The Dallas Opera

  • My Cart
  • Contact
    • Home > Nicole Paiement

    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

    Opera Administrators Chosen for 2017 Hart Institute

    IWC-webbanner-flyer

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    Wednesday, August 9, 2017
    Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014 Or Celeste Hart at 214.443.1071
    suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org celeste.hart@dallasopera.org

    The Dallas Opera is Proud to Announce the
    Inaugural Class of Women Administrators
    For the 2017 Linda and Mitch Hart Institute
    ~~~~
    Nov. 5 – 19, 2017 in Dallas, Texas
    ~~~~
    Four Americans Selected for Elite Opera Professional Development Program
    ~~~~
    Distinguished Faculty Include Marin Alsop, Nicole Paiement, Carlo Montanaro, and Alec Treuhaft
    ~~~~
    Initial Support from the Richard and Enika Schulze Foundation Additional Support from
    The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Baker Botts LLP

    DALLAS, AUGUST 9, 2017 – The Dallas Opera is proud to announce the four distinguished professionals selected for the inaugural class of women opera administrators in the newly-expanded Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors and Administrators at The Dallas Opera:
    • Anh Le (Opera Theatre of Saint Louis)
    • Stefanie Mercier (Washington National Opera)
    • Sara Noble (Chautauqua Opera Company)
    • Jennifer Rivera (Long Beach Opera)
    The third annual residency of the Hart Institute is scheduled to take place in Dallas, Texas, from November 5 – 19, 2017.
    Working to address a long-standing career issue in the opera world, The Dallas Opera in 2015 launched a unique, new residential program designed to provide training and career support for distinctively talented women conductors. This year, the goals of the program were expanded to address the needs of American opera administrators.

    “Although women have played vital roles in politics, corporate culture, the front office, and the boardroom for many years, the so-called ‘glass ceiling’ is real,” explains Dallas Opera Chairman Holly Mayer, “and few women occupy the top jobs in our industry. That’s why the Hart Institute for Women Conductors and Administrators is such an important initiative for The Dallas Opera.
    “This relatively new program already has an impressive track record of helping accomplished women achieve their career goals, as shown by the appointments of Lidiya Yankovskaya as Music Director of Chicago Opera Theater and Tianyi Lu as a Dudamel Fellow at the Los Angeles Philharmonic,” Ms. Mayer adds. “The Hart Institute is making a difference in the lives of qualified music professionals—who just happen to be women!”

    For the next six years, TDO will invite between two and four American opera administrators to join the institute each season. These women will be selected on the basis of their potential to become leaders of one of America’s top opera companies later in their careers.
    The selected opera administrators will attend all sessions during the annual fall residency in Dallas. This curriculum includes examining the role of the board, leadership development, personal branding, media and PR training, effective artist management, and navigating the recruiting processes for senior level positions.
    To continue to develop their musical skills, which is essential for any opera executive, the administrators will observe rehearsals with The Dallas Opera Orchestra and conducting master classes by Marin Alsop, The Dallas Opera’s Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Principal Guest Conductor Nicole Paiement, and Italian conductor Carlo Montanaro. Special sessions on Development, Finance, and Marketing will be offered as well.
    One of TDO’s goals is to build a network of talented leaders. In addition to the residency, selected administrators will be invited to participate in quarterly conference calls to continue to develop their personal networks and leadership skills.
    The administrators program will accept applications each spring from women who are either American citizens or green-card holders; there is no age limit. Institute Fellows will receive a stipend, travel, and housing for the duration of this year’s Hart Institute.

    Keith Cerny, The Dallas Opera’s Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO notes: “The Dallas Opera has demonstrated its commitment to reshaping the opera field through the use of innovative public outreach, by exploring new technologies, commissioning new works to expand the operatic repertoire, and programming with passion, courage and imagination.”
    “This already proven program,” Mr. Cerny added, “will enable more women to add to their skills in a wide range of areas, and provide them with the tools to accelerate their careers still further.”

    The institute had vital foundational support from the Richard and Enika Schulze Foundation. Naming support came through the generosity of Linda and Mitch Hart. Additional support for the institute comes from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Baker Botts LLP, Susan and Mark Geyer, Holly and Tom Mayer, Betty and Steve Suellentrop, Martha and Max Wells, and Jenifer and Peter Flynn.

    Marc A. Scorca, President and CEO of OPERA America, earlier remarked: “The Dallas Opera continues to expand its influence and stature among American opera companies, as shown by this exciting new initiative. The company is to be applauded for taking a significant step to remedy the existing gender imbalance on the podium. This effort complements OPERA America’s support of the work of female opera composers and promises to enrich the art form by encouraging more gifted artists to express themselves through opera.”

    ~~~~

    2017 Hart Institute Administrators
    (Inaugural Class)

    ANH LE
    Anh Le is the Publications and Brand Manager at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Prior to moving to St. Louis, she served as the Communications Associate for The Santa Fe Opera and the Associate Director of Marketing at Yale Rep. A lifelong arts lover, she has also worked with companies including the Yale School of Music (New Haven, CT), Opera Holland Park (London), and A.R.T. (Cambridge, MA). Anh received her BA from Harvard University in 2012, where she was awarded the Robert E. Levi Prize for excellence in arts administration. In 2015, she also received an MFA in Theater Management from the Yale School of Drama.
    Anh Le writes: “It is a tremendous honor to be a member of this institute’s inaugural class, and I look forward to two weeks of inspiration, learning, and professional growth next November. I cannot thank The Dallas Opera enough for its flagship commitment to women in our field.”

    STEFANIE MERCIER
    Stefanie Mercier is the Manager of Rehearsal Planning and Artist Services at Washington National Opera, where she oversees the creation of the overall season rehearsal and performance calendar as well as the daily rehearsal schedule. She was responsible for the rehearsal schedule for WNO’s 2016 Ring Cycle, which required three years of advance planning. Stefanie has been a lover of the performing arts since her first ballet lessons at the age of three. She danced with the School of the Richmond Ballet through high school, performing with the professional company annually in The Nutcracker. At the University of Virginia, she served in leadership roles with two student-run arts groups. After earning a bachelor’s degree, she came to WNO as an intern and has held four different staff positions in the past eleven years.
    Stefanie Mercier writes: “I am thrilled to be chosen to participate in the Hart Institute at Dallas Opera this fall. I look forward to joining this diverse network of women and learning from the forward-thinking curriculum to take my career in opera to the next level.”

    SARA NOBLE
    Sara Noble is in her third year as Company and Media Manager for the Chautauqua Opera Company. Since 2013, she has curated the unconventional operatic concert series ‘Home Brewed Opera’ as Executive Producing diva for Opera on Tap’s New York City chapter. For Opera on Tap, Sara produced the world premiere of James Barry’s comedic opera SMASHED: The Carrie Nation Story and scenes from Daniel Felsenfeld’s opera-in-development The Inner Circle. She served three terms as the Executive Secretary for the New York Opera Alliance, and has collaborated with organizations including American Opera Projects, The BEAT Festival, Opera Slavica, and Fifth House Ensemble. Sara is a strong advocate for contemporary classical music as an administrator, producer, and performer based in New York City.
    Sara Noble writes: “I am thrilled to have been chosen for the first Hart Institute for Women Opera Administrators. I have been greatly inspired by Dallas Opera’s commitment to increase diversity and inclusion in the field and look forward to this opportunity to connect with a network of peers and mentors who share those goals.”

    JENNIFER RIVERA
    Two time Grammy nominee Jennifer Rivera has performed leading roles with opera companies on five continents including the Berlin Staatsoper, the Teatro Regio di Torino, and the Dallas Opera among many others. She was selected as the “Debut Artist of the Year” at the New York City Opera and won a Helpmann Award (Australia’s Tony Award) in 2015. She has created leading roles in three world premieres and her discography includes recordings of Agrippina, Il Ritorno D’Ulisse, L’Olimpiade and the soon to be released Becoming Santa Claus. Jennifer has been writing popular essays for the Huffington Post Arts and Culture section since 2012. In the beginning of 2017 she transitioned to a full-time arts administrator, and was named Assistant Director of Development at Long Beach Opera where she is tasked with major gift fundraising.  Jennifer Rivera writes: “I am thrilled to be returning to The Dallas Opera in order to participate in the inaugural Institute for Women Administrators. The leadership at The Dallas Opera has already inspired me a great deal with their commitment to innovation within the opera industry alongside artistic excellence, and I am excited to be challenged and galvanized by leaders within the field in a program geared towards advancing women into leadership positions.”

    ~~~~
    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.

    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
    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 Valery), 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!

    A Double Bill!
    THE RING OF POLYKRATES AND 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

    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!

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

    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 with 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 Kwiecie? (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
    ____________________________________________________________________________________

    ###

    Dallas Opera Single Tickets Go On Sale Monday, July 10

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    Friday, July 7, 2017
    Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014 Or Celeste Hart at 214.443.1071
    suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org celeste.hart@dallasopera.org

    The Dallas Opera is Proud to Announce
    SINGLE TICKETS FOR THE 2017-18 SEASON

    “MOTIVES UNMASKED!”

    GO ON SALE TO THE PUBLIC
    MONDAY, JULY 10TH AT 9 A.M.

    Dallas Opera photo by Maxine Helfman
    Dallas Opera photo by Maxine Helfman

    ~~~~
    Featuring Three Eagerly Awaited Classics
    Samson & Dalila (Oct. 20-Nov. 5, 2017)
    La Traviata (Oct. 27-Nov. 12, 2017) and
    Don Giovanni (April 13-April 29, 2018)
    ~~~~
    Plus the U.S. Premiere of Michel van der Aa’s
    Sunken Garden (March 9-17, 2018)
    And a Delightful Korngold Rarity in its Third U.S. Production
    The Ring of Polykrates (Feb. 9-17, 2018)
    ~~~~
    Tickets Start at Just $19
    ~~~~
    SEASON SPONSOR,
    THE NANCY A. NASHER AND DAVID J. HAEMISEGGER FAMILY

    DALLAS, JULY 7, 2017 – The Dallas Opera is pleased to open single ticket sales for the five outstanding productions of the 2017-2018 “Motives Unmasked!” Season on Monday, July 10, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. (Central).
    Single tickets starting at just $19 will be available to the general public online at www.dallasopera.org or, by contacting the friendly professionals at The Dallas Opera Ticket Office at 214-443-1000. Season subscriptions are already available, beginning at $95 for all five mainstage productions.
    The upcoming season of The Dallas Opera mixes classics—and an orchestral favorite—with productions on the cutting edge.
    Considered by many to be the ultimate art form, each opera will feature acclaimed international artists; world-class conductors, directors and designers; the artistry of The Dallas Opera Orchestra and The Dallas Opera Chorus; superb sets and costumes; imaginative technological enhancements—and more—made possible, in part, by the generosity of our season sponsor, The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family.

    “Our 61st International Season, “Motives Unmasked!” will include three beloved classics, a U.S. premiere, an exquisite concerto, and a delightful opera rarity so rare, that we believe it has only had two professional productions in this country since it originally premiered in Munich 100 years ago” explains Keith Cerny, The Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO.
    “Great opera will always speak to us, profoundly, as it entertains us.
    “This season, we hope to give Dallas Opera audiences an opportunity to better understand their world through the powerful mediums of music and drama,” Cerny adds. “These five programs, filled with incredible music, remarkable storytelling, visual marvels, and unforgettable performances, will undoubtedly make good on that promise.”

    Every mainstage production will be presented in the magnificent Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, located at 2403 Flora Street in the heart of the Dallas Arts District.
    Each of these amazing operas will be performed in its original language with English-language supertitles projected above the stage for maximum enjoyment.

    2017-2018 DALLAS OPERA SEASON

    SAMSON & DALILA
    By Camille Saint-Saëns
    October 20, 22(m), 25, 28 and November 5(m), 2017
    Tenor Clifton Forbis and Russian mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina—in her eagerly awaited Dallas Opera debut!—portray the doomed twosome, trapped in a love affair of biblical proportions that threatens to “bring the house down”! This mesmerizing jewel of the French Repertoire, not seen on our stage since 1971, will be conducted by Emmanuel Villaume, The Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director of The Dallas Opera.

    LA TRAVIATA
    By Giuseppe Verdi
    October 27, 29(m) and November 1, 4, 10 and 12(m), 2017
    Revel in the excitement of 19th century Paris, from private balls to the most intimate soirees! Easily Giuseppe Verdi’s most romantic work, this revival of a magnificent Lyric Opera of Chicago production, originally directed by Frank Galati and designed by Desmond Heeley, is a perennial crowd pleaser. Starring Georgia Jarman and René Barbera as Violetta and her naïve lover, Alfredo. Conducted by Carlo Montanaro in his company debut.

    THE RING OF POLYKRATES
    &
    VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D MAJOR, OP. 35
    By Erich Wolfgang Korngold
    February 9, 11(m), 14 and 17, 2018
    Revered French violinist Augustin Dumay will be the featured soloist with The Dallas Opera Orchestra for Korngold’s sweeping Violin Concerto. Dumay is considered “an absolute master” (Fanfare) and “a violinist of remarkable individuality” (The Daily Telegraph). Paired with Korngold’s one-act domestic comedy, The Ring of Polykrates, in this once-in-a-lifetime musical event! The stellar ensemble cast includes Paul Groves, Laura Wilde, and Craig Colclough in their Dallas Opera debuts. Directed in this brand-new production by Peter Kazaras and conducted by Emmanuel Villaume.

    SUNKEN GARDEN
    By Michel van der Aa
    March 9, 11(m), 14 and 17, 2018
    Applauded by both critics and audiences as “a fantastical tale to set the ears and eyes popping” Sunken Garden, described by its creator as an “occult mystery film opera,” fuses film and live singers (including 3-D and other visual effects) to deliver what Steve Smith of The New York Times called “a bold, rewarding venture” in contemporary opera performance. Directed by the composer, Michel van der Aa, and conducted by Nicole Paiement, The Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Principal Guest Conductor, in its U.S. Premiere; Sunken Garden stars Roderick Williams, Katherine Manley, and Miah Persson in their TDO debuts.

    DON GIOVANNI
    By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
    April 13, 15(m), 18, 21, 27 and 29(m), 2018
    Mozart’s hell-raising masterpiece in the most acclaimed new production of this opera in recent years. Mariusz Kwiecie? stars as the insatiable womanizer who becomes the stuff of legend. William Burnett of Opera Warhorses writes, “Kwiecien was extraordinary, an utterly charming but lethally sociopathic bad boy” in this buzz-worthy interpretation by Robert Falls. The all-star cast includes Laura Claycomb, Ellie Dehn, David Portillo, Kyle Ketelsen, Virginie Verrez, Craig Verm and Morris Robinson.

    “One of the most satisfying perks of being a music director,” observes Maestro Villaume (who will take the podium for the season finale), “is the opportunity to conduct productions that I find of particular interest—musically, dramatically, or both.
    “This season is no exception and I am thrilled to be conducting a masterpiece from the late Classical Period, a splendid example of 19th century French Romanticism, and a pair of works from the neo-Romantic Viennese School of the early 20th century.
    “I sincerely hope, when you leave these performances—even if you only experience one or two—that you will feel just as passionate about opera as we do.”

    ~~~~

    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 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 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
    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 Valery), 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!

    A Double Bill!
    VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D MAJOR & THE RING OF POLYKRATES
    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 Kwiecien (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
    ____________________________________________________________________________________
    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.

    ###

    Women Conductors Chosen for 2017 Hart Institute

    Hart_Institute-BtmRocker

    Photo by Karen Almond, Dallas Opera

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    Friday, June 23, 2017
    Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014 Or Celeste Hart at 214.443.1071
    suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org celeste.hart@dallasopera.org

    The Dallas Opera is Proud to Announce the
    Conductors and Observers for Third Annual
    Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for
    Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera
    ~~~~
    Nov. 5 – 19, 2017 in Dallas, Texas
    ~~~~
    Six Selected for Elite Opera Program from
    161 Applicants Representing 33 Countries
    ~~~~
    Distinguished Faculty Include Marin Alsop, Nicole Paiement, Carlo Montanaro, and Alec Treuhaft
    ~~~~
    Initial Support from the Richard and Enika Schulze Foundation Additional Support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation,
    Baker Botts LLP, Susan and Mark Geyer, Holly and Tom Mayer,
    Betty and Steve Suellentrop, and Martha and Max Wells

    DALLAS, JUNE 23, 2017 – The Dallas Opera is proud to announce the names of the six distinguished professionals selected to participate in the third annual residency of the Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera taking place November 5 – 19, 2017 in Dallas, Texas:
    • Alba Bomfim (Brazil)
    • Mélisse Brunet (France)
    • Lina Gonzalez-Granados (USA/Colombia)
    • Karin Hendrickson (USA)
    • Carolyn Watson (USA/Australia)
    • Monika Wolinska (Poland)

    Working to address a long-standing career issue in the opera world, The Dallas Opera in 2015 launched a unique, new residential program—one of only three in the world—designed to provide training and career support for distinctively talented women conductors. Female conductors, as well as accomplished women singers, opera coaches, accompanists, and instrumentalists with established careers seeking to develop new skills at the podium, were encouraged to apply.
    A total of 161 women conductors and professional musicians heeded the call in 2017 and applied by the April 30th deadline.
    Other nations represented in this year’s applicant pool are from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, and Mexico; as well as New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
    Applicants from these 33 countries included music directors, principal and assistant conductors, concertmasters and music staff from top-ranked symphonies, opera companies, and conservatories. Alba Bomfim described her selection as “an inspiring gift and a watershed in my career” while Mélisse Brunet revealed she “can’t wait to learn a lot, to meet new mentors and colleagues, and to build new connections.” Karin Hendrickson added, “I can’t wait to begin collaborating with the exceptional staff, and meeting with other talented women conductors from around the world.”

    As is the case each year, four U.S. observers were chosen to “audit” the 2017 Institute: Marie Bucoy-Calavan, Catherine O’Shaughnessy, Maria Sensi Sellner, and Hannah Threlkeld.

    The institute had vital foundational support from the Richard and Enika Schulze Foundation. Naming support came through the generosity of Linda and Mitch Hart. Additional support comes from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Baker Botts LLP, Susan and Mark Geyer, Holly and Tom Mayer, Betty and Steve Suellentrop, and Martha and Max Wells.
    The 2017 Linda and Mitch Hart Institute will consist of hands-on master classes with Marin Alsop (Music Director, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and São Paulo State Symphony Orchestra, and the only conductor ever to receive the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship); The Dallas Opera’s Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Principal Guest Conductor Nicole Paiement and Carlo Montanaro, a renowned Italian conductor who will soon make his official Dallas Opera debut guiding our November performances of La Traviata.
    The institute will include career advancement seminars with experienced professionals like Alec Treuhaft, retired senior vice-president of IMG Artists; industry discussions; intensive one-on-ones and networking opportunities; as well as the chance to conduct The Dallas Opera Orchestra in two public concerts in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center on the evenings of November 11th and November 18th (additional details to be announced).
    As part of TDO’s five-year commitment to each institute “class” of conductors, alumnae will be invited to summer reunions for additional masterclasses with piano and singers, and a series of introductory seminars about the business of music.
    Conductor Carolyn Watson writes: “The program is indeed groundbreaking – a unique opportunity and one which offers continuing support and mentorship over a number of years. I look forward to not only this year’s Institute, but also my ongoing association with The Dallas Opera and the Hart Institute, as well as all the wonderful women colleagues I will be fortunate to work with over the course of my career.”
    The program may already be having a pronounced positive impact: Just this week, Chicago Opera Theater announced that Hart Institute Fellow Lidiya Yankovskaya (Inaugural Class, 2015) will assume the role of company music director.
    ~~~~
    While the Hart Institute began with a focus on supporting talented conductors, the challenges faced by women opera administrators are equally daunting. To address this imbalance, The Dallas Opera is adding a new component to this year’s institute: Beginning in 2017, and for the next six years, TDO will invite between two and four American opera administrators to join the program each season. These women will be selected on the basis of their potential to become leaders of one of America’s top opera companies later in their careers.
    The selected opera administrators will attend all sessions during the annual residency in Dallas. This curriculum includes the role of the board, leadership development, personal branding, media and PR training, effective artist management, and navigating recruiting processes for senior level positions. To continue to develop their musical skills, which is essential for any opera executive, the administrators will observe rehearsals with The Dallas Opera Orchestra and conducting master classes. Special sessions on Development, Finance, and Marketing will be offered as well.
    One of the goals of the program is to build a network of talented leaders. In addition to the residency, selected administrators will be invited to participate in quarterly conference calls to continue to develop their personal networks and leadership skills.
    This facet of the program is open to women who are American citizens or green-card holders. There is no age limit and, in an effort to encourage greater diversity, The Dallas Opera is inviting women of various backgrounds to apply by the July 15, 2017 deadline. For more information, or to apply, visit https://dallasopera.org/learn/womens-conducting-institute/ or go directly to yaptracker.com. Institute Fellows will receive a stipend, travel, and housing for the duration of this year’s Hart Institute.

    Keith Cerny, The Dallas Opera’s Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO notes: “The Dallas Opera has demonstrated its commitment to reshaping the opera field through the use of innovative public outreach, by exploring new technologies, commissioning new works to expand the operatic repertoire, and programming with passion, courage and imagination.”
    “This already proven program,” Mr. Cerny added, “will enable more women conductors and general directors to add their perspectives to our collective understanding of this art form, while encouraging industry-wide conversation about the necessity of women in a variety of leadership roles.”

    2017 Hart Institute Fellow Lina Gonzalez-Granados concurs: “I’m honored to have been invited to be a part of this amazing group of talented individuals who are working tirelessly to push the boundaries of Opera. It is necessary for artists like us to contribute to a musical world in which all qualified women, regardless of background, are welcomed into visible positions of leadership.”

    Marc A. Scorca, President and CEO of OPERA America, earlier remarked: “The Dallas Opera continues to expand its influence and stature among American opera companies, as shown by this exciting new initiative. The company is to be applauded for taking a significant step to remedy the existing gender imbalance on the podium. This effort complements OPERA America’s support of the work of female opera composers and promises to enrich the art form by encouraging more gifted artists to express themselves through opera.”

    2017 Hart Institute Conductors

    ALBA BOMFIM (BRAZIL)
    The Brazilian conductor Alba Bomfim was the winner of the 2009 Eleazar de Carvalho Prize in Conducting. She has participated in masterclasses by conductors Christopher Zimmerman, Kirk Trevor, Colin Metters, Fabio Mechetti, Harold Farberman, Dirk Brossé, John Farrer and Marin Alsop. Ms. Bomfim has conducted orchestras including: Minas Gerais Philharmonic, Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, Astoria Symphony, Rose City Chamber Orchestra, Berlin Sinfonieta, Bohuslav Martinu, Orquestra Filarmonia das Beiras, NY Chamber Orchestra and BBC Concert Orchestra. Since 2012, Ms. Bomfim has worked as adjunct professor in conducting and orchestral activities at the Music Department of Federal University of Piauí (Brasil), and since October 2014 she has excelled as a Ph.D. candidate in Orchestral Conducting Studies at the University of Aveiro under Maestro António Lourenço’s guidance.

    MÉLISSE BRUNET (FRANCE)
    French-born conductor, Mélisse Brunet, is entering her third season as the Assistant Conductor of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, and her second season as the Music Director of the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra and the Appalachian Symphony Opera. Brunet recently conducted the operas Dead Man Walking by Jake Heggie, Gianni Schicchi by Puccini, Die Zauberflöte by Mozart, and will conduct the musical Sweeney Todd by Sondheim in April 2018. She assisted the productions of Carmen with Lionel Bringuier, Magdalena Kožená, Calixto Bieito, and Die Zauberflöte with Jeannette Sorrell and Apollo’s Fire. Brunet is the regular guest conductor of Symphoria in Syracuse, NY, and the following orchestras in France: Opéra Orchestre National Montpellier, Opéra de Rouen, Orchestre Symphonique et Lyrique de Nancy, Orchestre d’Auvergne, and Orchestre Régional de Normandie.

    LINA GONZALEZ-GRANADOS (USA/COLOMBIA)
    Praised for her “geniality” and “lightning changes in tempo, meter and effect” (Boston Musical Intelligencer), Lina Gonzalez-Granados has established herself as a talented conductor in orchestral and operatic worlds. Upcoming engagements include productions with Odyssey Opera and touring with Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra of the U.S. Ms. Gonzalez-Granados was recently appointed the 2017-19 Taki Concordia Conducting Fellow, and has worked with a number of Boston-area opera companies in critically acclaimed productions, including Odyssey Opera, Boston Conservatory, and OperaHub. Lina is the founder and Artistic Director of Unitas Ensemble, a chamber orchestra specializing in Latin-American repertoire, and was recognized as one of the “Latino 30 Under 30” by El Mundo Newspaper in 2016. Gonzalez-Granados has served as Assistant Conductor of the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas and the Filarmonica Joven de Colombia.

    KARIN HENDRICKSON (USA)
    Nominated for the 2016 Salzburg Festival/Nestle Young Conductors Award, Karin Hendrickson’s operatic work includes: Music Director for the premiere and tour of Opera for the Unknown Woman (Melanie Wilson/National Theatre), Music Director for the Garsington Youth Opera, and Music Director for Bloomsbury Opera. Symphonic debuts include the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Kammer-symphonie Graz, Sao Paulo Symphony, Ensemble Eroica, Southbank Sinfonia and Britten-Pears Orchestra. In 2016/17 Karin Hendrickson was Assistant Conductor to the BBC Proms Verdi Requiem under Marin Alsop, and cover conductor for the Royal Ballet. Upcoming projects include music direction for an independent performance of Strauss’ Die Ägyptishce Helena, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s Musical Leadership project, and Chorus Master for Monteverdi’s Il Ritorno d’Ulisse in Patria with The Royal Opera.

    CAROLYN WATSON (USA/Australia)
    A major prizewinner at the 2012 Emmerich Kálmán International Operetta Conducting Competition in Budapest, Carolyn Watson was also a Fellow of the American Academy of Conducting at the Aspen Music Festival. Ms. Watson has conducted throughout Europe including Staatsoper Berlin, Brandenburger Symphonkier, BBC Concert Orchestra, North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Kodály Philharmonic. Carolyn has participated in master classes with Marin Alsop, Peter Eötvös, Yoel Levi, Martyn Brabbins and Alex Polishchuk; conducted musicians of the Berlin Philharmonic in Interaktion 2010; served as resident assistant at the Israeli National Opera in 2009; and has worked with conductors including Sir Charles Mackerras, Simone Young and Karen Kamensek. She is the recipient of the Brian Stacey Award for Emerging Australian Conductors, Charles Mackerras Conducting Prize awarded by the Australian Music Foundation in London, Nelly Apt Scholarship and Opera Foundation Australia’s Bayreuth Opera Award and Berlin New Music Opera Award. www.carolyn-watson.com

    MONIKA WOLINSKA (POLAND)
    Monika Wolinska, recipient of the honorary medal, “Meritorious for Polish Culture,” from the Polish Government, enjoys an active conducting career around the world. After her successful performance at Carnegie Hall in 2009, the venue’s first performance by a Polish female conductor, New York critics praised her saying, “Monika has what many contemporary conductors lack – a great sensitivity and a wonderful sense of the sound of instruments.” In October 2014 she conducted a concert in the Gorzów Philharmonic Hall with the world-famous baritone Thomas Hampson, and in February 2015 a concert dedicated to Marina Jaszwili with the outstanding violinist Roman Simovi?. From 2013-2017, Ms. Wolinska served as Artistic Director of Gorzów Philharmonic Orchestra, and since 2013 she has been Artistic Director of Wojciech Kilar Contemporary Music Festival.

    ~~~~

    2017 Hart Institute Observers

    MARIE BUCOY-CALAVAN (USA)
    Marie Bucoy-Calavan is currently the Director of Choral Studies at The University of Akron, Artistic Director of Summit Choral Society, and serves as the Chorus Director for the Akron Symphony. She served as Assistant Conductor to Robert Porco for the May Festival Chorus, the symphonic chorus for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. She has also conducted various opera performances in California and Ohio, including Donizetti’s Elixir of Love and Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and Cosí fan Tutte. Ms. Bucoy-Calavan is regularly invited to serve residencies, in order to teach conducting across the nation and abroad, including at the Hochschule für Musik und Theatre in Munich, Germany. She completed her Doctorate of Musical Arts in Conducting at University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music.

    CATHERINE O’SHAUGHNESSY (USA)
    Catherine O’Shaughnessy is a rising opera conductor in the United States and abroad. Avidly committed to Chicago’s dynamic opera scene, she has worked with numerous companies and is currently principal conductor of the Floating Opera Company and music director of Chicago Fringe Opera, an organization committed to providing a platform for new and underrepresented voices. Reviewers have praised her “great skill, alertness and sensitivity” as well as her “resourcefulness…fierce concentration…and…spirit of a modern collaborator.” During her doctoral studies with Dr. William Reber at Arizona State University, Ms. O’Shaughnessy learned to appreciate and work in a wide variety of styles and genres. This stylistic flexibility has led to performances throughout Europe and to masterclasses with such teachers as Yuri Simonov, Julius Kalmar, and Maurizio Arena.

    MARIA SENSI SELLNER (USA)
    Maria Sensi Sellner is widely recognized for her versatility and artistry as a conductor of opera, orchestras, and choruses. The first three-time winner of the American Prize for Opera Conducting, Ms. Sellner is the founder and Artistic Director of Resonance Works Pittsburgh, Artistic Advisor for Hubbard Hall Opera, and previously has held positions as Director of the Akron Symphony Chorus and Acting Music Director of the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh (chorus of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra). An alum of Carnegie Mellon University, Ms. Sellner recently conducted the American premiere of Sir James MacMillan’s Gloria, and in 2016 was a strand leader conductor for the world premiere of David Lang’s “the public domain” for 1000 singers at the Mostly Mozart Festival at Lincoln Center.

    HANNAH THRELKELD (USA)
    Hannah Threlkeld is an active conductor of orchestral, opera, and ballet repertoire. She has recently served as Assistant Conductor for the Meadows Symphony Orchestra and as Conductor for the new music ensemble, SYZYGY. Ms. Threlkeld assisted with Meadows Opera Theater’s 2017 production of L’Elisir d’Amore and their 2016 production of Die Zauberflöte. In 2016, she was selected to be a conducting fellow for the Eastern Music Festival where she worked alongside music director Gerard Schwarz and conducted the Eastern Festival Orchestra. Additionally, Ms. Threlkeld studied conducting in Weimar, Germany and holds a Bachelors in Music Education and a Masters in Orchestral Conducting from Southern Methodist University, where she studied with Dr. Paul Phillips.

    ~~~~
    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 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
    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 Valery), 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!

    A Double Bill!
    VIOLIN CONCERTO IN D MAJOR & THE RING OF POLYKRATES
    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 with 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 Kwiecie? (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
    ____________________________________________________________________________________
    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.

    ###

    Apply Now for Hart Institute for Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera

    IWC ImageFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    Tuesday, March 7, 2017
    Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014 Or Celeste Hart 214-443-1071
    suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org celeste.hart@dallasopera.org

    THE DALLAS OPERA IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE
    APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR
    The Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for
    Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera
    ~~~~
    2017 Dallas Residency: Nov. 6-18, 2017
    Deadline for Applications: April 30, 2017
    ~~~~
    TDO Seeks to Create New Opportunities for Talented Young Women Conductors Making Their Mark in the Field of Opera
    ~~~~
    Additional Support from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation
    And the Richard and Enika Schulze Foundation
    ~~~~
    www.dallasopera.org/womenconductors

    DALLAS, MARCH 7, 2017 – Striving to address a long-standing career imbalance in the opera world, The Dallas Opera is delighted to announce that applications are now being accepted for a unique residential program designed to provide training and career support for distinctively talented women conductors: The Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors at The Dallas Opera (IWC). This year’s program represents the third residency of a twenty-year commitment made by the company.
    Female conductors, as well as accomplished singers, opera coaches, accompanists, and instrumentalists with established careers seeking a new career at the podium are encouraged to apply for the upcoming institute, assembling in the fall of 2017. Although the emphasis is on women conductors on the cusp of major careers in opera, more seasoned applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
    The Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors will meet on November 6, 2017 and run through November 18, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. This year’s institute will include two public concerts (on November 11th and November 18th) in addition to intensive one-on-one’s, master classes, career advancement curriculum, and opportunities to conduct the highly regarded Dallas Opera Orchestra.
    The institute, conceived by Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny, was created with initial support from the Richard and Enika Schulze Foundation.
    Since that time, it has garnered additional generous support from Linda and Mitch Hart and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
    Stated Mr. Cerny: “The Dallas Opera has demonstrated, in multiple ways, its unshakable commitment to reshaping the opera field through the use of innovative public outreach, and by exploring new technologies, commissioning new works to expand the operatic repertoire, and programming with passion and imagination.
    “This much-needed program, generously supported by benefactors here in Dallas and elsewhere,” Mr. Cerny adds, “will enable more women conductors to add their talents and insights to our collective understanding of this amazing art form.”
    ~~~~
    The tremendous success of the first two institute sessions has been recognized by music lovers, opera VIPs and the national media, earning a feature in Opera News magazine, published by the Metropolitan Opera Guild, as well as a segment on PBS NewsHour seen across the U.S.
    Scott Cantrell, Classical Music Critic for The Dallas Morning News lavished praise on individual performances in the inaugural concert and wrote: “Some fine conducting talents were displayed; one hopes to see and hear more from them.”
    The Senior Classical Music Critic for Theater Jones, Gregory Sullivan Isaacs, agreed: “They all did a fine job and got most of the details correct. Every one of them delivered involving performances and was, for the most part, right with the singers and clear in their stick technique. Most importantly, the orchestra responded to one and all with good ensemble playing and responsiveness to each conductor’s desires.”
    The 2017 Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for Women Conductors will provide a host of career-building opportunities:
    • Fellows will rehearse and conduct The Dallas Opera Orchestra, a full-sized professional ensemble, with outstanding young opera artists
    • Participate in master classes with renowned conductor Carlo Montanaro, the
    • Martha R. and Preston A. Peak Principal Guest Conductor Nicole Paiement and other stars of the podium
    • Attend seminars and discussions, guided by a variety of experts (including Alec Treuhaft, former Senior Vice-President of IMG Artists, and Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny) on how women conductors can make a greater impact on their field and advance their conducting careers
    • Network with peers and take part in a media “refresher” course

    Six women will be selected from among those applying, along with four additional American observers to participate in this year’s Hart Institute. The Dallas Opera will provide the six fellows with a travel stipend, in-town housing, an honorarium, visa costs, and a per diem to cover basic living expenses. Most meals will be provided.
    Hart Institute Observers will receive a travel and housing stipend. They will have complete access to master classes and seminars but will not have an opportunity to conduct. Most meals will be provided by The Dallas Opera.
    Hart Institute Fellows are also eligible to take part in an annual spring/summer networking event for institute alumni. This spring, Hart Institute Fellows will gather at San Francisco Opera to work with Adler Fellows in an exciting new partnership for The Dallas Opera.
    There is also the potential for one or more participants to be invited back to Dallas to serve as Assistant Conductors or Guest Conductors on future Dallas Opera productions.
    ~~~~
    The application process is now open, with a deadline of 11:59 p.m. (Pacific Time) on Sunday, April 30, 2017. Entry fee, $35. Applications may be submitted directly at YAPtracker.com: http://www.yaptracker.com/applications/dallas-opera-conductors-2017
    Early applications are definitely encouraged. For more information on The Women’s Conducting Institute at The Dallas Opera, please visit www.dallasopera.org/womenconductors.
    ~~~~
    Maestro Carlo Montanaro, music director of Teatr Wielki in Warsaw, Poland from 2011 through 2014, has conducted both opera and concert repertoire on many of the world’s leading stages including La Scala, the Bastille Opera in Paris, Teatro dell’Opera in Rome, the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, San Francisco Opera, Seattle Opera, Teatro Massimo in Palermo, Verona’s Arena, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Teatro Communale in Florence, Vienna State Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Opera Australia, the Arturo Toscanini Foundation in Parma, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the New National Theatre in Tokyo, Munich Opera, Monte Carlo Opera, and Teatro Verdi in Trieste (a collaboration which led to a Japanese tour with the orchestra).
    ~~~~
    The Dallas Opera’s Nicole Paiement, the Artistic Director and Conductor for San Francisco’s renowned contemporary opera company, Opera Parallèle, was singled out for praise in a recent Musical America “Profile in Courage” which wrote: “Working in a profession that often leaves women scandalously underrepresented, Paiement has established stellar credentials.”
    As the subject of a 2015 article in Opera News (“The Mountain Climber” by Matthew Sigman), Paiement was described as “one of opera’s most adventurous spirits.” She also serves as Artistic Director of BluePrint, a contemporary music series at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music where she holds the Deléage Chair, and has broken important new ground in Dallas, where she was invited to conduct critically acclaimed performances of Peter Maxwell Davies’ The Lighthouse, Death and the Powers by Tod Machover, and the successful 2015 world premiere of Joby Talbot and Gene Scheer’s Everest. She has returned to The Dallas Opera this spring to conduct our first performances of Benjamin Britten’s The Turn of the Screw, in a Jonathan Kent production from Glyndebourne Opera.
    ~~~~
    Marc A. Scorca, President and CEO of OPERA America, remarked: “The Dallas Opera continues to expand its influence and stature among American opera companies, as shown by this exciting new initiative. The company is to be applauded for taking a significant step to remedy the existing gender imbalance on the podium. This effort complements OPERA America’s support of the work of female opera composers and promises to enrich the art form by encouraging more gifted artists to express themselves through opera.”
    ~~~~
    2016-2017 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 Family Performances are generously supported by
    Texas Instruments 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 2016-2017 DALLAS OPERA SEASON
    All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise indicated. Single Tickets range from $19 to $275. Flex Subscriptions (three-performances of your choice) begin at $75. Family performance tickets are just $5. For more information or to make your purchase, contact The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or visit us online, 24/7, at www.dallasopera.org.

    THE DALLAS OPERA 2016-2017 SPRING SEASON INFORMATION
    The Dallas Opera celebrates its Sixtieth International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired. The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk will begin one hour prior to curtain, at most performances excluding FIRST NIGHT of the season.

    MADAME BUTTERFLY by Giacomo Puccini
    March 10, 12(m), 15, 18, 24, & 26(m), 2017
    The must see, heart-wrenching Italian opera!
    Libretto by Giuseppe Giacosa & Luigi Illica
    Time: 1904
    Place: Nagasaki, Japan
    Conductor: Donato Renzetti
    Stage Director: John Copley
    Set and Costume Designer: Michael Yeargan
    Lighting Designer: Duane Schuler
    Wig & Make-up Designer: Stephanie Williams
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Starring: Hui He* (Cio-Cio-San), Gianluca Terranova* (B.F. Pinkerton), Manuela Custer (Suzuki), Lucas Meachem* (Sharpless), David Cangelosi (Goro), Reginald Smith, Jr.* (The Bonze), Will Hughes (Prince Yamadori), Mark McCrory (Imperial Commissioner), Samuel P.J. Lopez (Registrar), Angela Turner Wilson (Kate Pinkerton)
    A classic, period production (new to Dallas) from the San Francisco Opera!

    THE TURN OF THE SCREW by Benjamin Britten
    March 17, 19(m), 22, 25, 2017
    A dark and gripping tale!
    Libretto by Myfanwy Piper
    Time: 1950s
    Place: Bly, an English country house
    Conductor: Nicole Paiement
    Original Production: Jonathan Kent
    Stage Director: Francesca Gilpin*
    Set and Costume Designer: Paul Brown
    Original Lighting Designer: Mark Henderson
    Lighting Design Recreated By: David Manion
    Wig and Make-up Designer: Stephanie Williams
    Starring: William Burden (Prologue/Peter Quint), Emma Bell* (Governess), Oliver Nathanielsz* (Miles), Ashley Emerson* (Flora), Dolora Zajick* (Mrs. Grose), Alexandra LoBianco* (Miss Jessel)
    An acclaimed production from Glyndebourne!

    NORMA by Vincenzo Bellini
    April 21, 23(m), 26, 29, May 7(m), 2017
    A thrilling and suspenseful masterpiece!
    Libretto by Felice Romani
    Time: 50 B.C.
    Place: Roman-occupied Gaul
    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
    Stage Director: Nic Muni
    Set Designer: John Conklin
    Costume Designer: John Conklin
    Lighting Designer: Thomas Hase
    Wig & Make-up Designer: Stephanie Williams
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Starring: Elza van den Heever (Norma), Marina Costa Jackson* (Adalgisa), Yonghoon Lee* (Pollione), Christian Van Horn (Oroveso), Mithra Mastropierro* (Clotilde), Charles Karanja (Flavio)
    An atmospheric production from Cincinnati Opera!

    * Dallas Opera Debut
    ** American Debut
    ____________________________________________________________________________________
    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.

    ###