FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, September 12, 2019
Contact: Suzanne Calvin 214.443.1014
suzanne.calvin@dallasopera.org
The Dallas Opera and NorthPark Center Present
THE FABRIC OF OPERA:
The Winspear World Premieres
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Exhibit of Historic Dallas Opera Costumes Sept. 13 – Nov. 6, 2019
NorthPark Center, Dallas, TX
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The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family – Season Sponsors of The Dallas Opera
DALLAS, SEPTEMBER 12, 2019 – The Dallas Opera and NorthPark Center are proud to present rarely-exhibited historic costumes from the private collection of The Dallas Opera.
The all-new FABRIC OF OPERA exhibition, building on the popular success of last year’s inaugural display, will be on view from September 13, 2019 through November 6, 2019 at NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75225. The exhibition is located on Level One near Neiman Marcus.
This year’s exhibition will consist of spectacular costumes created for The Dallas Opera by some of the finest design talents in the world—including Tony Award winners Jane Greenwood and Bob Crowley, renowned British set and costume designer Gary McCann, and Drama Desk Award winner David C. Woolard. The new exhibition will showcase designs specifically created for The Dallas Opera world premieres at the Winspear Opera House (2009-2019) during the company’s first decade in this critically-acclaimed venue.
“We were delighted by the chance to create a second edition of The Fabric of Opera, and happy to renew our partnership with NorthPark Center,” said Ian Derrer, The Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO.
“As The Dallas Opera celebrates a successful decade in the Winspear Opera House, it seemed only natural to focus on the world premieres that helped put the company in the international spotlight.”
The Fabric of Opera: The Winspear World Premieres, curated by Dallas Opera set and costume designer Tommy Bourgeois, will showcase characters and costumes—both real and fantastical.
NorthPark Center visitors will get close-up views of the meticulously-researched outfits of nineteenth century seafarers, modern day mountaineers, contemporary opera stars, and the imaginary denizens of the North Pole—including sprightly elves and a young man named Nick. It will also include revealing commentary from the composers and librettists who poured themselves into these important contemporary works.
“From the start,” writes Moby-Dick (2010) composer Jake Heggie, “we imagined an innovative, modern set and physical production, but we always thought of the costumes in classic terms. So did the great Jane Greenwood and she delivered beautiful clothes that helped us to understand and identify the characters clearly at every turn.”
Mark Adamo, the composer/librettist of Becoming Santa Claus (2015), worked closely with set and costume designer Gary McCann: “What Gary came up with is, to me, a designer’s equivalent to what Tolkien devised in The Lord of the Rings: a world made entirely of fantasy which is, at once, as persuasive as history. I tried to achieve that project in sound. Gary made that sound visible.”
“Superb costume designs have always been an integral part of our company fabric,” explains Mr. Derrer. “The work of today’s best designers, seen in this exhibit, will undoubtedly inspire new generations of artists, designers, and Dallas Opera audiences.
“We are deeply indebted to Nancy Nasher and David Haemisegger for their unwavering support for this project.”
NorthPark Center, Dallas’ premier shopping destination, has long been associated with high style and luxury, as has opera design from the very beginning. As NorthPark is the long-term presenting sponsor of TDO’s FIRST SIGHT Fashion Presentation and Luncheon, it is the perfect place to host these exhibitions.
“The amazing Nasher Sculpture Center was one of the first places I visited when I came to Dallas,” recalls Emmanuel Villaume, the Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director. “That world-class collection told me a great deal about the influence of the Nasher Family on the arts in North Texas. However, it was a subsequent trip to NorthPark Center that made me realize that there was so much more to be explored.
“I embrace every opportunity for collaboration between our two companies,” Maestro Villaume adds. “They are always profoundly beautiful experiences.”
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ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA:
One of the leading opera companies in the country, The Dallas Opera has an extraordinary legacy of world-class productions and thrilling premieres featuring the greatest operatic artists of our time. Inaugurated by the incomparable Maria Callas in 1957, TDO is known for the notable U.S. debuts of a host of legendary artists including Plácido Domingo, Dame Joan Sutherland, Jon Vickers, Franco Zeffirelli, and Sir David McVicar. The company has long been an industry leader and innovator through groundbreaking initiatives such as the Hart Institute for Women Conductors, free public simulcasts, acclaimed art song recitals, the national and state vocal competitions, special concerts, and outstanding family and education programs. TDO’s home is the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, a jewel in the Dallas Arts District. As one of the largest performing arts employers in North Texas, TDO is proudly committed to diversity, onstage and off, and is a major contributor to the economic vitality and international cultural reputation of this region.
2019-2020 SEASON SPONSOR
The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family
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EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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.
All performances in The Dallas Opera’s 63rd International Season will take place in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, unless otherwise indicated. 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. Full and Flex subscriptions are designed to meet the needs of every budget. Prices range from just $57 (for three performances of your choice) to a top orchestra floor price of $777 for all five mainstage productions. Single tickets are priced from $25 to $289 (a few box seats may be higher). For additional information or to make your purchase, call 214.443.1000 or visit www.dallasopera.org.
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