixth International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in downtown Dallas. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees will begin at 2:00 p.m. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance. Assistance is available for the hearing impaired.
AIDA by Giuseppe Verdi
October 26 – The Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance
October 28(m), 31, November 3, 9, 11(m), 2012
Verdi’s Complex and Intimate Love Story Set in Spectacular Ancient Egypt!
An opera in four acts first performed at Khedivial Opera House, Cairo on December 24, 1871.
Text by Antonio Ghislanzoni, based on a scenario written by French Egyptologist Auguste Mariette.
Time: Old Kingdom
Place: Egypt
Conductor: Graeme Jenkins
Stage Director: John Copley
Costume Design: Peter J. Hall
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Latonia Moore (Aïda), Antonello Palombi (Radames), Nadia Krasteva* (Amneris), Lester Lynch (Amonasro), Orlin Anastassov* (Ramfis), Ben Wager (The King of Egypt), Jonathan Yarrington* (Messenger), and NaGuanda Nobles* (Priestess).
TURANDOT by Giacomo Puccini
April 5, 7(m), 10, 13, 19 & 21(m), 2013
Puccini’s Last Masterpiece—Riddled with Passionate Romance and Unforgettable Music!
An opera in three acts first performed in Milan at La Scala, April 25, 1926
Text by Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni, based on Carlo Gozzi’s fable, Turandot.
Time: Legendary times
Place: Peking, China
Conductor: Marco Zambelli
Stage Director: Garnett Bruce
Production Design: Allen Charles Klein
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Lise Lindstrom* (Princess Turandot), Antonello Palombi (Calaf), Hei-Kyung Hong (Liu), Christian Van Horn* (Timur), Jonathan Beyer (Ping), Joseph Hu (Pang), Daniel Montenegro* (Pong), Ryan Kuster* (A Mandarin), Steven Haal (Emperor Altoum).
THE ASPERN PAPERS by Dominick Argento
April 12, 14(m), 17, 20, 28(m), 2013
The Games People Play—Both Young and Old—To Achieve Their Twisted Desires!
An opera in two acts first performed in Dallas, November 19, 1988.
Text by Dominick Argento, based on a Henry James novella.
Time: Legendary
Place: Lake Como, Italy
Conductor: Graeme Jenkins
Stage Director: Tim Albery
Scenic Design: Andrew Lieberman*
Costume Design: Constance Hoffman*
Lighting Design: Thomas Hase
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Assistant Director: Michael Mori
Starring: Susan Graham* (Tina), Nathan Gunn (The Lodger), Joseph Kaiser* (Aspern), Dean Peterson (Barelli), Sasha Cooke* (Sonia), Eric Jordan* (A painter), Jennifer Youngs* (Olimpia).
* Dallas Opera Debut
** American Debut
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The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: City of Dallas, Office of Cultural Affairs; TACA; 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. Cartier is the official jeweler and watchmaker of The Dallas Opera. Rosewood Crescent Hotel is the official hotel of The Dallas Opera. Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News. A special thanks to Mrs. William W. Winspear and the Elsa von Seggern Foundation for their continuing support.
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