You can practically taste opening night of the season in this on-the-lawn-on-the-spot-on-the-Lucia-menu report by Stephen Doyle of “Crave DFW”. Tuck in and enjoy! (Photo courtesy of Cravedfw.com)
Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media & PR
Baritones & Beachballs: The 2011 Edition
The Dallas Opera’s casual summer events series is back for the hot weather months; thank you for asking! And if FREE sounded good in 2010, it sounds even better in 2011.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Contact: Suzanne Calvin
214-443-1014/suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org
THE DALLAS OPERA PRESENTS
BARITONES & BEACHBALLS
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POPULAR CASUAL SUMMER EVENTS SERIES
READY FOR RE-LAUNCH ON JUNE 13, 2011
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY FRIENDS OF THE DALLAS OPERA
Special Thanks to Dallas Film Society, Screen Door, WRR,
Bavarian Grill Plano and Campisi’s Egyptian Lounge
DALLAS, MAY 26, 2011 – The Dallas Opera is delighted to offer this year’s warmly anticipated, casual summer events series, BARITONES & BEACHBALLS, brought to you by Friends of the Dallas Opera. One of our most popular offerings, this series is designed to keep the summer entertainment quotient rising faster than the heat index! Every event is either no-cost or low-cost, and the series includes timely, topical lectures hosted by WRR Radio Host and Operations Manager Kurt Rongey, special networking and social events, tantalizing tastings and cool, casualmovie nights at Studio Movie Grill’s Royal location—in partnership with Dallas Film Society.
Most of these events are absolutely free, although tastings require a nominal fee in order to cover costs.
The 2011 “Baritones & Beachballs” Series kicks-off on Monday, June 13th at 7:30 PM at the Studio Movie Grill (Royal Location, 11170 N. Central Expressway) with a free movie screening in partnership with Dallas Film Society.
The theme? The Magic Flute.
In this case, renowned British actor/director Kenneth Branagh is the magician behind the cine-magic, along with James Conlon conducting the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Watch for soprano Lyubov Petrova (our Juliet in last season’s Romeo & Juliet) as an ultimately tragic Queen of the Night!
Other highlights include the “Eat. Drink. Learn.” Series conducted at top area restaurants, TDO Happy Hours in partnership with Screen Door (located in One Arts Plaza) and an outstanding summer lecture series, conducted in partnership with WRR, Classical 101.1 FM Radio, relating upcoming operas in the “Tragic Obsessions” Season to timeless themes and timely social issues.
More details in the calendar below. Please note that RSVPs are recommended for all events. Go to rsvp@dallasopera.org or call the RSVP hotline at 214.443.1044. Dates, times and locations may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.dallasopera.org/events.
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2011 Calendar of Events
“Baritones & Beachballs”
The Dallas Opera’s Summer Events Series
Brought to you by Friends of the Dallas Opera
1.) Monday, June 13, 2011
“The Magic Flute-Themed Night at the Movies”
To celebrate The Dallas Opera’s 2011 Season Finale, Mozart’s The Magic Flute, we’ll stage a surprising and magical night of cinema, in partnership with Dallas Film Society.
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Studio Movie Grill (Royal Location)
11170 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, TX 75243
Cost: FREE. RSVPs recommended, 214.443.1044.
2.) Tuesday, June 14, 2011
TDO Happy Hour in partnership with Screen Door: Lucia di Lammermoor Scotch tasting. Get your plaid on and have a fling!
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Location: Screen Door
One Arts Plaza, 1722 Routh St. #132
Dallas, TX 75201
Cost: $10-$15. RSVPs recommended.
3.) Thursday, June 16, 2011
Discussion Series in partnership with WRR 101.1 FM. “Katya Kabanova and La traviata: Sex, Guilt and the Diva.” Special Guest, Dr. Kevin Salfen of SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts, moderated by Kurt Rongey of Classical 101.1 FM.
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Nancy B. Hamon Hall, the Winspear Opera House
AT&T Performing Arts Center
2403 Flora Street
Dallas, TX 75201
Cost: FREE. RSVPs recommended, 214.443.1044.
4.) Saturday, June 18, 2011
“Eat. Drink. Learn.” Series debut with Tristan & Isolde-themed culinary delights, German-style! Bring a Wagnerian appetite for fun, food and opera!
Time: 4:00-6:00 PM
Location: Bavarian Grill Plano
221 West Parker Road
Plano, TX 75023
Cost: $40 per person. RSVPs required, 214.443.1044.
5.) Monday, July 11, 2011
La traviata-themed movie screening in partnership with Dallas Film Society: “Pretty Woman” starring Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, and a pair of elegant box seats at San Francisco Opera!
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Studio Movie Grill (Royal Location)
11170 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, TX 25243
Cost: FREE. RSVPs recommended, 214.443.1044.
6.) Tuesday, July 12, 2011
TDO Happy Hour in partnership with Screen Door: a Lucia di Lammermoor-themed Italian wine tasting. Donizetti, get it? Enjoy stimulating company and the sun-kissed warmth of Italian wines.
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Location: Screen Door
One Arts Plaza, 1722 Routh St. #132
Dallas, TX 75201
Cost: $10-$15. RSVPs recommended, 214.443.1044.
7.) Thursday, July 14, 2011
Dallas Opera discussion “Wagner’s Aims and the Pan-European Roots of Tristan & Isolde.” Why this ancient myth moved from Celtic mythology to French, German and even Slavic versions of the tale and how it changed to accommodate the morals and literary tastes of each society that embraced it. Special guests, Dr. Robert Scott Dupree, Co-Director, Program in Comparative Literary Traditions, the University of Dallas and Dr. Margaret Notley, a Professor of Music History from UNT’s College of Music.
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Nancy B. Hamon Hall, the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House
2403 Flora Street
Dallas, TX 75201
Cost: FREE. RSVPs recommended, 214.443.1044.
8.) Sunday, July 17, 2011
“Eat. Drink. Learn.” Series focusing on Mozart’s zany masterpiece, The Magic Flute!
Join The Dallas Opera at a legendary local restaurant that combines Texas tradition with a touch of the exotic.
Time: 4:00-6:00 PM
Location: Campisi’s Egyptian Lounge
5610 E. Mockingbird Lane
Dallas, TX 75206
Cost: $25 per person. RSVPs required, 214.443.1044.
9.) Monday, August 15, 2011
Movie Screening in partnership with Dallas Film Society: Tristan + Isolde starring Sophia Myles and James Franco. Based on the Celtic tale that inspired Wagner’s masterpiece, this saga of doomed love and betrayal overflows with intrigue, sensuality and heart-break.
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Studio Movie Grill
11170 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, TX 75243
Cost: FREE. RSVPs recommended, 214.443.1044.
10.) Tuesday, August 16, 2011
TDO Happy Hour in Partnership with Screen Door! Chill out at this fun-filled Vodka tasting, celebrating our upcoming revival of Katya Kabanova, set in rural Russia. All comers welcome! It’s your chance to network and get your pre-season opera buzz!
Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
Location: Screen Door
One Arts Plaza
1722 Routh St., #132
Dallas, TX 75201
Cost: $10-$15 per person. RSVPs recommended, 214.443.1044.
11.) Thursday, August 18, 2011
“In-laws from Hell: Family Dynamics and Opera”
Tied to our upcoming productions of Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor and Mozart’s The Magic Flute, this Dallas Opera discussion features Dr. Kevin Salfen, a Professor of Music History from SMU’s Meadows School of the Arts and Dallas-area Clinical Psychologist Dr. Neil Ravella. Moderated by WRR Operations Manager and on-air personality Kurt Rongey.
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Nancy B. Hamon Hall, the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House
2403 Flora Street
Dallas, TX 75201
Cost: FREE. RSVPs recommended, 214.443.1044.
11.) Sunday, August 21, 2011
“Eat. Drink. Learn.” Series
Join the Dallas Opera for a walk on the west side of the Metroplex as we wrap up our summer series with a La traviata-themed soirée featuring spectacular French food and Italian wines in one of Ft. Worth’s most charming restaurants.
Time: 4:00-6:00 PM
Location: Saint Emilion
3617 W. Seventh Street
Ft. Worth, TX 76107
Cost: $50 per person. RSVPs required, 214.443.1044.
EVENTS AND GUESTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT “JUNE AT THE DALLAS OPERA”
IS CONVENIENTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7
VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG AND CHECK THE CALENDAR LISTINGS
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 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 2011-2012 Dallas Opera Season
All performances are in the acoustically acclaimed Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Subscriptions start at just $85 and are on sale now. Single tickets go on sale in September. For more information, contact the friendly staff at The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or visit us online at www.dallasopera.org.
THE DALLAS OPERA 2011-2012 SEASON INFORMATION
The Dallas Opera celebrates its Fifty-Fifth 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.
LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR by Gaetano Donizetti
Dead Men DO Wear Plaid!
October 21, 23(m), 26 & 29, and November 6(m), 2011
An opera in three acts first performed at Teatro San Carlo, Naples on September 26, 1835.
Text by Salvatore Cammarano, based on Sir Walter Scott’s novel, The Bride of Lammermoor.
Time: Around 1700
Place: Scotland
Conductor: Riccardo Frizza
Stage Director: Garnett Bruce
Costume Design: Peter J. Hall
Lighting Design: Marie Barrett
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Fight Choreographer: Bill Lengfelder
Starring: Elena Mosuc* (Lucia Ashton), Bryan Hymel* (Sir Edgardo di Ravenwood), Luca Grassi** (Lord Enrico Ashton), Jordan Bisch* (Raimondo Bidebent), Scott Quinn (Normanno), Aaron Blake (Lord Arturo Bucklaw), and Cynthia Hanna* (Alisa).
KATYA KABANOVA by Leoš Janá?ek
October 28, 30(m), November 2, 5 & 13(m), 2011
Romance Reigns in Rural Russia!
An opera in three acts first performed in Brno, October 23, 1921.
Text by Cervinka, based on Ostrovsky’s “The Storm.”
Time: Around 1860
Place: The little town of Kalinov on the banks of the Volga River
Conductor: Graeme Jenkins
Stage Director: David Alden
Scenic Design: Charles Edwards
Costume Design: John Morrell
Lighting Designer: Adam Silverman*
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Patricia Racette (Katerina Kabanova), Susan Bickley* (Marfa Kabanova), Roger Honeywell* (Boris Grigoryevich), Anthony Dean Griffey* (Tikhon), John Tessier* (Vanya Kudrjas), Sasha Cooke* (Varvara), Andrew Shore (Dikoy), Ann McMahon Quintero* (Glasha), and Aaron Blake (A Passerby)
TRISTAN & ISOLDE by Richard Wagner
February 16, 19(m), 22 & 25, 2012
A Special Opera-in-Concert, with projections by Moby-Dick’s Elaine McCarthy!
Ancient Myths, Modern Cine-Magic!
An opera in two acts first performed in Munich, June 10, 1865.
Text by Richard Wagner, based on an ancient Celtic and Icelandic legend.
Time: Legendary
Place: A ship at sea; outside King Marke’s palace, Cornwall; Tristan’s castle at Kareol
Conductor: Graeme Jenkins
Stage Director: Christian Räth
Video Design: Elaine McCarthy
Lighting Design: Alan Burrett
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Jeanne-Michele Charbonnet (Isolde), Clifton Forbis (Tristan), Elizabeth Bishop (Brangäne), Jukka Rasilainen** (Kurvenal), Kristinn Sigmundsson* (King Marke), Scott Quinn (Melot), and Aaron Blake (A Young Sailor/A Shepherd).
THE LIGHTHOUSE by Peter Maxwell Davies
Inaugural production of the Dallas Opera Chamber Series
Presented in collaboration with the Dallas Theater Center
In the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre at the AT&T Performing Arts Center
March 16, 17 & 18(m), 2012
A chilling supernatural and psychological thriller!
Time: December 1900
Place: Edinburgh Court of Enquiry, Fladda Isle Lighthouse off the Scottish coast
Conductor: Nicole Paiement*
Stage Director: Kevin Moriarty* (opera directorial debut)
Scenic Design: Beowulf Boritt*
Costume Design: Claudia Stephens*
Cast to be announced.
LA TRAVIATA by Giuseppe Verdi
April 13, 15(m), 18, 21, 27 & 29(m), 2012
Let’s Party Like It’s 1849!
An opera in three acts first performed in Venice at Teatro La Fenice, March 6, 1853
Text by Francesco Maria Piave, based on Alexandre Dumas’ play, La dame aux camélias
Time: 19th century
Place: Paris
Conductor: Marco Guidarini
Stage Director: Bliss Hebert
Production Design: Allen Charles Klein
Lighting Design: Thomas Hase
Choreographer: Rosa Mercedes*
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Starring: Myrtò Papatanasiu** (Violetta Valéry), James Valenti (Alfredo Germont), Laurent Naouri* (Giorgio Germont), Amanda Crider* (Flora Bervoix), Timothy Mix* (Baron Douphol), Tom Corbeil* (Marchese D’Obigny), Ethan Herschenfeld* (Doctor Grenvil), and Susan Nicely (Annina).
THE MAGIC FLUTE by W.A. Mozart
April 20, 22(m), 25, 28, May 4 & 6(m), 2012
Hearts Tested, Tried and True!
An opera in two acts first performed in Vienna, September 30, 1791.
Text by Emanuel Schikaneder.
Time: Legendary
Place: Mythological Egypt
Conductor: Graeme Jenkins
Production: August Everding
Stage Director: Matthew Lata
Scenic Design: Jörg Zimmermann*
Costume Design: Renate Kalanke*
Lighting Design: Duane Schuler
Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
Children’s Chorus Master: Melinda Cotten
Starring: Ava Pine (Pamina), Shawn Mathey* (Tamina), Patrick Carfizzi (Papageno), L’ubica Vargicová* (The Queen of the Night), Raymond Aceto (Sarastro), Kevin Langan (The Speaker), David Cangelosi (Monostatos), Angela Mannino* (Papagena), Caitlin Lynch* (First Lady), Lauren McNeese* (Second Lady), Maya Lahyani* (Third Lady), Aaron Blake (First Man in Armour) and Darren K. Stokes* (Second Man in Armour).
* 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. Supporting Partners: The T. Boone Pickens YMCA, Smartwater and Stephen Pyles Restaurant. A special thanks to Mrs. William W. Winspear and the Elsa von Seggern Foundation for their continuing support.
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He Brought a Voice to an Instrument Fight
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| Dr. Stephen Dubberly lecturing on Roberto Devereux at One Arts Plaza |
Dr. Stephen Dubberly promised not to sing for us at the beginning of his lecture on our upcoming production of Donizetti’s Roberto Devereux. About thirty-minutes in, he broke that promise.
As the University of North Texas’ Music Director, Dr. Dubberly is very familiar with Donizetti’s bel canto style and, from the lobby of One Arts Plaza, he was not shy about vocally disseminating the musical composition in front of fifty eager opera patrons, not to mention the staff and residents of One Arts. I’m quite positive Dr. Dubberly is a wonderful conductor – but a bel canto singer, he is not. Honestly, it was our own fault for not being able to provide a piano or keyboard for his demonstrations.
Despite the fact that he is not Stephen Costello (this season’s Robert), every one of us was grateful for his auditory teachings. And what he lacks in vocal talent, he makes up for in enthusiasm and overall know-it-all for every production he lectures. Roberto Devereux was no different as he spoke about the history of everything from the composer to the librettist to the original soprano for whom the opera was written (Giuseppina Ronzi de Begnis).
If you’re a fan of Showtime’s The Tudors, then you’re going to love Donizetti. Roberto Devereux is the third installment of Donizetti’s Elizabethan series which was preceded by Anna Bolena and Maria Stuarda (Mary Queen of Scots) which TDO produced for the first time in its 2006-2007 50th Anniversary season. Roberto Devereux is also a TDO premiere so don’t miss the opportunity to see Donizetti at the finest level by purchasing your subscription today!
Next month, Dr. Dubberly will be lecturing on Puccini’s romantic classic La boheme at the University of Texas at Dallas Artists’ Residency, Central Trak. View the works of Dallas’ own bohemians as you prepare yourself for one of the most popular operas in the world. RSVP by e-mailing amici@dallasopera.org or call 214-443-1044.
Cody Rubio, TDO Web Guy
Dubberly and Jorg – A very good combination
It was a bit soggy on the way to Jorg’s Cafe Vienna on Tuesday evening as everyone gathered for what was called “A Lecture and a Schnitzel.” But you would not have known it once you got inside Jorg’s in downtown Plano. Everyone had an Austrian beer in front of them and the conversation filled the entire restaurant.
As part of the Figaro in Flip-Flops Event Series, Dr. Stephen Dubberly gave a lecture on DIE FLEDERMAUS while everyone enjoyed a very authentic and totally amazing meal. To say that I left that night full is almost an understatement. The apple strudel definitely topped off the meal. But everyone left with more than their stomach full. We all left with new knowledge and appreciation for the opera. I know I can’t wait to see and hear Strauss’ use of the waltz in December.
Jennifer Schuder, Dir of MKT
“Basically Beethoven” is Back
…at the Dallas Arboretum, courtesy of the Fine Arts Chamber Players led by Artistic Director Rogene Russell, principal oboist for The Dallas Opera Orchestra. However, there are some changes this year, so, check out the article below before you go:
Click, then scroll down for the information
If I may make a suggestion: Hie thee hence to the 3:00 pm concert on July 20th and then enjoy a fabulous champagne tasting with The Dallas Opera at Dali Wine Bar & Cellar in One Arts Plaza, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. It’s a fine way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The tasting is $15 per person, call 214.443.1044 to reserve your spot.
Suzanne Calvin, Assoc. Dir. of Marketing
The Dallas Opera
Winspear Opera House “Overview”
We kicked off The Dallas Opera’s new casual series of pre-season events, “Figaro in Flip-Flops” with a lovely opening event for Board Members and Trustees at One Arts Plaza, the presenting sponsor of this special series. It took place on a breezy, sunny summer evening on the edge of the Downtown Arts District and, from the extraordinary perspective of a balcony adjoining the elegant residence where the event took place, we were able to look straight down upon the site of the new Dallas Center for the Performing Arts: The already gorgeous Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, the exciting Wyly Theater which will house the Dallas Theater Center, and the spaces that will become the sites of plazas, squares and smaller venues – each speaking to different needs of the community and the artists who call Dallas home.
The sound of the wind muffled the strains of the lovely Steinway Grand playing inside. I felt very small and insignificant gazing down at these monumental structures stretching past Cathedral Guadalupe and the Nasher Sculpture Center to the DMA. Yet, in the next moment, I was moved by the thought that in a world with many uncertainties and troubles, the people of North Texas continue to believe in the future; a future for ourselves and our children and grandchildren made brighter and better by the inclusion of music, theater and art.
Perhaps “saving civilization” is a task best practiced close to home, by making a genuine effort to support, appreciate, and understand the messages and meaning of the arts in our own lives. If we can manage to do this, we won’t have to bend over backwards to sell our ideas to others….They’ll sell themselves.
Suzanne Calvin, Assoc. Dir. of Marketing, The Dallas Opera