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    Chairs for Dazzling 60th Season Opening Events Announced!

    DEDICATED PHILANTHROPISTS ELLEN AND DON WINSPEAR

    APPOINTED AS CHAIRS  FOR FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT

    ~~~~

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ~~~~

     

    QUICK FACTS

    2016-2017 FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT

    PRESENTED BY THE DALLAS OPERA

     

    FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show and Luncheon

    NorthPark Center Presenting Sponsor

    Thursday, October 27, 2016

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

    Kick-Off Event for 60 Year Celebration

    Chairs: Ellen and Don Winspear

    Honorary Chairs: Joyce and Harvey Mitchell

    Luncheon Chairs: Tiffany Divis, Kara Goss, Rhonda Marcus

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

    Catering: Wolfgang Puck

    Location: Winspear Opera House

    Tickets: Start at $300

    www.dallasopera.org/firstsight

     

    FIRST NIGHT

    Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management Presenting Sponsor

    Pre-Performance Dinner and After Party

    Friday, October 28, 2016

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

    Celebrating the 60th Year of The Dallas Opera

    Chairs: Ellen and Don Winspear

    Honorary Chairs: Joyce and Harvey Mitchell

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

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

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

    Catering: Wolfgang Puck

    Tickets start at $1000 (After Party ticket included)

    www.dallasopera.org/firstnight

     

    AFTER PARTY

    Friday, October 28, 2016

    11:00 pm to 1:30 am

    Chairs: Ellen and Don Winspear

    Honorary Chairs: Joyce and Harvey Mitchell

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

    Featuring: The Hunter Sullivan Band

    Catering: Wolfgang Puck Sweet & Savory, Open Bar

    Tickets: Included with First Night Ticket Purchase

     

    ~~~~

     

    The Dallas Opera Family Performances are generously supported by

    Texas Instruments, the Betty and Steve Suellentrop

    Educational Outreach Fund, and Lockheed Martin.

    TDO Family Performances are a part of the

    Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs

     

    2016-2017 DALLAS OPERA SEASON

    EUGENE ONEGIN

    By Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky

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

     

    MOBY-DICK

    By Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer

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

     

    MADAME BUTTERFLY

    By Giacomo Puccini

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

     

    THE TURN OF THE SCREW

    By Benjamin Britten

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

     

    NORMA

    By Vincenzo Bellini

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

    ~~~~

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

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

    ______________________________________________________________________________

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

     

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    Dallas Opera Administrative Offices Named for Noted Philanthropist

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    Tuesday, October 6, 2015
    Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014 Or Celeste Hart 214.443.1071
    suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org celeste.hart@dallasopera.org

    THE DALLAS OPERA IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE

    THE NAMING OF THE COMPANY’S ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES:

    ELSA VON SEGGERN OFFICE SUITE

    IN HONOR OF A PASSIONATE OPERA LOVER AND
    A LEGENDARY DALLAS PHILANTHROPIST
    ~~~~
    IN CONJUNCTION WITH A NEW $5 MILLION GIFT FROM
    E.F. VON SEGGERN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION TRUST

    DALLAS, OCTOBER 6, 2015 – Nearly six years after the company’s move into the iconic Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, The Dallas Opera is thrilled to announce the naming of TDO’s administrative offices for one of the city’s most remarkable, colorful and generous patrons of the arts: the late Elsa von Seggern.

    One of two women described as “godmothers” of The Dallas Opera (the late, great Maria Callas also shared that distinction), the name recognizes von Seggern’s past generosity, as well as a new five-million dollar gift to the company from the E.F. von Seggern Charitable Foundation Trust.

    “The Elsa von Seggern Foundation was recognized in the 2011 unveiling of The Dallas Opera’s ‘21st Century Wall of Honor,” notes Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny, “for significant contributions to the artistic and financial strength of the company in this century.”

    “The foundation’s incredibly generous gift of $5 million enables us to plan with greater confidence far into the future. In truth, the long-term impact of such a remarkable gift cannot be overestimated,” Cerny adds, “and is a wonderful way to pay tribute to Elsa’s historic involvement with The Dallas Opera since our earliest days in Fair Park.”

    A self-described “treasurer-in-residence” for the company, Elsa von Seggern went so far as to underwrite TDO’s payroll during the lean years of the 1970s, guiding the implementation of proper business practices and setting the stage for the artistic successes that followed.

    “Dallas and Texas have been good to me,” she was quoted as saying. “By universal law, you should put in where you take out; and that’s why I do it. I like the arts, and I wish that they could be supported in a big way.”

    This child of German immigrants who grew up on a farm in Nebraska was introduced to opera through the Metropolitan Opera radio broadcasts. The independent-minded von Seggern took several business courses enabling her to find work as a young stenographer in Omaha. She later sold dresses at a Chicago department store, learning the fundamentals of retail.
    However, a single visit to Dallas was enough to change the trajectory of her life. In the midst of the Great Depression, she decided to stay, taking a job at a local insurance firm where a friend, L.C. Ferguson, eventually contacted her with the suggestion that they go into business together. From an original investment of $185, the Dallas-based company they founded (Shovel Supply Company) became a major supplier of heavy equipment to a variety of companies and contractors, including independent oil producers throughout the Southwest.

    Besides her obvious business acumen, von Seggern possessed a relentless curiosity about people and places, a distinctive style and impeccable instincts.

    Entrepreneurial success and the wealth that came with it gave Elsa von Seggern the freedom to travel to exotic locales (including Siberia in the early 1960s), study “esoteric philosophy,” and indulge her fascination with all things Egyptian. It also gave her the freedom to give back—generously—to her adopted home town of Dallas.

    “Elsa’s mother instructed her youngest child to put her money where her mouth is,” explains Dwight E. “Gene” Saur, Jr., the original Trustee for the E.F. von Seggern Charitable Foundation Trust and the philanthropist’s longtime financial advisor. “She did so without hesitation,” he noted, “becoming one of the most generous patrons in Dallas Opera history.”

    The Women’s Board of The Dallas Opera acknowledged her impact by presenting Elsa von Seggern with the inaugural ‘Juanita and Henry S. Miller, Jr. Founders Award’ in 1991, designed to recognize individuals who have made exceptional volunteer and philanthropic contributions benefiting the opera. Before she passed away in 1995, Elsa had served as the sole underwriter of fourteen Dallas Opera productions, among other gifts to the company.

    “She was also a generous supporter of the Dallas Ballet, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth,” recalls Foundation Trustee Joe L. Sharp. “Yet, opera remained her grand passion, and the Foundation has made every effort to keep her memory fresh for new generations of opera audiences, by continuing to give generously in order to advance the cause of this art form in Dallas.

    “We know how pleased Elsa would be to see her name continue to be associated with the opera company that captured her heart, and commanded so much of her time, love, and lavish attention.”

    “There have been discussions with the E.F. von Seggern Charitable Foundation Trust for many years about the appropriate way to honor her lasting legacy at The Dallas Opera,” says Gae Whitener, Director of Development. “After a decade of personally working closely with the Foundation and learning about this remarkable woman, I’m delighted that the arrangement announced today will further spotlight “Miss von” and her pivotal role in the life of this company.”

    In addition to being added to signage, letterheads and signatures, the Elsa von Seggern Office Suite will feature a new showcase to educate visitors about her life and legacy.
    ~~~~

    EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT “OCTOBER AT THE DALLAS OPERA”
    IS CONVENIENTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7
    VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG AND CHECK THE CALENDAR LISTINGS

    TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, 2015-2016 SEASON SPONSOR FOR THE DALLAS OPERA’S “SEEKING THE HUMAN ELEMENT” SEASON

    Ticket Information for the 2015-2016 Dallas Opera Season
    All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise described. Single Tickets range from $19 to $275. Full and Flex Subscriptions are on sale starting 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 2015-2016 FALL SEASON INFORMATION
    The Dallas Opera celebrates its Fifty-Ninth 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.

    GREAT SCOTT by Jake Heggie
    October 30, November 1(m), 4, 7 & 15(m), 2015
    A Thrilling Dallas Opera World Premiere!
    Libretto by Terrence McNally*
    Time: Present Day
    Place: A Major American City
    Conductor: Patrick Summers
    Stage Director: Jack O’Brien*
    Set and Costume Design: Bob Crowley
    Lighting Design: Brian MacDevitt*
    Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Starring: Joyce DiDonato* (Arden Scott), Ailyn Pérez (Tatyana Bakst), Frederica von Stade (Mrs. Edward “Winnie” Flato), Nathan Gunn (Sid Taylor), Anthony Roth Costanzo* (Roane Heckle), Kevin Burdette (Eric Gold/Ghost of Vittorio Bazzetti), Michael Mayes* (Wendell Swan). A Brand-New Dallas Opera Production!

    TOSCA by Giacomo Puccini
    November 6, 8(m), 11, 14, 20 & 22(m), 2015
    A passionate and timeless masterpiece in a beloved period production
    An opera in three acts first performed in Rome, Italy on January 14, 1900
    Text by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa after Victorien Sardou’s 1887 French-language play, La Tosca
    Time: Early 19th century
    Place: Locations in and around the City of Rome
    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
    Stage Director: Ellen Douglas Schlaefer*
    Set and Costume Design: Ulisse Santicchi
    Lighting Design: Marie Barrett
    Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Children’s Chorus Master: TBA
    Starring: Emily Magee (Floria Tosca), Giancarlo Monsalve* (Mario Cavaradossi), Raymond Aceto (Baron Scarpia), William Ferguson (Spoletta), Dale Travis* (A Sacristan) and Ryan Kuster (Angelotti). One of The Dallas Opera’s Most Popular!

    BECOMING SANTA CLAUS by Mark Adamo
    December 4, 6(m), 9 & 12, 2015
    An Eagerly Awaited Dallas Opera World Premiere!
    Libretto by the composer, Mark Adamo.
    Time: Now
    Place: An Elven kingdom in the far, far north; also, the stable of the first Christmas
    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
    Stage Director: Paul Curran
    Set and Costume Design: Gary McCann*
    Video Design: Driscoll Otto*
    Lighting Design: Paul Hackenmueller*
    Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Starring: Jennifer Rivera* (Queen Sophine), Juan José de León (Prince Claus), Matt Boehler* (Donkey). Another New Dallas Opera Production

    * 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.

    ###

    $5 Family Fun This Fall at TDO

    One of the season’s best entertainment bargains, and perfect for the entire family!

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    Tuesday, August 18, 2015
    Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014 Or Celeste Hart 214.443.1071
    suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org celeste.hart@dallasopera.org

    TDO $5 Fall Family Performances
    With Generous Support from Presenting Sponsor
    Texas Instruments

    And the Betty and Steve Suellentrop
    Educational Outreach Fund
    ~~~~
    Part of “The Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs”
    ~~~~
    With additional support from
    Lockheed Martin
    ~~~~
    CONDUCTED BY
    PETER MANNING & PAOLO BRESSAN
    ~~~~
    “ROSSINI AND COMPANY”
    A DALLAS OPERA FAMILY CONCERT
    FEATURING THE DALLAS OPERA ORCHESTRA
    Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, 2:00 p.m.
    Margot & Bill Winspear Opera House

    “BASTIEN AND BASTIENNE” by W.A. Mozart
    $5 FAMILY PERFORMANCE WITH TDO ORCHESTRA
    Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, 2:00 p.m.
    Margot & Bill Winspear Opera House

    DALLAS, AUGUST 18, 2015 – Forget about the heat and put those computers, tablets, and smart phones aside in order to take advantage of budget-minded, kid-friendly performances offered by The Dallas Opera (TDO) this fall!
    The always popular Dallas Opera Family Performance Series is proudly presented by Texas Instruments, and made possible with additional generous support from the Betty and Steve Suellentrop Educational Outreach Fund and Lockheed Martin.
    Five dollar single tickets are available now through The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or 24/7 at dallasopera.org/family. Save by purchasing in advance; a three-pack subscription goes for just $12!

    The FAMILY CONCERT: “ROSSINI AND COMPANY” is a parade of Gioachino Rossini’s greatest hits including a wide variety of arias and overtures by this 19th century Italian composer. Patrons may be surprised at just how many pieces they already know and love and this event is sure to be enjoyed by fans of all ages. Featuring The Dallas Opera Orchestra and led by the acclaimed British conductor and violinist, Maestro Peter Manning, Guest Conductor and Concertmaster for The Dallas Opera, this concert performances will be presented on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.
    Prior to the concert, The C. Vincent Prothro Lobby will open at 12:30 p.m. for a host of hands-on crafts and activities for children.

    “One of the most exciting developments during my five years in Dallas” explains General Director and CEO Keith Cerny, “has been our ability to expand our education and community outreach efforts to reach tens of thousands of people across North Texas. It has also enabled the Dallas Opera to invite newcomers – particularly children and families – to experience the richness, color and excitement of opera as it was meant to be experienced, in the magnificent Winspear Opera House.
    “Thanks to our generous underwriters, this company is touching lives in a profound new way,” Cerny adds, “and reaching people who never knew that opera is easily accessible and highly entertaining.”

    ~~~~

    BASTIEN AND BASTIENNE is a charming, short, fully-staged comic opera composed by a very, very young Mozart (he was only twelve!). It centers on a lad and lassie with remarkably similar names who fall in love but are separated – at least briefly – by worldly enticements. Bastienne, a shepherdess, believes her boyfriend, Bastien, has fallen for a girl he met in the big city. Colas, the local magician, listens as Bastienne pours out her broken heart. Could he possibly have something “up his sleeve” that will bring this loving couple back together? The one-act opera was meant to serve as a gentle parody of the 18th century pastoral works that were then all the rage onstage.
    The renowned Paolo Bressan will conduct The Dallas Opera Orchestra in this delightful 1768 opera, which stars sopranos Alissa Roca and Anna Valcour sharing the role of Bastienne, and tenors Charles Karanja and Christopher Oglesby in separate casts as her beloved Bastien. The opera also features bass-baritones Mason Jarboe and Langelihle Mngxati as Colas, a magician of some wisdom and questionable skills.

    ~~~~
    EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA
    IS CONVENIENTLY 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
    ~~~~

    TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, 2015-2016 SEASON SPONSOR FOR THE DALLAS OPERA’S “SEEKING THE HUMAN ELEMENT” SEASON

    Ticket Information for the 2015-2016 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. Full Subscriptions start at $99, 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 2015-2016 FALL SEASON INFORMATION
    The Dallas Opera celebrates its Fifty-Ninth 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.

    GREAT SCOTT by Jake Heggie
    October 30, November 1(m), 4, 7 & 15(m), 2015
    A Thrilling Dallas Opera World Premiere!
    Libretto by Terrence McNally*
    Time: Present Day
    Place: A Major American City
    Conductor: Patrick Summers
    Stage Director: Jack O’Brien
    Set and Costume Designer: Bob Crowley*
    Lighting Designer: Brian MacDevitt*
    Projections Designer: Elaine J. McCarthy
    Wig & make-up Designer: David Zimmerman
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Starring: Joyce DiDonato* (Arden Scott) (The Marnie and Kern Wildenthal Principal Artist) Ailyn Pérez (Tatyana Bakst), Frederica von Stade (Mrs. Edward “Winnie” Flato), Nathan Gunn (Sid Taylor), Anthony Roth Costanzo* (Roane Heckle), Kevin Burdette (Eric Gold), Rodell Rosel* (Anthony Candolino), Michael Mayes* (Wendell Swan).
    A Brand-New Dallas Opera Production!

    TOSCA by Giacomo Puccini
    November 6, 8(m), 11, 14, 20 & 22(m), 2015
    A passionate and timeless masterpiece in a beloved period production
    An opera in three acts first performed in Rome, Italy on January 14, 1900
    Text by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa after Victorien Sardou’s 1887 French-language play, La Tosca
    Time: Early 19th century
    Place: Locations in and around the City of Rome
    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
    Stage Director: Ellen Douglas Schlaefer*
    Set and Costume Designer: Ulisse Santicchi
    Lighting Designer: Marie Barrett
    Wig & make-up Designer: David Zimmerman
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Children’s Chorus Master: Melinda Cotten
    Starring: Emily Magee (Floria Tosca), Giancarlo Monsalve* (Mario Cavaradossi), Raymond Aceto (Baron Scarpia), Ryan Kuster (Angelotti), Dale Travis* (A Sacristan), William Ferguson (Spoletta), Wes Mason (Sciarrone).
    One of The Dallas Opera’s Most Popular!

    BECOMING SANTA CLAUS by Mark Adamo
    December 4, 6(m), 9 & 12, 2015
    An Eagerly Awaited Dallas Opera World Premiere!
    Libretto by the composer, Mark Adamo.
    Time: Now
    Place: An Elven kingdom in the far, far north; also, the stable of the first Christmas
    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
    Stage Director and Choreographer: Paul Curran
    Set and Costume Designer: Gary McCann*
    Lighting Designer: Paul Hackenmueller*
    Projections Designer: Driscoll Otto*
    Wig & make-up Designer: David Zimmerman
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Starring: Jennifer Rivera* (Queen Sophine), Juan José de León (Prince Claus), Matt Boehler* (Donkey), Hila Plitmann* (Yan), Lucy Schaufer* (Ib), Keith Jameson (Yab), Kevin Burdette (Ob).
    Another New Dallas Opera Production!

    * 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.

    ###

    On Your Toes, Dancers! Auditions August 8th!

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    Friday, July 17, 2015
    Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014 Or Celeste Hart 214.443.1071
    suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org celeste.hart@dallasopera.org

    THE DALLAS OPERA NEEDS EIGHT
    AWESOME DANCERS!
    ~~~~
    SEEKING MALE AND FEMALE DANCERS
    Or Actors with Ballet/Dance/Movement Training
    ~~~~
    Auditions to Appear in MANON on the Winspear Stage
    Saturday, August 8 from 11:00-2:00 p.m.
    At The Dallas Opera Rehearsal Center

    DALLAS, JULY 17, 2015 – The Dallas Opera is in need of eight talented male and female dancers (or actors with dance experience) to appear onstage in the company’s March 2016 production of Jules Massenet’s Manon, starring Ailyn Pérez in the title role, Stephen Costello as Chevalier des Grieux and Edwin Crossley-Mercer in his TDO debut as Lescaut.
    Rehearsals begin on Monday, February 8, 2016 culminating in four performances on March 4, 6 (matinee), 9 & 12 in the Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.
    Dancers will be compensated for rehearsal time, as well as a per-performance fee.
    The Dallas Opera is seeking candidates with stage experience, musicality, and the ability to produce a well-rounded, strong and defined stage character through their art. Characters range from noble to downright naughty.
    Talented dancers and actors with onstage dance experience are encouraged to apply. To schedule your audition, send your resume to Ahne Schield at ahne.schield@dallasopera.org. Audition times will be determined on a first-come, first-served basis.
    This acclaimed production of Manon was created by Sir David McVicar and will be directed in Dallas by E. Loren Meeker. Choreography is by Colm Seery.
    The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House is conveniently located in the heart of the Arts District at 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, TX 75201.
    The Dallas Opera Rehearsal Center, where the auditions will take place on Saturday, August 8 from 11:00 until 2:00 p.m., is just outside Fair Park (follow the signs to Gate 12) at 4301 S. Fitzhugh, Dallas, TX 75210.

    ~~~~

    EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT “JULY AT THE DALLAS OPERA”
    IS CONVENIENTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7
    VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG AND CHECK THE CALENDAR LISTINGS

    TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, 2015-2016 SEASON SPONSOR FOR THE DALLAS OPERA’S “SEEKING THE HUMAN ELEMENT” SEASON

    Ticket Information for the 2015-2016 Dallas Opera Season
    All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise described. Single Tickets range from $19 to $275. Full and Flex Subscriptions are on sale starting 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 2015-2016 FALL SEASON INFORMATION
    The Dallas Opera celebrates its Fifty-Ninth 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.

    GREAT SCOTT by Jake Heggie
    October 30, November 1(m), 4, 7 & 15(m), 2015
    A Thrilling Dallas Opera World Premiere!
    Libretto by Terrence McNally*
    Time: Present Day
    Place: A Major American City
    Conductor: Patrick Summers
    Stage Director: Jack O’Brien*
    Set and Costume Design: Bob Crowley
    Lighting Design: Brian MacDevitt*
    Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Starring: Joyce DiDonato* (Arden Scott), Ailyn Pérez (Tatyana Bakst), Frederica von Stade (Mrs. Edward “Winnie” Flato), Nathan Gunn (Sid Taylor), Anthony Roth Costanzo* (Roane Heckle), Kevin Burdette (Eric Gold), Michael Mayes* (Wendell Swan).
    A Brand-New Dallas Opera Production!

    TOSCA by Giacomo Puccini
    November 6, 8(m), 11, 14, 20 & 22(m), 2015
    A passionate and timeless masterpiece in a beloved period production
    An opera in three acts first performed in Rome, Italy on January 14, 1900
    Text by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa after Victorien Sardou’s 1887 French-language play, La Tosca
    Time: Early 19th century
    Place: Locations in and around the City of Rome
    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
    Stage Director: Ellen Douglas Schlaefer*
    Set and Costume Design: Ulisse Santicchi
    Lighting Design: Marie Barrett
    Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Children’s Chorus Master: TBA
    Starring: Emily Magee (Floria Tosca), Giancarlo Monsalve* (Mario Cavaradossi), Raymond Aceto (Baron Scarpia), William Ferguson (Spoletta), Dale Travis* (A Sacristan) and Ryan Kuster (Angelotti).
    One of The Dallas Opera’s Most Popular!

    BECOMING SANTA CLAUS by Mark Adamo
    December 4, 6(m), 9 & 12, 2015
    An Eagerly Awaited Dallas Opera World Premiere!
    Libretto by the composer, Mark Adamo.
    Time: Now
    Place: An Elven kingdom in the far, far north; also, the stable of the first Christmas
    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
    Stage Director: Paul Curran
    Set and Costume Design: Gary McCann*
    Video Design: Driscoll Otto*
    Lighting Design: Paul Hackenmueller*
    Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Starring: Jennifer Rivera* (Queen Sophine), Juan José de León (Prince Claus), Matt Boehler* (Donkey)
    Another New Dallas Opera Production

    * 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.

    ###

    FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT CO-CHAIRS ANNOUNCED!

    The Dallas Opera is Proud to Announce

    THE APPOINTMENT OF CO-CHAIRS ELLEN AND DON WINSPEAR

     FOR FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT

    EXCITING KICK-OFF EVENTS FOR TDO’S 2015-2016 SEASON!

    “Seeking the Human Element”

    ~~~~

    DALLAS, JUNE 2, 2015 – The Dallas Opera is thrilled to announce the Co-Chairs for the eagerly anticipated 2015-2016 FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT events: Ellen and Don Winspear; Honorary Co-Chairs are Mrs. Micki Rawlings and The Honorable Michael S. Rawlings.

    The Dallas Opera’s 2015-2016 Season “Seeking the Human Element” kicks off on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with the exhilarating FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show and Luncheon, NorthPark Center presenting sponsor. This fantastic event features five custom styles inspired by the season’s operas, created by internationally renowned designers from Dallas, as well as fashions by British designer Mulberry.

    Don and Ellen Winspear 1 web(321x400)

    The excitement continues with the elegant events of FIRST NIGHT, presenting sponsor Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management. The Pre-Performance Dinner will be held on Friday, October 30, 2015 in Sammons Park in front of the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.  Patrons will enjoy celebrity treatment with a red-carpet arrival that begins at 5:30 p.m. which also features models showing the opera-inspired designs revealed at FIRST SIGHT. 

    A delectable, three-course gourmet dinner prepared by Wolfgang Puck Catering begins at 6:00 p.m. in a lovely, adorned party
    tent on the lawn. It precedes the much awaited Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance of the world premiere of Great Scott by Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally at 8:00 p.m. (note the unusual curtain time). The fun and festivities continue at the FIRST NIGHT After Party immediately following the performance, with popular DJ Lucy Wrubel rockin’ the tunes to get patrons groovin’ on the dance floor.

    “We are thrilled to Co-Chair FIRST SIGHT and FIRST NIGHT and to represent such a stellar organization. The Dallas Opera continues to bring exceptional arts and entertainment to North Texas and the world premiere of Great Scott is a perfect production to kick-off a spectacular season! We invite everyone to take part in these fantastic events and share in the magnificence that this company brings to our community and the world stage!” said Mrs. Winspear.

    “Ellen and I invite everyone to our season opening, regardless of whether you are a first-time or long-time lover of opera! This company is creating magic, not just with its phenomenal opera productions, but with its outreach efforts like the simulcasts, family and education programs that reach thousands. Come join in all the festivities and experience the excitement while supporting this great arts organization!” added Mr. Winspear.

    “We couldn’t be more delighted to have Ellen and Don Winspear at the helm of FIRST SIGHT/FIRST NIGHT!” said Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny. “Their passion for our organization and willingness to share their extraordinary talents will ensure an outstanding opening for our bold upcoming season! The generosity of the Winspear family has contributed greatly to The Dallas Opera’s ongoing growth and viability and we are truly grateful for their leadership!”

     

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

     

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

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

    ~~~~

    The Winspear Opera house is located at 2403 Flora Street, Dallas, TX, 75201.

    For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit:

    https://dallasopera.org/support/special-events/first-night/.

     

    QUICK FACTS

    FIRST SIGHT Fashion Show and Luncheon

    NorthPark Center Presenting Sponsor

    Thursday, October 29, 2015; 11:00 am to 1:30 pm

    Co-Chairs – Ellen and Don Winspear

    Honorary Chairs – Mrs. Micki Rawlings and The Honorable Michael S. Rawlings

    Fashion Show Producer and Chair – Rhonda Sargent Chambers

    Luncheon Chair – Mrs. Micki Rawlings

    Event Architect – Jeffrey Horn

    Event Designer – Larry Leathers

    Winspear Opera House Lobby

    Cost: Tables start at $10,000. Individual tickets for $250.00

    Featuring: Fashion Show by Mulberry Boutique at NorthPark Center; Unveiling of Opera-Inspired Designs

    All proceeds benefit the Dallas Opera

     

    FIRST NIGHT – Presenting Sponsor Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management

    Pre-Performance Dinner

    Friday, October 30, 2015; 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm

    Co-Chairs – Ellen and Don Winspear

    Honorary Chairs – Mrs. Micki Rawlings and The Honorable Michael S. Rawlings

    Dinner Chairs Anne and Steven Stodghill

    Sammons Park in front of the Winspear Opera House – Tent

    Cost: Tables starting at $25,000. Individual tickets for $1,000.00 (All Dinner tickets include After Party ticket)

    (Opening night Opera performance tickets sold separately)

    Featuring: Three-course gourmet dinner and “red carpet” arrival (Dessert at the After Party)

    Black Tie

    All proceeds benefit The Dallas Opera

     

    After Party

    Friday, October 30, 2015; 11:00 pm to 1:30 am

    Co-Chairs – Ellen and Don Winspear

    Honorary Chairs – Mrs. Micki Rawlings and The Honorable Michael S. Rawlings

    Sammons Park in front of the Winspear Opera House – Tent

    Featuring: DJ Lucy Wrubel, Wolfgang Puck Sweet & Savory, Open Bar

    ~~~~ 

    TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, 2015-2016 SEASON SPONSOR FOR THE DALLAS OPERA’S “SEEKING THE HUMAN ELEMENT” SEASON 

    Ticket Information for the 2015-2016 Dallas Opera Season

    All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise described.  Single Tickets range from $19 to $275 and will be available July 15.  Full and Flex Subscriptions are on sale now starting at $75.  Family performance tickets (available June 1) 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 2015-2016 FALL SEASON INFORMATION

    The Dallas Opera celebrates its Fifty-Ninth 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.

     

    GREAT SCOTT by Jake Heggie

    October 30, November 1(m), 4, 7 & 15(m), 2015

    A Thrilling Dallas Opera World Premiere!

    Libretto by Terrence McNally*

    Time: Present Day

    Place: A Major American City

    Conductor: Patrick Summers

    Stage Director: Jack O’Brien*

    Production Design: Bob Crowley

    Lighting Design: Brian MacDevitt*

    Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

    Starring: Joyce DiDonato* (Arden Scott), Ailyn Pérez (Tatyana Bakst), Frederica von Stade (Mrs. Edward “Winnie” Flato), Nathan Gunn (Sid Taylor), Anthony Roth Costanzo* (Roane Heckle), Kevin Burdette (Eric Gold), Michael Mayes* (Wendell Swan).

    A Brand-New Dallas Opera Production!

     

    TOSCA by Giacomo Puccini

    November 6, 8(m), 11, 14, 20 & 22(m), 2015

    A passionate and timeless masterpiece in a beloved period production

    An opera in three acts first performed in Rome, Italy on January 14, 1900

    Text by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa after Victorien Sardou’s 1887 French-language play, La Tosca

    Time: Early 19th century

    Place: Locations in and around the City of Rome

    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume

    Stage Director: Ellen Douglas Schlaefer*

    Production Design: Ulisse Santicchi

    Lighting Design: Marie Barrett

    Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

    Children’s Chorus Master: TBA

    Starring: Emily Magee (Floria Tosca), Giancarlo Monsalve* (Mario Cavaradossi), Raymond Aceto (Baron Scarpia), William Ferguson (Spoletta), Dale Travis* (A Sacristan) and Ryan Kuster (Angelotti).

    One of The Dallas Opera’s Most Popular!

     

    BECOMING SANTA CLAUS by Mark Adamo

    December 4, 6(m), 9 & 12, 2015

    An Eagerly Awaited Dallas Opera World Premiere!

    Libretto by the composer, Mark Adamo.

    Time: Where time divides into “before” and “after”

    Place: An Elven kingdom in the far, far north

    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume

    Stage Director: Paul Curran

    Production Design: Gary McCann*

    Video Design: Elaine J. McCarthy

    Lighting Design: Paul Hackenmueller*

    Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

    Starring: Jennifer Rivera* (Queen Sophine), Juan José de León (Prince Claus), Matt Boehler* (Donkey)

    Another New Dallas Opera Production

     

    * Dallas Opera Debut

    ** American Debut

    Cast Changes in TDO’s LA WALLY

    The Dallas Opera is announcing cast changes for the upcoming production of Cataloni’s LA WALLY; read on.

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    Monday, January 19, 2015
    Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014 or Celeste Hart 214.443.1071
    suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org celeste.hart@dallasopera.org

    The Dallas Opera Announces
    Cast Changes to LA WALLY

    LA WALLY, ACT IV
    With Joby Talbot and Gene Scheer’s EVEREST
    (A Dallas Opera World Premiere)
    ~~~~
    OPENING FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2015, 7:30 P.M.
    FOR THE FIRST OF FOUR PERFORMANCES
    ~~~~
    The Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House
    At the AT&T Performing Arts Center
    ~~~~
    ALICE W. AND RICHARD D. BASS,
    EVEREST Underwriters
    With Additional Support from
    National Endowment for the Arts,
    TACA Donna Wilhelm Family New Works Fund
    & Tobin Theatre Arts Fund
    ~~~~
    Three-Opera FLEX Subscriptions
    Still Available, Starting at $75
    Single Tickets Start at $19

    DALLAS, TX, JANUARY 19, 2015 – The Dallas Opera is announcing cast changes for the company’s upcoming new production of Alfredo Catalani’s LA WALLY (Act IV).
    Mexican tenor Rodrigo Garciarroyo will perform the leading role of Giuseppe Hagenbach on January 30 (opening night), February 1 and 4, 2015. Tenor Arnold Rawls will sing the role for the final performance scheduled on February 7, 2015. The singers are assuming the role after Carl Tanner recently withdrew, due to illness.
    In addition, soprano Melissa Citro will sing the final performance of La Wally in the title role. Earlier, soprano Mary Elizabeth Williams took over the part from Latonia Moore, who withdrew because of her pregnancy.
    Mr. Garciarroyo, who is making his Dallas Opera debut in LA WALLY, has been praised by John Bills of Pro Opera Magazine as “…combining a rich sound and a smooth legato with secure and heroic high notes: first class singing.”
    Mr. Rawls makes his Dallas Opera debut in this production after earning rave reviews from Opera News, which wrote, “He owned the stage dramatically and musically…nailing each note.”
    Ms. Citro, making her house debut with The Dallas Opera as the intrepid title character of Wally (short for “Walburga,” in case you were wondering), has excelled in a variety of Wagnerian roles. Writing about her Glimmerglass Festival appearance in The Consul, one reviewer claimed Miss Citro “stopped the performance in the second act with her aria, when she finally snaps in the face of the unseen Consul’s inhumanity to his fellow man. Ms. Citro is already singing such Wagnerian roles as a Norn and a Valkyrie in major houses. She has a great career ahead of her. See her now.”
    LA WALLY is the first half of the sole double bill in The Dallas Opera’s 2014-2015 “Heights of Passion” Season. The climactic final act of this rarely produced 1892 work is being paired with the world premiere of EVEREST—the first opera by renowned British composer Joby Talbot (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) and Gene Scheer (Moby-Dick).

    Opening night will take place on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center.
    That night, LA WALLY will star Mary Elizabeth Williams, described by Opera News as “the next great Verdi soprano,” as Wally, on the heels of her performances as Floria Tosca for Seattle Opera (where she was selected as the 2011-2012 “Artist of the Year”). Ms. Williams, praised by The Washington Post for “wonderful stage presence, both regal and human.” Ms. Williams will perform the role on January 30, February 1 and 4, 2015.
    The role of Walter will be sung throughout by Dallas Opera favorite Jennifer Chung, who appeared as Juliette in last season’s critically acclaimed production of Erich Wolfgang Korngold’s twentieth-century masterpiece, Die tote Stadt.
    Conducted by Anthony Barrese (Tosca, 2008) and staged in this abridged production by renowned stage director Candace Evans (Don Pasquale, The Merry Widow), this is the tale of a free-spirited and fiercely passionate young woman who realizes, too late, that love delayed isn’t always love denied. TDO’s production also will incorporate the famous Act I aria, “Ebben, ne andrò lontana.”
    Other members of the top-notch production team include acclaimed set designer Robert Brill (Moby-Dick), costume designer David C. Woolard (Oscar, Death and the Powers), lighting designer Christopher Akerlind (The Dream of Valentino, La bohème, The Marriage of Figaro), wig and make-up designer David Zimmerman and projections designer Elaine J. McCarthy.
    ~~~~
    On the slopes of Mount Everest, luck and the weather can turn with equal ferocity and swiftness, and dreams die even for the most valiant of men.
    British composer Joby Talbot’s first opera confronts the tragic events surrounding an ill-fated 1996 Everest expedition with a cast that includes tenor Andrew Bidlack and mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, as well as bass Kevin Burdette and baritone Craig Verm in their company debuts. This much-anticipated Dallas Opera world premiere will be conducted by contemporary music specialist and Dallas Opera Principal Guest Conductor Nicole Paiement and staged by director Leonard Foglia (Moby-Dick) – this season’s James R. Seitz, Jr. Stage Director in Honor of John Gage – with stunning projections designed to carry us to the one of the highest, most awe-inspiring, and dangerous places on earth.

    “It’s a thrill to have this opportunity to bring together artists from several of the most memorable productions in recent Dallas Opera history,” says Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny, “and to combine their extraordinary talents in fresh and exciting new ways.
    “I am also delighted to cement The Dallas Opera’s newfound reputation as a creative force in American Opera with the first of three world premieres scheduled to take place in 2015,” Mr. Cerny adds. “My team and I are confident that this thrilling original work by Joby Talbot and Gene Scheer will bring us a step closer to our goal of providing adventurous North Texas audiences with thought-provoking new works, in addition to carefully conceived productions of rarely performed and much-loved favorites from the opera repertoire.”

    Dallas Opera Principal Guest Conductor Nicole Paiement made a profound impression on theatergoers during the 2012 launch of our chamber opera series: The Lighthouse by Peter Maxwell Davies. Wrote Willard Spiegelman of Opera News, “Nicole Paiement led the ensemble briskly through a score that is rhythmically as well as harmonically complex.” Dallas Observer Classical Music Critic Katie Womack expounded further: “The success of Friday’s performance was largely due to Nicole Paiement, who conducted the orchestra skillfully and artistically, and DTC’s artistic director, Kevin Moriarty, whose staging of this work marked his opera directorial debut. Moriarty’s transition to this genre seemed effortless and his work at home in the Wyly Theatre space. Together, the two produced one of the most interesting hours of opera I’ve seen in a while.”
    The conductor also led brilliant performances of Tod Machover’s Death and the Powers last season, easily the most cutting-edge and technologically sophisticated opera ever produced in North Texas.
    Andrew Bidlack, praised by David Fleshler of The Miami Herald for his “smooth legato and heroic top notes,” prompted Classical Voice of New England to proclaim that he has “vocal color to match one of the original ‘Three Tenors’.” Mr. Bidlack made his TDO debut as Sandy in The Lighthouse, which launched our chamber opera series in 2012.
    Mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, who debuted with Dallas Opera in the acclaimed 2013 production of Dominick Argento’s The Aspern Papers before creating the role of Mary Magdalene in the San Francisco Opera world premiere of Mark Adamo’s most recent work, “made a brilliant impression,” according to Georgia Rowe of Opera News. “Cooke sang with complete conviction, sounding unforced and lustrous.” While San Francisco Chronicle Critic Joshua Kosman wrote that her singing was “eloquent and shimmeringly rich.”
    Bass Kevin Burdette will be making his company debut but he’s already attracting a lot of attention for his “large powerful voice with a burnished robust sound” and a “vibrant personality that pervaded the entire theater” (Opera Today).
    Baritone Craig Verm, who will also be making his TDO debut in this production, has earned raves for his “brilliantly performed” roles and “consistently solid and well-colored” singing” (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review).
    The Dallas Opera Chorus is prepared by acclaimed Chorus Master Alexander Rom.

    EVEREST is generously underwritten by Alice W. and Richard D. Bass, with additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts, TACA Donna Wilhelm Family New Works Fund, and the Tobin Theatre Arts Fund.

    Performances of this unique double bill (LA WALLY sung in Italian, EVEREST sung in English, with English language supertitles projected above the stage) will take place in the magnificent Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House on January 30, February 1 (2:00 p.m. matinee), 4 & 7, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. These works will be separated by an intermission.
    ~~~~
    Single tickets for the remaining mainstage productions of the Dallas Opera’s “Heights of Passion” 2014-15 Season (La bohëme, Iolanta) are on sale now, starting at just $19, through the Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or online at www.dallasopera.org. Student Rush best-available tickets can be purchased at the lobby box office for as little as $15 (one per valid Student I.D.) ninety minutes prior to each performance.
    ~~~~

    EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT “JANUARY 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 obtain additional information
    Please contact Suzanne Calvin, Director of Media and Public Relations
    214.443.1014 or suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org

    TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, 2014-2015 SEASON SPONSOR
    FOR THE DALLAS OPERA’S “HEIGHTS OF PASSION” SEASON

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA
    IS CONVENIENTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7
    VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG AND CHECK THE CALENDAR LISTINGS

    Ticket Information for the 2014-2015 Dallas Opera Spring Season

    All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise described. Single Tickets range from $19 to $275 and Flex Subscriptions are on sale starting 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 2014-2015 SEASON INFORMATION
    The Dallas Opera celebrates its Fifty-Eighth 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.

    A RARE DALLAS OPERA DOUBLE BILL:

    LA WALLY by Alfredo Catalani
    January 30, February 1(m), 4 and 7, 2015
    The Climactic Final Act!
    First performed in Milan, Italy on January 20, 1892
    Text by Luigi Illica after Wilhelmine von Hillern’s story, Die Geyer-Wally
    Time: Around the year 1800
    Place: The Austrian Alps
    Conductor: Anthony Barrese
    Stage Director: Candace Evans
    Scenic Design: Robert Brill
    Costume Design: David C. Woolard
    Lighting Design: Christopher Akerlind
    Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Starring: Mary Elizabeth Williams* & Melissa Citro* (Wally), Rodrigo Garciarroyo* & Arnold Rawls* (Giuseppe Hagenbach) and Jennifer Chung (Walter)
    A Brand-New Dallas Opera Production!

    Paired with EVEREST by Joby Talbot
    January 30, February 1(m), 4 and 7, 2015
    A Dallas Opera World Premiere!
    Text by Gene Scheer
    Time: Modern Day
    Place: In the Death Zone on Mount Everest
    Conductor: Nicole Paiement
    Stage Director: Leonard Foglia
    Scenic Design: Robert Brill
    Costume Design: David C. Woolard
    Video Design: Elaine J. McCarthy
    Lighting Design: Christopher Akerlind
    Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Starring: Andrew Bidlack (Rob Hall), Sasha Cooke (Jan Arnold), Kevin Burdette* (Beck Weathers) and Craig Verm* (Doug Hansen).

    LA BOHÈME by Giacomo Puccini
    March 13, 15(m), 18, 21, 27 and 29(m), 2015
    A passionate and timeless masterpiece in a beloved period production
    An opera in four acts first performed in Turin, Italy on February 1, 1896
    Text by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica after Henry Murger’s novel Scènes de la vie de bohème
    Time: mid-19th century
    Place: The Latin Quarter of Paris, France
    Conductor: Riccardo Frizza*
    Stage Director: Peter Kazaras
    Scenic Design: Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
    Costume Design: Peter J. Hall
    Lighting Design: Thomas C. Hase
    Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Children’s Chorus Master: Melinda Cotton
    Starring: Ana Maria Martinez (Mimi), Bryan Hymel (Rodolfo), Davinia Rodriguez* (Musetta), Jonathan Beyer (Marcello), Alexander Vinogradov* (Colline), Stephen LaBrie (Schaunard) and Stefan Szkafarowsky (Benoit).
    One of the Dallas Opera’s Most Popular!

    IOLANTA by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
    April 10, 12(m), 15 and 18, 2015
    A rarely performed Tchaikovsky gem, set in Medieval Provence!
    First performed in St. Petersburg, Russia on December 18, 1892
    Text by Modest Tchaikovsky based on the Danish play King Rene’s Daughter by Henrik Hertz
    Time: The 15th century
    Place: Provence, a mountainous region in Southern France
    Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume
    Stage Director: Christian Räth
    Scenic Design: Christian Räth
    Costume Design: Susan Cox
    Video Design: Elaine J. McCarthy
    Lighting Design: Thomas C. Hase
    Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman
    Chorus Master: Alexander Rom
    Starring: Ekaterina Scherbachenko* (Iolanta), Sergey Skorokhodov* (Count Vaudémont), Joanna Mongiardo* (Brigitta), Lauren McNeese (Laura), Tamara Mumford* (Marta), Andrei Bondarenko** (Robert, Duke of Burgandy), Mikhail Kolelishvili (Renè, King of Provence), Andrew Bidlack (Alméric), Vladislav Sulimsky** (Ibn-Hakia) and Jordan Bisch (Bertrand).
    Another New Dallas Opera Production

    * 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.

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