International Opera Star Gregory Kunde
and
Rising Star Maria Antunez
Join Opera Naples
In Celebratory 10th Anniversary Concert
Special Concert will take a Musical Journey through Works
from the Company’s First Decade
Opera Naples celebrates a decade of opera in Southwest Florida with a star-studded concert on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, featuring world-renowned American tenor Gregory Kunde (“an exquisitely bronzed and burnished voice”-Backtrack) in a one-night-only evening of arias and duets with up-and-coming Uruguayan soprano Maria Antunez (“her voice … is a flexible, dynamic, darkly shaded instrument that carries dramatic weight” –The Hollywood Reporter). Opera Naples’s Artistic Director Ramon Tebar collaborates from the piano in this special performance of hand-picked works of past productions from the company’s first ten years.
Regarded as one of the most elegant and accomplished tenors on the operatic stage today, sought-after tenor Gregory Kunde has appeared regularly at the world’s most notable venues, including the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, Houston Grand Opera, Opera Bastille, Theatre du Chatelet, Theatre des Champs Elysees, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Sydney Opera House. He has collaborated with many outstanding conductors and stage directors, including Bonynge, R. Abbado, Muti, Mehta, Plasson, Pretre, Rattle, Dutoit, Nelson, Gardiner, Davis, Ronconi, Pizzi, Vick and Loy. In January 2015, he was awarded the prestigious ‘Arabella de platine’ for 2014 by the esteemed French opera magazine Forum Opera. One of three ‘grand prix’ given out annually, the prize is awarded to one distinguished performer, in recognition of that individual’s contribution to opera that year.
Young Uruguayan soprano Maria Antunez is an alumni of Washington National Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program. She recently made her Los Angeles Opera debut in the title role in the World Premiere of Lee Holdrige’s opera, Dulce Rosa conducted by Placido Domingo. Among the distinguished companies and orchestras with which she has performed are the Sarasota Opera, Washington National Opera, Uruguay’s Teatro Solis, the Orlando Philharmonic, Chinese National Symphony Orchestra, Miami Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Florida Chamber Orchestra, and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival USA. Ms. Antunez is a winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions at the district and regional levels, as well as a national semi-finalist.
A thrilling and nostalgic trip down the company’s first decade as a growing cultural leader in the Southwest Florida arts landscape, the 10th anniversary concert will feature such works as “O Saove Fanciulla” from Puccini’s La Bohéme, one of the repertoire’s sublime duets; the famous tenor aria from Act II of Bizet’s, Carmen, “La Fleur Que Tu M’avais Jetée” (also known as The Flower Song), and the moving Act II aria “Vissi d’arte” (I lived for art) from Puccini’s Tosca.
Immediately following the concert, and drawing to a close what is sure to be one of the most memorable evenings of Naples’s cultural season, VIP ticket holders will have the opportunity to meet Mr. Kunde backstage at The David and Cecile Wang Opera Center. (Ticket information follows below.)
Now in its 10th season, Opera Naples presents internationally renowned performers and directors, encourages and showcases talented regional performers, and grooms young stars of the future. The company produces classic grand opera, and chamber opera at the David and Cecile Wang Opera Center), and conducts several outreach programs, including some designed to identify and develop promising talent. Opera Naples is led by Artistic Director, internationally renowned Spanish conductor, Ramon Tebar, known for his musical versatility, compelling interpretations and orchestra building skills.
Opera Naples also reaches thousands of children in Lee and Collier counties by bringing light opera to their schools; and still others, bring the opera experience to adults, through visits to assisted living centers, local clubs and social events. www.operanaples.org/
TICKET INFORMATION
Opera Naples 10th Anniversary Concert
The David and Cecile Wang Opera Center
(2408 Linwood Avenue, Naples, FL)
Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at 8:00 PM
Gregory Kunde, tenor
Maria Antunez, soprano
Ramon Tebar, Artistic Director, pianist
Tickets (per person):
$100- VIP seating, includes opportunity to meet the stars; $75- premium seating; $60- general seating
