Arizona Opera 2011-12 Season brochure

2 0 11 - 1 2 SEASON

DISCOVER THE PL ACE WHERE

LO V E M E E T S D ES T I N Y

S C O T T A LT M A N , G E N E R A L D I R E C T O R

2 0 11 - 1 2

S E A S O N

Dear Friends, Welcome to Arizona Opera’s 2011-12 Season! Last year the company celebrated its 40th anniversary, a year filled with exhilarating performances indicative of our four decades as Arizona’s premier opera company. It is my distinct pleasure to lead the company into its next decade, and we are so proud of this new season—a year filled with phenomenal blockbusters, artistic debuts and new productions.

This season is comprised of the most breathtaking line-up ever assembled, including two enduring favorites: the monumental Aida of Giuseppe Verdi and the heartbreakingly beautiful story of Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini. We will also showcase the power of the greatest DOUBLE-BILL, Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana with its lush Intermezzo paired with Leoncavallo’s iconic Pagliacci—sure to be an edge-of-your-seat thrill.

After a long wait of more than 22 years, Gounod’s glorious Faust will be brought to life, this time with a new evocative concept from renowned Stage Director Bernard Uzan and the formidable Greer Grimsley portraying Mephistopheles. Our season concludes with the company premiere of Gluck’s magnificent trip to the underworld with Orfeo ed Euridice. Truly this is a season that can’t be missed!

One of the greatest pleasures I enjoy as General Director is the opportunity to meet our Arizona Opera family.

Throughout the year we have a calendar full of exciting events including free musical presentations, invitations to working rehearsals, and Curtain Dinners. I invite you to join me and get to know our wonderful artists, designers, production team and staff and immerse yourself in the fun and beauty of our incredible art form.

I look forward to seeing you at the Opera!

Scott Altman, General Director

“…uncannily perfect realization of Leoncavallo’s clown with a broken heart… a performance to remember.”

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA & PAGLIACCI

ARIZONA REPUBLIC

“…provocative and persuasive…Uzan delineates character and situation with a sure hand.”

FAUST

SEATTLE POST

“…a passion that slices into the soul.”

SUN SENTINEL

“…a miracle of melodic beauty and imaginative orchestration…The most intimate of “grand” operas…a triumph of the creative imagination.”

CHARLES OSBORN

ORFEO ED EURIDICE

“…beautiful stage images, and impressive living tableaus…”

POST STANDARD

AIDA

M ADA M A BUT TERFLY

In 19th century Sicily, four lovers double-cross each other more often than a gang of thieves. When Turiddu returns from the army, he discovers that his fiancee, Lola, has married the prosperous Alfio. In revenge, he seduces an innocent girl, Santuzza, igniting a chain reaction that leads to an affair with Lola and vows of revenge by her husband. Will their passions cool? Or will jealousy lead to its ultimate end: an act of reckless, hot-blooded violence?

Life and art collide in this tale of a jealous man forced to play the fool.

For Canio the clown and his theatrical troupe, the trouble begins when he learns that his wife, Nedda, has a lover. That night, the tormented Canio must act the role of Pagliacci, a betrayed husband, for the amusement of the local village. When the play begins, art and reality overlap as the enraged clown threatens to have the last laugh.

This Double-Bill, featuring a new production of Mascagni’s earthy tale by Arizona Opera, brings the charm of an Italian village to life. In Pagliacci, Metropolitan Opera tenor Allan Glassman brings heartbreaking conviction and sublime skill to the role of Canio. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Lori Phillips

Joseph Wolverton

Allan Glassman

Kelly Kaduce

as Santuzza

as Canio

Love making. Wine drinking.

Ear biting. Welcome to Sicily.

TUCSON

OCT 1–2 PHOENIX

OCT 7–9

DOUBLE BILL

Ruggero Leoncavallo

as Turridu

as Nedda

Pietro Mascagni

A clown betrayed is no laughing matter.

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA PAGLIACCI

FA U S T

Love and lust bring out the devil in everyone.

Charles Gounod

Raul Melo as Faust

Emily Pulley as Marguerite

Greer Grimsley as Mephistopheles

Mark Walters

Did the devil make him do it? In this case, an aging scientist willingly calls on Satan to help him realize his unfulfilled dreams of youthful passion. When Mephistopheles conjures up visions of a beautiful girl, Marguerite, Dr. Faust agrees to forfeit his soul for a second chance.

Transformed into a handsome young man, Faust seduces, then abandons Marguerite. What will be their fate? Heaven only knows.

In this thrilling new production designed by Director Bernard Uzan, stateof-the-art scenic projections and stark, dramatic sets re-imagine Faust in modern times. Bass-baritone Greer Grimsley, who has earned international acclaim, is a towering presence as Mephistopheles. Sung in French with English surtitles.

as Valentin

PHOENIX

“Grimsley’s big, resplendent voice is the right size and color… a singer who has found his true home…unflagging intensity.”

THE SEATTLE TIMES

NOV 11–13 TUCSON

NOV 19–20

Will love clip a girl’s fragile wings?

A lovely geisha’s heart flutters for Pinkerton, the American sailor she weds. Even after three years without a word from him, Cio-Cio San faithfully awaits his return, holding onto her dreams of love and their child she named Sorrow. When at last he arrives, Butterfly discovers he has married someone else. Her fragile heart shattered, she must find a way to soar above disgrace and restore her honor.

Giacomo Puccini

Shu-Ying Li

Jill Gardner

Adam Diegel

Jake Gardner

as Cio-Cio San

as Cio-Cio San

With sets that evoke the charm of a Japanese village, this Arizona Opera production features the most sought-after interpreter of Madama Butterfly in North America, Shu-Ying Li. Li brings joy, heartbreak and full-throated passion to one of Puccini’s most iconic parts. Sung in Italian with English surtitles. as Pinkerton

as Sharpless

PHOENIX

JAN 27–29 TUCSON

FEB 4–5

“Li is convincing and vocally impressive. Her strong, clear, expressive voice easily penetrates Puccini’s lush orchestration.”

THE NEW YORK TIMES

M A D A M A B U T T E R F LY

AIDA

Lisa Daltrius as Aida

Kevin Short as Amonasro

Giuseppe Verdi

Ancient Egypt is the setting for a fierce war between love and loyalty. Aida, a slave, and Radames, a young Egyptian commander, are secretly in love. But Aida is also the daughter of the King of Ethiopia, Egypt’s enemy. When Radames defeats Ethiopia, Aida is confronted with an agonizing choice: she must betray her love for Radames or her love for her country. In the end, Radames will face punishment as a traitor. But will he face it alone? Or will Aida defy death and join him?

Jill Grove as Amneris

This season marks the first performance of Aida at Arizona Opera in more than a decade. A musical and visual feast, this production features massive sets that evoke the temples and tombs of ancient Egypt. The legendary Triumphal March provides an eye-popping spectacle, as scores of soldiers and their captives march across the stage. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Arnold Rawls as Radames

In war-torn Egypt, love may outlast the tomb.

ON-STAGE LIKE AN EGYPTIAN!

Play a role in Aida’s legendary Triumphal Scene as scores of victorious Egyptian soldiers and their Ethiopian captives march right in front of you on stage! This exclusive opportunity puts you on stage in costume for the epic Triumphal March for ACT II and includes a commemorative photo with the cast and a “Nectar of the Nile” toast at intermission.

EGYPTIAN PHARAOH UPGRADE $100 per person

Added to your season subscription cost.

TUCSON

M AR 3–4 PHOENIX

M AR 9–11

Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Boy goes to Hell and back to get girl. That, in a nutshell, is the story of Orfeo, the musician who curses the gods when his young wife, Euridice, dies. Moved by his despair, Amor, the god of love, gives Orfeo permission to reclaim her from Hades—on one condition: he must not look at her until they return from the underworld.

Their journey will test the power of devotion and prove whether love is indeed stronger than death.

Never before performed by Arizona Opera, Orfeo ed Euridice features glorious, otherworldly sets designed by New York’s John Conklin, one of the foremost scenic designers in the country and is directed by Lillian Groag.

In keeping with this re-telling of a Greek myth, the sets are inspired by the harmony and beauty of Grecian temples. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Katharine Goeldner as Orfeo

Christine Brandes as Euridice

When boy meets girl, everything goes to Hell.

Christoph Willibald Gluck

PHOENIX

APR 13–15 TUCSON

APR 21–22

“[Christine Brandes’] every word in both aria and recitative was infused with meaning, musical intelligence and vocal beauty.”

OPERA NEWS

ORFEO ED EURIDICE

D ISCOVER

THE JOY

OF GIVING

Experience the drama, passion and intrigue of Arizona Opera’s 2011-12 season like never before! Become a member today and enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes activities. Whether it’s dress rehearsal passes, invitations to exclusive staging rehearsals or complimentary parking, members of the Arizona Opera family enjoy a variety of privileges and benefits that enhance the opera-going experience. Additionally, members enable Arizona Opera to offer world-class opera productions, first-rate artists on and off the stage, acclaimed education opportunities to enrich the community and many other countless moments of joy!

Join us in this incredible enterprise! With ticket sales covering only 38 percent of our budget, your contribution is essential to our success on stage and in the community. Memberships start at only $50!

ON LIN E: www.azopera.org/donate E- M AIL: membership@azopera.org PHON E: 602.266.7464

In gratitude for your support, Arizona Opera will provide you with these exclusive

M E M B ERSH I P B EN EFITS MEMBER

BENEFACTOR

BRAVO! SOCIETY

GOLD BRAVO! SOCIETY

$50 and above

$500 and above

$2,500 and above

$10,000 and above

• Notes

• Two

• Complimentary

• Invitation

from the Opera—semiannual Membership eNewsletter

• Advance

notice for purchasing tickets to special events, including pre-performance Curtain Dinners

PATRON

$125 and above • Exclusive

AZO Thank You gift

• Advance

notice for purchasing single tickets before the general public Plus all benefits listed above

FRIEND

$250 and above • Invitation

to the annual Opera Ball

• Invitation

for two to attend a concert featuring participants from the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio Artist Program Plus all benefits listed above

passes to attend a dress rehearsal, with a pre-opera lecture presented by Opera staff

• Recognition

in the Program Book

Plus all benefits listed above CRESCENDO

$1,000 and above • Personalized

assistance from Priority Patron Ticketing Services

• Personalized

AZO Membership Card

• Access

to intermission receptions with AZO Membership Card Plus all benefits listed above

is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

for two to the Bravo!

Salon – a private reception and concert with artists and Opera leadership

• Invitation

• Increased

Ticketing Priority

Plus all benefits listed above

to a designated music rehearsal with principal singers, full orchestra, and conductor

PLATINUM BRAVO! SOCIETY

Plus all benefits listed above

• Invitation

BRONZE BRAVO! SOCIETY

$5,000 and above • Two

passes to attend a second dress rehearsal, with a pre-opera lecture presented by Opera staff

to Meet the Artists—an up-close and personal interaction with cast and crew members

• Special

seating consideration for events, such as the Opera Ball and pre-performance Curtain Dinners

PREMIER BRAVO! SOCIETY

Plus all benefits listed above

$25,000 or above

to a backstage tour of the theater

• 10

percent discount at the Opera Shop with AZO Membership Card

• Exclusive

$15,000 and above

• Invitation

Plus all benefits listed above

tax purposes to the extent allowed by law. Arizona Opera

• Invitation

for two to the exclusive Director’s Lecture, for a behind-the-scenes look at an AZO production

$2,000 and above

for two to attend a private master class with participants from the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio Artist Program

Contributions are deductible for state and federal income

parking

tour of the wardrobe, wig & make-up shop with the Costume Mistress

CRESCENDO FORTE

• Invitation

Membership benefits begin upon receipt of your gift.

at the theater

SILVER BRAVO! SOCIETY

$7,500 and above • Invitation

for two to A Day in the Life of an Artist—a working rehearsal with principal artists, director and conductor

• Autographed

Program Book from an opera of your choice Plus all benefits listed above

Plus all benefits listed above

• Significantly

increased ticket and seating priority for all opera performances and special events

• Personalized

Concierge Service

• Prominent

donor recognition in surtitles, Program Book, and other Arizona Opera publications Plus all benefits listed above

Enhance your Opera Experience with these exciting events!

Opening Night Cast Party Opening night of Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci OC TO BER 1 (TUC), OC TO BER 7 (PHX) Join Arizona Opera and the cast of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci to celebrate the opening of the 2011-12 season! The special champagne toast will take place following the conclusion of the opening night performance ON STAGE! Don’t miss this exclusive chance to meet and mingle with the cast, director and conductor, all while supporting the Opera. Space is limited so reserve your spot on stage today! Tickets: $75 per person

Dine By Design SATURDAY, OC TO BER 15, 2011 Arizona Opera’s newest fundraising event, Dine by Design, will give guests the opportunity to enjoy a unique evening of culinary indulgence. Dine by Design will feature a cocktail reception where all guests will convene to enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres and marvelous opera entertainment. Following the reception, guests will travel to a predetermined dinner party at one of more than 10 restaurants and private homes to delight in a gourmet meal with fellow opera lovers. Tickets: $200 per person

Curtain Dinners & Sunday Curtain Brunch Prior to evening performances & Sunday matinees Dine in the company of friends and opera lovers, with a few surprise appearances by members of the cast and crew, all while supporting Arizona Opera and beating the traffic at Curtain Dinners and Sunday Curtain Brunch! These tantalizing feasts are held prior to each of the performances.

A Night at the Cabaret Opera Ball 2012

For pricing

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2012

and reservations,

Arizona Opera’s signature fundraising event, A Night at the Cabaret, Opera Ball 2012, will be a fabulous night at The Ritz-Carlton with a delicious dinner, dancing and superb cabaret entertainment.

please contact us: events@azopera.org or 602.218.7334

SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO

THIS INCREDIBLE SEASON OF OPER A

row H-T

row A-G

row BB-EE

Season Ticket holders receive: Best seats guaranteed!

Best price!

Exclusive Special Events Behind-the-scenes sneak peeks Discounts and upgrades to the city’s top restaurants, salons and events.

PACKAGES AS LOW AS $84!

row X-AA

TUCSON

row T-W row R-S

Tucson Music Hall

row E-P row A-D

PRIME GREEN BLUE PURPLE PINK PURPLE SENIOR/ STUDENT**

SATU R DAY N I G HTS & SU N DAY M ATI N E ES

FULL Season (all 5 operas) $445 $345 $265 $205 $110 $185 5 OPERAS for the price of 4!

MINI Season* (3 operas)

* Please note that full season packages are given priority seating, therefore some sections may be unavailable for mini packages. Due to the flexibility of this package, you may not have the exact same seats for all your performance choices. ** Discount for those 65 years or older or valid student ID

$297 $246 $192 $147 SAT U R DAY N I G H T S (7:3 0 PM)

S U N DAY M AT I N E E S (2 : 0 0 PM)

October 1 November 19 February 4 March 3 April 21

October 2 November 20 February 5 March 4 April 22

$87

row 7-10 row 4-6 row 3 row 1-2

row 30-33 row 26-29 row 20-25 row 18-19 row 17

PHOENIX

row 15-16

Symphony Hall

row 4-14 row 1-3

PRIME GREEN BLUE PURPLE PINK BLUE PURPLE SENIOR/ STUDENT**

FR I DAY N I G HTS (O PE N I N G N I G HTS)

SENIOR/ STUDENT**

FULL Season (all 5 operas) $480 $370 $285 $215 $105 $265 $195 5 OPERAS for the price of 4!

MINI Season* (3 operas)

$324 $255 $219 $156

$84

SATU R DAY N I G HTS & SU N DAY M ATI N E ES

FULL Season (all 5 operas) $530 $405 $340 $230 $130 $320 $210 5 OPERAS for the price of 4!

MINI Season* (3 operas) * Please note that full season packages are given priority seating, therefore some sections may be unavailable for mini packages. Due to the flexibility of this package, you may not have the exact same seats for all your performance choices. ** Discount for those 65 years or older or valid student ID

$354 $279 $234 $165 $102 OPENING NIGHTS (7:3 0 PM)

SAT U R DAY N I G H T S (7:3 0 PM)

S U N DAY M AT I N E E S (2 : 0 0 PM)

October 7 November 11 January 27 March 9 April 13

October 8 November 12 January 28 March 10 April 14

October 9 November 13 January 29 March 11 April 15

Order the Full Season and receive 5 operas for the price of 4!

TUCSON

520-293-4336 PHOENIX

602-266-7464 www.azopera.org

“With this striking season, Arizona Opera is clearly a leading American opera company.”

4 6 0 0 N . 12 T H S T . P H O E N I X A Z

8 5 014

KBAQ/NPR Classical Radio

2 011 - 12 S E A S O N

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA & PAGLIACCI

PACKAGES

FAUST

AS LOW AS $84

AIDA

M ADAM A BUT TERFLY

ORFEO ED EURIDICE