Debra L. Bell, Director of Marketing and Communications
Office: (412) 281-0912, ext. 214
E-mail: [email protected]
Pittsburgh Opera announces its 76th Season
New season mix boosts the company’s financial and artistic positions
Pittsburgh, PA… Pittsburgh Opera announces its 2014-2015 season. A new season mix will include a gala concert, three operas produced at the Benedum Center, and two Resident Artist operas, including the annual production at Pittsburgh CAPA Theater and the new Second Stage Project at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters.
General Director Christopher Hahn and the Board of Directors have made some adjustments for the 76th season, in accordance with the company’s mission to produce great opera in a fiscally sound manner. “We fully recognize the changing climates in which we operate – both artistic and financial – and are making changes to solidify our position both as a nimble, progressive arts organization and as a responsible one,” said Mr. Hahn. The production of a gala concert and three operas at the Benedum Center, with the addition of the Second Stage Project as an annual event, proved to be the combination that created the financial flexibility the company sought. “We’re happy to have found a formula that keeps the programmatic variety we have always offered. Performing at the Benedum is an expensive endeavor for us, and as we hope to return to a model with four operas at the Benedum Center in 2015-16, we are acting in a pre-emptive way to fortify the company’s fundraising infrastructure, while still presenting opera performances at the highest artistic level,” Mr. Hahn said.
PERFORMANCES
Grand and Glorious
Crowning Pittsburgh Opera’s 76th season on October 18, as part of Opening Weekend, is Grand and Glorious, a gala concert of operatic dazzlers. Pittsburgh Opera Music Director Antony Walker conducts the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra, scheduled soloists Carl Tanner Angela Meade, and Marianne Cornetti, and the Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artists.
Verdi’s OTELLO
Tenor Carl Tanner (Aida, 2013) wowed Pittsburgh audiences in his local debut, and he returns in 2014 to take on the vocal and dramatic Olympus that is Verdi’s Otello. Former Resident Artist Danielle Pastin (The Grapes of Wrath, 2008), whose career has taken off since her Resident Artist days, sings Desdemona. Antony Walker conducts the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra and Chorus; Kristine McIntyre (La cenerentola, 2013) directs.
Handel’s RODELINDA
The Resident Artists of Pittsburgh Opera will star in Pittsburgh Opera’s annual production at CAPA Theater: Handel’s Rodelinda(January 24 – February 1, 2015). Jasmine Muhammad takes the title role as the Lombard queen who endures grief, terror, and political upheaval, and remains steadfastly loyal as she waits–and works–to bring her exiled husband home. Players from Chatham Baroque will be part of the orchestra for this work, arguably Handel’s most-performed opera. Crystal Manich directs. Rodelinda is a new production by Pittsburgh Opera.
Fairouz’s SUMEIDA’S SONG
The company’s Second Stage Project takes up residence for a second year in the George R. White Studio at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters February 21 – March 1, 2015. Starring the Resident Artists, the production is inspired by the Studio’s flexible performance space and the desire to explore adventurous repertoire. The 2015 Second Stage Project is Mohammed Fairouz’s Sumeida’s Song. Based on the Egyptian play “Song of Death” by Tawfiq El-Hakim, the opera is the harrowing story of a young man who returns to his provincial Egyptian home town after 17 years away, not knowing that his mother has diabolical plans for him. The cast for Sumeida’s Song will be announced at a later date.
Bizet’s CARMEN
As Spring appears in Pittsburgh, Bizet’s beloved Carmen (March 21 – 29, 2015) re-appears at the Benedum, bringing back the sizzling Israeli mezzo-soprano Rinat Shaham (Don Giovanni, 2001) as Carmen, and a debut from the charismatic baritone Morgan Smith as Escamillo. Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artists will take most secondary roles, including Jasmine Muhammad as Micaëla and Phillip Gay as Zuniga. Marc Astafan directs; Antony Walker conducts the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra and Chorus.
Donizetti’s DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT
Concluding the 2013-14 mainstage season is Donizetti’s frothy romantic comedy Daughter of the Regiment (La fille du régiment),May 2 – 10, 2015, a production that will be sung in English. It will feature star tenor Lawrence Brownlee as Tonio, singing those famous nine high Cs in the show-stopping aria “Ah, my friends (Ah, mes amis),” alongside a returning Lisette Oropesa (The Abduction from the Seraglio, 2011) as Marie. Antony Walker conducts the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra and Chorus.
FRIDAY EVENING PERFORMANCES – TIME CHANGE
In response to feedback from Friday evening subscribers regarding the 8:00 PM start time, Pittsburgh Opera surveyed its present and past Friday subscribers and single ticket buyers. A majority of respondents indicated they would support and an earlier start time that would help alleviate transportation, parking, dining, and time poverty issues brought up by subscribers. In 2014-‘15, Pittsburgh Opera’s Friday performances will begin at 7:30 PM.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Pittsburgh Opera’s signature fundraiser galas bookend each season: The Diamond Horseshoe Ball ramps up the excitement, and Maecenas puts on the finishing touch. The 60th annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball kicks off the 2014-‘15 season October 17, 2014, paired with the Grand and Glorious concert as part of a sparkling Opening Weekend. In mid-season, back by popular demand, is Auld Lang Syne, a splashy New Year’s Eve celebration with dinner, entertainment, and a party, on December 31, 2014 at Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. Maecenas XXXI will carry on the tradition of Pittsburgh Top Ten parties on May 16, 2015, closing the season with panache.
FREE AND LOW-COST EVENTS
Pittsburgh Opera strives to bring opera to all members of the community and is pleased to continue offering free and low-cost events in the 2014-‘15 season. Introducing its Resident Artists to the community, Pittsburgh Opera presents Rising Stars, Sunday, October 5, 2014 in the George R. White Opera Studio of Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue). Brown Bag concerts will continue monthly during the season; the insightful Opera Up Close returns five times during the season, too.
The community is also invited to Art Song Recitals, starring the Resident Artists; these recitals are hosted by the Friends of Pittsburgh Opera. Also, the company continues Meet the Artists with General Director Christopher Hahn, immediately following each Tuesday opera performance. Pittsburgh Opera also collaborates for a fifth season with Point Park University for the Pittsburgh Opera Film Series, held on selected Thursday evenings in the George R. White Theatre on the Point Park University campus. Guests enjoy films inspired by the season’s operas and a reception hosted by Point Park University’s student film club, the John P. Harris Society.
OPERA BROADCASTS/PREVIEWS
Pittsburgh Opera partners with Classical WQED FM 89.3 to broadcast its opera performances on the airwaves and via the station’s website. Beginning September 6, 2014 with Aida, WQED FM 89.3 broadcasts the 2013-14 operas at 1:00 PM on consecutive Saturdays, through October 11. WQED also produces half-hour previews of each upcoming opera and broadcasts them twice before each opera’s opening. Specific opera preview dates and times will be announced soon.
TICKETS/SEASON TICKETS
As part of Pittsburgh Opera’s continued efforts to make opera accessible to all members of the community, single tickets for the 2014-‘15 season will again start at just $12. Season tickets are $43 – $607.50. Single ticket sales begin August 25, 2014. For additional information, call (412) 281-0912, or visit www.pittsburghopera.org.
Gala Concert: “Grand and Glorious”
Performances
Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 8:00 PM
Overview of Grand and Glorious
An opulent gala concert starts Pittsburgh Opera’s 76th season, in the magnificent environs of the Benedum Center. Opera overtures, arias, and ensembles chosen for their “dazzle” factor will begin the new opera season, featuring selections such as the Overture to William Tell, and other popular pieces. Scheduled guest soloists include tenor Carl Tanner (Aida, 2013), whose clarion tenor dazzled audiences in his Pittsburgh Opera debut as Radames in October 2013, soprano Angela Meade, who has been described as a “vocal powerhouse” after singing demanding Verdi and Bellini roles (the title roles in Norma and Beatrice di Tenda, Leonora in Il trovatore, Elvira in Ernani) at The Metropolitan Opera and Washington National Opera, among others, will join Mr. Tanner on stage. Hometown favorite and former Resident Artist Marianne Cornetti, who has forged an impressive international career as a dramatic mezzo-soprano, is also slated to appear. Music Director Antony Walker conducts the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra and Resident Artists. Specific selections will be announced at a later date.
Cast and Artistic Team: Grand and Glorious
Tenor Soloist Carl Tanner
Soprano Soloist Angela Meade
Mezzo-Soprano Soloist Marianne Cornetti
Conductor Antony Walker
Otello (1887)
By Giuseppe Verdi
Libretto by Arrigo Boito, based on the play by William Shakespeare
Sung in Italian with English texts projected above the stage
Four performances at the Benedum Center
- Last performed at Pittsburgh Opera in 1990
- Traditional production, from Cincinnati Opera
Performances
Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 8:00 PM Friday, November 14, 2014 at 7:30 PM
Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at 7:00 PM Sunday, November 16, 2014 at 2:00 PM
Overview of Otello
Verdi’s Otello almost didn’t happen; it is now often called one of the greatest operas ever written. After Aida, Verdi believed that he was finished with theater, but his librettist and his editor lured him back with a Shakespeare masterpiece. Despite leaving out some material
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that is important in a play staging, Verdi applied his pictorial and expressive gifts wholeheartedly to the opera. Its most unforgettable moments are a combination of Verdi and Shakespeare, not least the reprise of Shakespeare’s chilling “I kissed thee ere I killed thee: no way but this / Killing myself, to die upon a kiss.”
Pittsburgh Opera welcomes back Carl Tanner as Otello, after his acclaimed appearance here as Radames in its 2013 Aida. Former Resident Artist Danielle Pastin, noted for her “luscious, lustrous timbre” by Opera News, is gaining success in roles such as Mimí in La bohème and Countess Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro. She returns as the innocent but doomed Desdemona. Resident Artists take secondary roles, including Laurel Semerdjian as Emilia and Alex DeSocio as Montano. Music Director Antony Walker conducts.
Cast and Artistic Team: Otello
Otello Carl Tanner
Desdemona Danielle Pastin **
Iago TBA
Emilia Laurel Semerdjian *
Cassio TBA
Montano Alex DeSocio *
Lodovico Phillip Gay *
Conductor Antony Walker
Stage Director Kristine McIntyre
Set and Costume Designer Allen Charles Klein
Lighting Designer TBA
Asst. Conductor Glenn Lewis
Chorus Master Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist James Lesniak
Sets by Cincinnati Opera.
+ Pittsburgh Opera debut
* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni
Rodelinda (1725)
By G. F. Handel
Libretto by Nicola F. Haym
Sung in Italian with English texts projected above the stage
Four performances at CAPA Theater, 111 Ninth Street, Downtown
- Last performed by Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artists in 1992
- NEW PRODUCTION by Pittsburgh Opera
- Players from Chatham Baroque will perform with the orchestra
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Performances
Saturday, January 24, 2015 at 8:00 PM Friday, January 30, 2015 at 7:30 PM
Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 7:00 PM Sunday, February 1, 2015 at 2:00 PM
Overview of Rodelinda
Lombard king Bertarido has been usurped by Grimoaldo and is feared dead. Bertarido’s queen Rodelinda misses her husband badly; Grimoaldo offers to marry her, but she refuses, believing that Bertarido is not dead. Bertarido is discovered to be alive, but imprisoned. While myriad political and romantic machinations whirl around her, Rodelinda remains steadfast in her love for her husband. Rodelinda’s unwavering dedication is rewarded in the end with a joyful reunion, and an end to political struggles in the palace.
Pittsburgh Opera once again features its Resident Artists in major roles in a new production: Jasmine Muhammad is the virtuous Rodelinda; new Resident Artists Corrie Stallings and Laurel Semerdjian take the roles of the king, Bertarido, and lady-in-waiting Eduige; Phillip Gay is Grimoaldo’s henchman Garibaldo. Pittsburgh Opera will again partner with Carnegie Mellon School of Drama for set design of this new production. Chatham Baroque players will also lend their authentic antique style to the orchestral playing.
Cast and Artistic Team: Rodelinda
Rodelinda Jasmine Muhammad *
Bertarido Corrie Stallings *
Grimoaldo TBA *
Garibaldo Phillip Gay *
Eduige Laurel Semerdjian *
Conductor TBA
Stage Director Crystal Manich
Set Design TBA
Costume Designer TBA
Lighting Designer TBA
Chorus Master Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist James Lesniak
New production by Pittsburgh Opera
+ Pittsburgh Opera debut
* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni
Second Stage Project: Sumeida’s Song (2009)
By Mohammed Fairouz
Based on the Egyptian play “Song of Death” by Tawfiq El-Hakim
Sung in English with English texts projected above the stage
Four performances at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters, 2425 Liberty Ave., in the Strip
- PITTSBURGH PREMIERE in a NEW PRODUCTION by Pittsburgh Opera
Performances
Saturday, February 21, 2015 at 8:00 PM Friday, February 27, 2015 at 7:30 PM
Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at 7:00 PM Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 2:00 PM
Overview of Sumeida’s Song
Asakir told her neighbors that her 2-year-old son Alwan drowned in a well. In reality, Asakir sent Alwan away to live with relatives and be groomed to carry out the murder of his father’s assassin. Always keeping ready the bloodied knife that killed her husband, Asakir charges her nephew Sumeida to signal Alwan’s arrival on the train by singing a certain Arabic song. Once home after 17 years in Cairo, Alwan, now an educated young man, shuns violence and wants to bring modern sensibilities to his town. He refuses to bend to his mother’s demented insistence that he carry out the murder, and Asakir renounces him before he leaves for the train station, returning to Cairo. Nearly mad with 17 years’ accumulation of grief and rage, Asakir again sends Sumeida out, this time with the bloodied knife. Sumeida comes back singing, and Asakir collapses.
Composed when Mohammed Fairouz was just 22 years old, Sumeida’s Song premiered in January 2013 at New York City’s Prototype Festival, earning an excellent review from The New York Times. This gripping 60-minute chamber opera is a blend of American and Arabic musical styles, including notes of American neo-Romanticism and astringent washes of sounds that evidence his training with Gyorgy Ligeti, and with spiraling dance rhythms and plaintive melodic writing that recall Mr. Fairouz’s Arabic heritage. Pittsburgh Opera showcases its versatile Resident Artists in this new production. The complete cast and creative team for Sumeida’s Song will be announced at a later date.
Carmen (1875)
by Georges Bizet
Libretto by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy,
based on a novella of the same title by Prosper Mérimée
Sung in French with English texts projected above the stage
Four performances at the Benedum Center
- Last performed at Pittsburgh Opera in 2010
- Traditional production, owned by Austin Lyric Opera
Performances
Saturday, March 21, 2015 at 8:00 PM Friday, March 27, 2015 at 7:30 PM
Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at 7:00 PM Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 2:00 PM
Overview of Carmen
The charms of Carmen the woman are obvious: wildly beautiful, passionate, and elusive. The charms of Carmen the opera are just as evident: a tuneful score from the young Georges Bizet; a heroine like no other; splashy arias and ensembles, and a sensational ending. Rinat Shaham, who captivated as Zerlina in our 2001 Don Giovanni, returns as Carmen, and Morgan Smith debuts as Escamillo. Antony Walker conducts.
Cast and Artistic Team: Carmen
Carmen Rinat Shaham
Don José TBA
Escamillo Morgan Smith +
Micaëla Jasmine Muhammad *
Zuniga Phillip Gay *
Morales Alex DeSocio *
Frasquita Adelaide Boedecker *
Mercedes Laurel Semerdjian *
Conductor Antony Walker
Stage Director Marc Astafan +
Set Designer Allen Charles Klein
Costume Designer James Schuette
Lighting Designer TBA
Asst. Conductor Glenn Lewis
Chorus Master Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist James Lesniak
Production owned by Austin Lyric Opera. Costumes executed by Seattle Opera Costume Shop.
+ Pittsburgh Opera debut
* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni
Daughter of the Regiment (La fille du régiment, 1840)
By Gaetano Donizetti
French Libretto by Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges and Jean-François Bayard
Sung in English, with English texts projected above the stage
Four performances at the Benedum Center
- Last performed at Pittsburgh Opera in 1986
- Production details to be announced soon
Performances
Saturday, May 2, 2015 at 8:00 PM Friday, May 8, 2015 at 7:30 PM
Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 7:00 PM Sunday, May 10, 2015 at 2:00 PM
ALSO: Thursday, May 7: Student Matinee performance at 10:30 AM
Overview of Daughter of the Regiment
Found as a baby on the battlefield by the 21st regiment, the fun-loving, tomboyish Marie grows up with many men around her. When she meets Tonio in a small Tyrolean village, it’s the beginning of a madcap romance, the discovery of Marie’s real parents – and show-stopping arias for both lead singers!
Lisette Oropesa (The Abduction from the Seraglio, 2011) returns as Marie, joining superstar tenor (and Youngstown native) Lawrence Brownlee as Tonio, in his Pittsburgh Opera debut. The opera will be sung in English, the production details will be announced at a later date. Music Director Antony Walker conducts.
Pittsburgh Opera’s annual Student Matinee will introduce 2800 school children grades 3-12 to this lively, colorful opera on Thursday, May 7 at the Benedum Center. The Resident Artists take lead roles in the Student Matinee, and are accompanied by the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra, in yet another opportunity to hone performance skills.
Cast and Artistic Team: Daughter of the Regiment
Marie Lisette Oropesa
Tonio Lawrence Brownlee
Sulpice TBA
Marquise of Berkenfeld TBA
Duchess of Krakenthorp TBA
Hortensius Phillip Gay *
Corporal Alex DeSocio *
Conductor Antony Walker
Stage Director TBA
Set Designer TBA
Costume Designer TBA
Lighting Designer TBA
Asst. Conductor Glenn Lewis
Chorus Master Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist James Lesniak
Production details TBA
+ Pittsburgh Opera debut
* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni
Pittsburgh Opera strives to make opera intellectually and financially accessible to a diverse audience and this season is proud to continue offering single tickets starting at $12. In addition to single tickets, the Opera has a wide range of season ticket options, starting at just $43.
Subscribers enjoy the benefits of:
¡ The best seats at the best prices
¡ Easy, FREE ticket exchanges
¡ Split-Pay Plan for Early Birds: up to 5 months to pay for the subscription
¡ Reserved parking at Theater Square Garage
¡ 15% subscriber discount on additional single tickets to mainstage operas
¡ 20% subscriber discount on the Resident Artist opera
¡ Money-Back Guarantee: – if subscribers are not satisfied with their first opera,
Pittsburgh Opera will refund the balance of the subscription
For tickets, call (412) 456-6666 or visit www.pittsburghopera.org.
Pittsburgh Opera is committed to making opera accessible to all groups in the Pittsburgh area by providing great discounts and special services to group ticketholders. Unlike the large numbers required by many other organizations, a group at Pittsburgh Opera can be as few as 6 people! For more information about group ticket services and discounts, contact Randy Adams at (412) 281-0912, ext. 213 or [email protected].
SPECIAL EVENTS
Rising Stars
Sunday, October 5, 2014, 6:00 PM
George R. White Opera Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)
Pittsburgh Opera hosts its annual Rising Stars on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at 6:00 PMin the Opera’s Strip District headquarters. Rising Stars is the community’s first opportunity to meet the incoming Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artists, using the opera audition process to introduce the singers. This performance is free and open to the public. At Rising Stars, each Resident Artist first performs a selection of his or her own choosing, followed with one chosen by General Director Christopher Hahn and Music Director Antony Walker. A final aria to conclude the concert is selected by the audience. Visit www.pittsburghopera.org or call Shawn Fertitta at (412) 281-0912, ext. 257 for more information.
60th annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball
Friday, October 17, 2014, 7:00 PM
Omni William Penn Hotel
Pittsburgh Opera special events have a reputation for elegance and excitement. The annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball is its signature season kickoff gala, where guests enjoy an evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing, and special entertainment. Each year, one lucky Diamond Horseshoe Ball guest is selected at random to receive a diamond-encrusted pendant in the shape of a horseshoe. The 60th annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball will be held on Friday, October 17, 2014, at the Omni William Penn Hotel. Call Katie Gaines at (412) 281-0912, ext. 225 for more information.
Auld Lang Syne: New Year’s Eve
Wednesday, December 31, 2014, 6:00 PM
Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland
Back by popular demand! This glittery event, the only one of its kind in Pittsburgh, returns to Carnegie Music Hall for dinner, entertainment and party to ring in 2015. The entertainment will feature members of the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra and our Resident Artists, with details to be announced at a later time. Auld Lang Syne will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2014, at Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland. Call Katie Gaines at (412) 281-0912, ext. 225 for more information.
Maecenas XXXI
Saturday, May 16, 2015, 6:00 PM
Location to be announced
Consistently hailed as one of Pittsburgh “Top Ten” parties, Pittsburgh Opera‘s Maecenas is the social event not to be missed! Named for Gaius Maecenas, the wealthy Roman
statesman and cultural patron, the Maecenas gala has developed a reputation for a spectacular environment and great entertainment. Maecenas XXXI will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2015. Specific details will be released at a later date. Call Katie Gaines at (412) 281-0912, ext. 225 for more information.
Selected Sundays during the season, 2:00 PM
George R. White Opera Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)
In the 2014-‘15 season, Pittsburgh Opera continues to present Art Song Recitals. Each recital offers one-hour performances of art song literature from a variety of composers and styles, featuring Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artists. Art Song recital performers and selections will be released at a later date. Call (412) 281-0912, ext. 257 for more information. There is a $5 general admission fee, but Art Song Recitals are free to members of Friends of Pittsburgh Opera and to donors at $50+.
Art Song Recital Dates 2014-‘15
November 23, 2014
January 18, 2015
April 12, 2015
Brown Bag Concerts
Selected Saturdays during the season, 12:00 PM
George R. White Opera Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)
Pittsburgh Opera continues its popular and free Brown Bag Concerts in 2014-‘15. Attracting 175+ each month, these performances feature the Resident Artists of Pittsburgh Opera as well as the Opera’s arts partners. Beginning at 12:00 PM on selected Saturdays of each month, October 2014 – April 2015, these one-hour performances are free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring a friend and bring a lunch. These concerts are a wonderful opportunity for an informal introduction to opera. Free and open to the public. Friends of Pittsburgh Opera provide a reception after each Brown Bag concert.
Brown Bag Concert Dates 2014-‘15
October 11, 2014 February 14, 2015
November 8, 2014 March 7, 2015
December 13, 2014 April 11, 2015
January 3, 2015
Visit www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912, ext. 262 for more information about the Brown Bag Concerts.
Selected Sundays during the season, 2:00 PM
Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)
Pittsburgh Opera hosts another season of its popular Opera Up Close presentations. These entertaining and insightful programs are offered five times per season in Pittsburgh Opera’s headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue) in the Strip District. Each Opera Up Close begins with an in-depth musical analysis of the opera with Maestro Antony Walker or a guest conductor, followed by a lively panel discussion. There is a $5 general admission fee, but Opera Up Close events are free to members of Friends of Pittsburgh Opera and to donors at $50+.
Opera Up Close Dates 2014-‘15
Otello–October 26, 2014 Carmen –March 8, 2015
Rodelinda –January 11, 2015 Daughter of the Regiment – Apr 19, 2015
Sumeida’s Song – February 8, 2015
Visit www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912, ext. 219 for more information.
Ticketholders for each Tuesday opera performance are invited to join General Director Christopher Hahn immediately following the performance to enjoy lively repartee, as Mr. Hahn interviews the stars of the production. This event is free to all Tuesday opera ticketholders, and is held in the Lower Lobby for Benedum performances, in the Black Box for CAPA performances, and in the show space at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters.
Meet the Artists Dates 2014-‘15
Otello – Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Rodelinda – Tuesday, January 27, 2015 (at CAPA Theater)
Sumeida’s Song – Tuesday, February 24, 2015 (at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters)
Carmen – Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Daughter of the Regiment – Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Visit www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912, ext. 214 for more information.
FRIENDS of Pittsburgh Opera Events
Friends of Pittsburgh Opera schedules events geared toward fellowship, fundraising, and opera scholarship during the year. Events for 2013-‘14 included a Holiday party, a Valentine’s Day dinner/dance party, salon-type events such as a Sherry tasting combined with an informal lecture, and talks by opera aficionados and scholars. The schedule of 2014-’15 FRIENDS of Pittsburgh Opera events will be announced at a later time.
Additional Events
Pittsburgh Opera 2013-‘14 Season Performances on WQED-FM 89.3
Pittsburgh Opera, in collaboration with Classical WQED-FM 89.3, will broadcast the 2013-2014 season productions, giving listeners an opportunity to enjoy the operas all over again. For more information, call (412) 281-0912, ext. 214.
Pittsburgh Opera 2013-‘14 Opera Broadcast Dates
Aida – September 6, 2014 Paul’s Case – September 27, 2014
The Magic Flute – September 13, 2014 La bohème – October 4, 2014
Dark Sisters – September 20, 2014 Orphée – October 11, 2014
Pittsburgh Opera Previews on WQED-FM 89.3
Hosted by WQED’s Stephen Baum, these previews are broadcast twice before each production opens, giving listeners an in-depth introduction to the singers, music and production of each of the season’s operas. Visit the Pittsburgh Opera website after June 30 for specific dates. For more information, call (412) 281-0912, ext. 214.
Ticketholders are invited to attend a Pre-Opera Talk one hour before each performance’s
curtain in the Main Floor/Orchestra section of the Benedum Center (or in the Black Box for CAPA performances). Learn about the composer, the story and some juicy details about the opera! These talks are free to all ticketholders. Visit www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912, ext. 234 for more information.
Pittsburgh Opera/Point Park University Film Series
George R. White Theatre/University Center, 414 Wood Street
A popular event for the last three seasons, the Pittsburgh Opera Film Series returns, hosted in collaboration with Point Park University and the John P. Harris Society. Guests enjoy films inspired by the season’s operas and get to know other opera lovers with an interest in film. The Film Series selections and dates will be announced at a later time. Call (412) 281-0912, ext. 214 for more information.
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