Bucharest National Opera
The VOICE O F T HE HUMAN SPIRIT
Opera Philadelphia’s 41st Season is a vivid representation of the
contemporary, the classic, and the modern—a journey through three
well-established works and two strikingly new American productions at once grand and intimate, innovative and familiar. A season
that grabs your soul and never quite lets go thanks to elite voices, unforgettable staging, and the tender, human thread that connects
it all. A season as we’ve seen it in both our memories and our wish lists and now, we share with you.
The East Coast Premiere of the highly anticipated Cold Mountain
will have you pining with Inman and sobbing with Ada thanks to Philadelphia’s own Jennifer Higdon’s debut operatic adaptation
of the National Book Award-winning novel. Tainted love turns pure in a midcentury rendition of Verdi’s cherished La traviata,
summoned by Lisette Oropesa’s haunting yet thoroughly modern Violetta and Alek Shrader’s Alfredo in their company and role
debuts. Rising stars and Curtis Institute of Music graduates Sarah Shafer and Christopher Tiesi give the color and shape of the
1940s to Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love. And in a stunning debut, the World Premiere of ANDY: A Popera explores the intersection
of opera with devised theatre and Warholian art, questioning the
very separation of art and audience. All singular productions, yet all
bettering one another for the exquisite company they keep. Perhaps
our entire 41st Season could be themed as the Curtis Opera Theatre production of Capriccio makes clear: between the song, the word,
and the drama itself, what woos the heart most is the way we make them all entirely our own.
Join us in the breadth and color of a life lived in opera.
D av i d B . D e va n General Director & President
C o r r a d o R o va r i s Jack Mulroney Music Director
S ar ah S haf e r “ i s a s i n ge r t o wat c h. ” — O per a N ew s
“Eve n if he di dn’t s ing, he co ul d wi n a ll hearts .” —T h e T im es of London o n C h r is t op h e r Tie si
Ale k S hr ad e r ’ s “ s i n gi n g i s d i s t i n gu i s he d b y a s i m u ltan e o u s ly r i c i s m an d v e rv e . ” — O per a N ew s
“I h ave never seen a n opera s i n g er p e r form wi t h a s mu ch comm i t m ent a n d vividne ss a s
“ L i set t e
Jay Hunter Morris.”
Or o p e s a
—T h e H o us ton C h ronicle
lights up th e s tage . ” — T he New Y o r k er
N at han G u n n “ c o m m an d s a n o p e r at i c b ar i t o n e w ho s e m i ght y he f t an d r i c hn e s s c o n f e r an outsize a u t ho r i t y o n e v e ry t hi n g he t o u c he s . ” —The New York Times
Isabel Le o na r d is “beg u i l i ng . ” —Th e N ew York T i m e s
“ A DYNAMIC P L ACE T O E X PERIENCE O PERA IN THE 2 1 ST CENTURY. ” — o pe r a n o w
“ OPE R A P H I L ADEL P H IA IS PUS H I NG FU RT HER I NT O T HE W O RLD O F PO P U L AR C U LT U R E I N IT S S E A RCH FOR U NU S U AL S U BJECT S . ” —The NEW YORK TIMES
“ A TAS T E OF WH AT G R A N D O P E RA M AY H AVE BEE N L IK E D U R I NG VER D I ‘ S TIM E . ” —OPERA MA GAZ INE
“ O PER A P H I L ADEL PH I A C O N T IN U E S I T S I NNOVAT I VE WAY S . ” —WQXR
“ Among t he U .S . op era companie s at t he for efront of d e monstratin g ho w to ev o lv e. ” —Nonprofi t Quarterly
© Ken Howard | The Santa Fe Opera
2 0 1 5 I nt e rnationa l O p e ra Awar d nomin ee
L a T r av i a t a O c tob e r 2 – 1 1 , 2 0 1 5 Col d Mo u n t a i n FEBRUARY 5–14, 2016 capriccio M ar c h 2 – 6 , 2 0 1 6 T h e El i x i r o f L o v e A pri l 2 9 – M ay 8 , 2 0 1 6 ANDY : A Po p e r a SEPTEMBER 2015
“ T h i n g s a r e loo k i n g u p, O p e r a t i c a ll y s p e a k i n g , i n t h e c i t y o f b r o t h e r ly lo v e .” —OPERA N EWS
L a t r av i a t a
S h ort - l i v e d l o v e OCTOBER 2, 4M, 7, 9, 11M, 2015 A c a d e my of musi c Violetta Valéry / Lisette Oropesa* Alfredo Germont / Alek Shrader*
In Verdi’s classic work, Parisian courtesan Violetta surrenders her last hope of personal happiness for the sake of her lover Alfredo’s reputation. Though she is a “fallen woman,” Verdi’s empathetic and vivid score maintains her dignity and the audience’s compassion. Daring production choices encourage modernity and tradition to collide via a golden-hued Baroque stage
Giorgio Germont / Stephen Powell Conductor / Corrado Rovaris Director / Paul Curran* Set & Costume Design / Gary McCann* Lighting Design / Paul Hackenmueller* *Opera Philadelphia Debut
and a midcentury fashion sensibility. This bold setting creates a unique canvas upon which to experience an unforgettable La traviata.
I N T E R N A T I O N A L T A LE N T I N A T O P - CL A S S T R AV I A T A Soprano Lisette Oropesa, hailed as “irresistible” and “magnetic” by The New York Times, makes her Opera Philadelphia and role debut as Violetta, the woman who risks everything for the man of her dreams, Alfredo (tenor Alek Shrader in his Opera Philadelphia and role debut). Standing in the way of their happiness are society’s mores, espoused by Alfredo’s father, Giorgio (baritone Stephen Powell). This lush new production is directed by Paul Curran, an outstanding artist who has collaborated with great opera companies all over the world. Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris conducts the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra.
Music by Giuseppe Verdi / Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave Production from Bucharest National Opera O P E RA AT T HE AC ADEM Y | PER FO R M ED I N I TA LI A N WI TH ENGLISH SUP ERTITLE S
The Academy of Music is part of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
EAST C O AST
Col d Mo u n t a i n
A l o v e to mo v e mountains
PREMIERE
F e bruary 5, 7m, 10, 12, 14m, 2016 A c a d e my of musi c W.P. Inman / Nathan Gunn Ada Monroe / Isabel Leonard*
Fatigued by the horrors of the Civil War, deserter
Teague / Jay Hunter Morris
W.P. Inman foots the arduous terrain of North Carolina
Stobrod / Kevin Burdette
toward home and the salve of his love, Ada Monroe, herself transformed by his absence. Once a Southern
Veasey / Paul Groves* Conductor / Corrado Rovaris
lady of privilege, Ada adapts to years of profound
Director / Leonard Foglia
deprivation thanks to a resourceful new friend, Ruby.
Set Design / Robert Brill*
Inman’s odyssey home is plagued by not only the Home Guard’s marshals, but a more gruesome possibility: has the war’s violence withered his human capacity to love? And further, what truly makes a man a human?
Costume Design / David C. Woolard Lighting Design / Brian Nason Projection Design / Elaine McCarthy* *Opera Philadelphia Debut
H O M E T O W N HE R O I C S Opera Philadelphia takes particular pride in this assemblage of firsts: the first opera written by Philadelphia-based composer Jennifer Higdon, winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize in Music, and the piece’s East Coast Premiere. The opera is based on the National Book Award-winning novel by Charles Frazier, and features a libretto by Gene Scheer (Moby-Dick; An American Tragedy). Opera Philadelphia’s own American Repertoire Council director Nathan Gunn sings Inman, and is regarded as one of the most exciting and in-demand baritones today. Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, who will sing the role of Ada, is a 2014 Grammy Award winner and recipient of the 2013 Richard Tucker Award. Tenor Jay Hunter Morris, who creates the role of the villainous Teague, has been in the international spotlight for his portrayal of Siegfried in the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Wagner’s Ring Cycle.
Music by Jennifer Higdon / Libretto by Gene Scheer Co-commission and co-production with The Santa Fe Opera and Minnesota Opera O P E RA AT THE AC ADEM Y | Pe rforme d in En gl ish w ith Eng lis h supertit les
The Academy of Music is part of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
c o m pa n y
Capriccio
PREMIERE
T h e h e art ’ s t h e t h in g mar c h 2, 4, 6m, 2016 P e r e l man T h e at e r Curtis Opera Theatre with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra
This production of Strauss’s beloved allegory Capriccio stages one of life’s classic conundrums: is music or poetry the lifeblood of humanity? The young, widowed
Director / Chas Rader-Shieber Curtis Opera Theatre Artistic Director / Mikael Eliasen
Countess Madeleine is torn between two suitors, the poet Olivier and the composer Flamand, both of whom vie for her hand with their considerable, yet entwined, skills. While Olivier’s words stir the heart and mind, Flamand’s notes and strings make them soar…or is it the other way around? A plan unfolds: an opera within the opera that will woo Madeleine to answer this artistic conundrum once and for all.
E X P E R I E N CE T HE F U T U R E O F O P E R A Guarantee your seats to what Opera News hailed as “must-see events for serious operagoers” with sold-out shows two years running. The annual co-production from Curtis Opera Theatre, Opera Philadelphia, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts speaks to our forward-looking approach to opera, with dynamic stagings of adventurous repertoire. The series will mark its ninth season with this progressive production of Capriccio, the final opera by great German composer Richard Strauss.
Music by Richard Strauss / Libretto by Clemens Krauss and the composer New Production Produced by the Curtis Institute of Music and presented in association with Opera Philadelphia and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. The Aurora Series is under written by the Wyncote Foundation. This production is funded, in part, through support from the William Penn Foundation. A U RO R A S E R I E S | P E R F O R M ED I N GER M A N WI TH ENGLI S H SUP ERTITLE S
The Perelman Theater is part of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
T h e El i x i r o f L o v e
T h e P ot e nt P otion to Dri v e D e v otion
A pri l 2 9, M ay 1 m , 4 , 6 , 8 m , 2 0 1 6 A c a d e my of musi c Adina / Sarah Shafer Nemorino / Christopher Tiesi
A truly magic brew, or just a bottle of snake oil? The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d’amore), set in the 1940s Italian countryside in this charming production from The Santa Fe Opera, is a delight for all lovers of 19th-century Italian bel canto. Poor, oil-soaked auto mechanic Nemorino is in love with the wealthy Adina, but she only has eyes for the striking Sergeant Belcore.
Sergeant Belcore / Craig Verm Dr. Dulcamara / Kevin Burdette Conductor / Corrado Rovaris Director / Stephen Lawless* Set & Costume Design / Ashley Martin-Davis* *Opera Philadelphia Debut
Enter pinstriped Dr. Dulcamara, a quack who woos Nemorino with a promise: drink the elixir and Adina will fall in love with Nemorino within a day. But, does this strange tincture really work?
A C A S T T O DEL I GH T A N D A M U S E A high-caliber troupe of Opera Philadelphia favorites leads this colorful production, with soprano Sarah Shafer (Nuria in 2014’s Ainadamar) as Adina and tenor Christopher Tiesi (various roles in 2013’s Powder Her Face) as the lovesick Nemorino. Baritone Craig Verm, who impressed as Schaunard in 2012’s La bohème, is Sergeant Belcore, with bass Kevin Burdette, who received rave reviews for his hilarious Dr. Bartolo in 2014’s The Barber of Seville, as the huckster Dulcamara. Stephen Lawless directs, with Corrado Rovaris conducting the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra.
Music by Gaetano Donizetti / Libretto by Felice Romani Production from The Santa Fe Opera O P E RA AT T HE AC ADEM Y | Pe rforme d in I ta l ian w ith Eng lis h supertit les
The Academy of Music is part of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
O P E R A P H I L A DEL P H I A & T HE B E A R DED L A D I E S
ANDY : A Po p e r a
WORLD PREMIERE
O P E R A T H AT P O P S
C O MING IN SEPTEMBER 2 0 1 5 : P e rforman c e D A T E S an d ti c k e t information to b e announ c e d s h ort l y.
Andrei / TBA Julia Warhola / TBA Edie / Kristen Bailey* Candy / Scott McPheeters* Valerie / Kate Raines*
A musical mélange inspired by the life, fame, and philosophy of Andy Warhol—ANDY: A Popera is, like its eponymous hero, a fabulous collision of the high
Joe / Sean Lally* Members of the Opera Philadelphia Chorus
and low, the commercial and the artistic, the traditional
Music Director / Heath Allen*
and the innovative. It is a work that explodes onto the
Director / John Jarboe*
stage–and sparks out into the audience, presenting singing soup cans, Marilyns, and a randy banana on stage with contemporary versions of Warhol
Dramaturg / Sally Ollove* Costume Design / Rebecca Kanach* Sound Design / Daniel Perelstein Set Design / Oona Curley*
Superstars Valerie Solanas, Candy Darling, and Edie
Lighting Design / Mike Inwood*
Sedgwick. It’s an artistic collision exploring what
Video Design / Jorge Cousineau*
Warhol has become today. What happens when a man becomes a brand?
*Opera Philadelphia Debut
A MASHUP OF CABARET AND OPERA ANDY: A Popera explores the contemporary phenomenon that is Warhol. It constitutes a radical new collaboration both in form and process, hailed as “strange, smart and entertaining” by The Philadelphia Inquirer, “brave and intriguing” by Philadelphia City Paper, and named “Best of Philly” by Philadelphia Magazine!
Music by Dan Visconti with original songs by Heath Allen / Text by John Jarboe with Sean Lally and ensemble Co-production with The Bearded Ladies Cabaret. The development of ANDY: A Popera has been generously supported by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. O P E RA I N T HE C I T Y | Pe rforme d in En gl ish
T HE
U L T I M AT E E X P E R I E N CE
If you love opera, fully celebrate your passion by becoming a part of the Opera Philadelphia family for this incredible season. Subscribe today and receive exclusive benefits and perks when you show your Subscriber Card. You’ll enjoy discounts on convenient parking, special offers at fine restaurants, discounted admission to other Philadelphia attractions, and much more!
Access to the best seats at t he best prices
Convenien t ticket e xc h a n g es
to fit your schedule
Sa v e u p t o 3 3 %
Ticket insurance
on single ticket prices
with complimentary ticket replacements
Bring a friend
Discoun t ed garage pa r k i n g
and save up to 10% on additional tickets
I n t e r e s t- f r e e pa y m e n t p l a n s
O p e r a o v e rt u r e s :
informative talks before every
performance—FREE with your ticket
S U B S C R I B E T O D AY O PERAPHI L A . O RG | 2 1 5 . 7 3 2 . 8 4 0 0
T W O WAY S TO SUBSCRIBE
1
F i x e d s e at pa c k a g e s best seating Like the comfort of knowing you’ll be in the same seat on the same day of the week?
Fixed Seat packages are a set grouping of dates on the
same day of the week for either Opera at the Academy
or the Aurora Series at the Perelman. You’ll get the best
choice of seats, plus, you can renew your exact same seats from season to season. Choose the series that best suits your schedule.
2
S e l e c t s e r i e s pa c k a g e s the most flexibilit y Choose three or more operas and create a custom package that fits your tastes and schedule.
A Select Series package gives you the most flexibility while still offering the lowest subscription rate. Select at least
three operas of your choice from any days of the week or
venue. Plus, you can order a variable number of tickets for each performance and try different seating areas. Enjoy the full complement of subscriber benefits including the ability to exchange tickets to an alternate performance date.
Photo by Michael Branscom
F i x e d s e a t pa c k a g e s
1
BEST SEATING
opera at the academy series A c a d e my of musi c | Part of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
SERIES
Traviata Cold Mountain Elixir
Sunday 2
Friday 1
Sunday 1
Wednesday
Friday 2
8:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
10/2/15
10/4/15
10/7/15
10/9/15
10/11/15
2/5/16
2/7/16
2/10/16
2/12/16
2/14/16
4/29/16
5/1/16
5/4/16
5/6/16
5/8/16
Sunday
Weekday
ZONE
SEATING Area
B
Parquet Box/Balcony Box
$645
$645
1
Parquet Premium
$462
$420
2
Parquet
$420
$381
3
Parquet Balance/Center Parquet Circle/ Center Balcony Circle/Balcony Loge/ Premium Family Circle
$318
$309
4
Side Parquet Circle/Side Balcony Circle/ Front Family Circle
$288
$261
5
Proscenium Box/Family Circle/ Side Balcony Circle/Premium Amphitheatre
$201
$201
6
Center Amphitheatre
$99
$99
7
Side Family Circle/Side Amphitheatre
$45
$45
Please contact Subscriber & Member Services at 215.732.8400 if you are interested in discounted pricing available for obstructed view or no-supertitle seating.
AUR O RA SERIES C h amb e r O p e ra at t h e P e r e l man T h e at e r | Part of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
SERIES
Capriccio
zone
Wednesday
Friday
Sunday
7:30 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
2:30 p.m.
3/2/16
3/4/16
3/6/16
SEATING Area
Price
1
Plaza Box/Plaza Floor
$130.50
2
Plaza Floor/Plaza Tier/First Balcony
$94.50
3
Plaza Floor/Plaza Tier/First Balcony Box/ Second Balcony
$67.50
4
First Balcony Box/Second Balcony
$49.50
BUY SEASON TICKETS TO A LL F O U R PRODUCTIONS A N D GE T A N E X CL U S I VE B E N E F I T: Bring a Friend and SAVE
$50*
Share your love of opera and introduce a friend to the Opera Philadelphia experience. * O ffer includes one $50 bonus voucher per season subscription seat that can be redeemed for a $50 savings on the single ticket price. Some restrictions may apply.
O PERA IN THE CITY
c o m i n g s oo n
S e l e c t S e r i e s pa c k a g e s
2
CH O O SE THREE O R M O RE O PERAS
2015–2016
TRAVIATA
COLD MOUNTAIN
CAPRICCIO
ELIXIR
Perelman
Academy
Day
TIME
Academy
Academy
Friday
8:00 p.m.
10/2/15
2/5/16
4/29/16
Sunday
2:30 p.m.
10/4/15
2/7/16
5/1/16
Wednesday
7:30 p.m.
10/7/15
2/10/16
3/2/16
5/4/16
Friday
8:00 p.m.
10/9/15
2/12/16
3/4/16
5/6/16
Sunday
2:30 p.m.
10/11/15
2/14/16
3/6/16
5/8/16
Academy of music per-ticket prices ZONE
seating Area
Sunday
Weekday
B
Parquet Box/Balcony Box
$215
$215
1
Parquet Premium
$154
$140
2
Parquet
$140
$127
3
Parquet Balance/Center Parquet Circle/ Center Balcony Circle/Balcony Loge/ Premium Family Circle
$106
$103
4
Side Parquet Circle/Side Balcony Circle/ Front Family Circle
$96
$87
5
Proscenium Box/Family Circle/ Side Balcony Circle/Premium Amphitheatre
$67
$67
6
Center Amphitheatre
$33
$33
7
Side Family Circle/Side Amphitheatre
$15
$15
Perelman theater per-ticket prices zone
seating Area
Price
1
Plaza Box/Plaza Floor
$130.50
2
Plaza Floor/Plaza Tier/First Balcony
$94.50
3
Plaza Floor/Plaza Tier/First Balcony Box
$67.50
4
First Balcony Box/Second Balcony
$49.50
Please contact Subscriber & Member Services at 215.732.8400 if you are interested in discounted pricing available for obstructed view or no-supertitle seating. Seating for Select Series packages is prioritized after Fixed Seat packages are seated. Select Series seating locations are not guaranteed to be renewed from season to season. Subscription seating priority is based on current donor level, number of years as a donor, number of years subscribed and order of date received. Casting, program, schedule, and pricing subject to change without notice. Deposited checks or charges do not guarantee seating availability.
S e at i n g C h a r t s op e rap h i l a . or g / s e atin g
Academy OF MUSIC | Part of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
PA R Q U E T
B A LC O N Y C I R CLE
STAGE
STAGE
Pros. Box
Pros. Box
2nd Floor LOGE
BOX
BOX
LOGE
BOX
BOX
ADA Seating
ADA Seating
F ami l y C I R CLE
A M P H I T HE AT R E
STAGE
STAGE
3rd Floor
4th Floor
BOX
PERELMAN THEATER | Part of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts STAGE
STAGE
STAGE
First Balcony
Second Balcony
Balcony Box
Plaza Box Plaza
Plaza Tier
subscribe online at operaphila.org/subscribe Ca l l 2 1 5 . 7 3 2 . 8 4 0 0 Visit S ubs c rib e r & M e mb e r S e r v i c e s 1420 Locust Street, Suite 210, Philadelphia, Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
openi night gala F r i d ay, O c t o b e r 2 , 2 0 1 5
Launch Opera Philadelphia’s 41st Season in style at a black-tie Opening Night Gala. Celebrate the season-opening performance of this opulent production of Verdi’s La traviata with a party like no other.
Opera Philadelphia’s 40th Anniversary Gala on the Avenue of the Arts. Photo by Dominic M. Mercier.
ng T h i s s p e c ta c u l a r season kickoff f e at u r e s •
Cocktail Reception
•
Elegant Dinner
•
•
•
Opening Night Performance of La traviata in the Academy of Music* C hampagne Intermission Reception After Party with dessert, dancing, and the cast of La traviata
Reserve your tickets n o w f o r t h i s s p e c ta c u l a r e v e n t a n d t h e s ta r t o f O p e r a P h i l a d e l p h i a’ s 2015-2016 Season.
INF O RMATI O N AT O PERAPHI L A . O RG / GA L A OR 215.732.8400.
*Opening Night Gala tickets do not include performance
tickets to La traviata, which must be purchased separately. If your current series does not include tickets to the Oct. 2 performance and you would like to attend the Opening Night Gala, please indicate so on your renewal form and we would be happy to exchange your performance tickets.
b e c o m e a m e m b e r t o d ay Enhance your operatic experience with valuable membership benefits, while supporting the exhilarating productions of the 2015-2016 Season. And don’t forget—members receive priority when requesting subscription seating changes and upgrades. For a complete list of benefits, visit operaphila.org/membership.
Frien d s o f t h e Ope r a ($25–$1,999) Friends receive advance access to special ticket offers, recognition in the performance program, and invitations to behind-the-scenes events like the General Director’s Backstage Tour and final dress rehearsals.
P a tro n P r og r a m ($2,000+) Patrons enjoy the ultimate VIP experience at the opera, including champagne intermission receptions and a VIP coat check at performances, concierge ticketing services, and invitations to exclusive events with artists.
When you join the Opera Philadelphia donor family as a Friend or Patron, you’ll ensure many more years of operatic excellence in Philadelphia, both onstage and in our community. Thank you for your support!
J o i n t o d ay ! Visit op e rap h i l a . or g / d onat e or c a l l 2 1 5 . 7 3 2 . 8 4 0 0
Official Sponsor of Opera Philadelphia‘s Patron Program
The official registration and financial information of Opera Philadelphia may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 800.732.0999. Information filed with the Attorney General concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling 973.504.6215 and is available on the internet at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charfrm.htm. Information filed with New York may be obtained by contacting the Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Opera Philadelphia thanks the Karma Agency for their partnership. Photo by Michael Branscom
Ac a d e m y H o u s e 1420 Locust Street Suite 210 P h i l a , PA 19102
subscribe now for t h e b e s t s e at s a n d b e n e f i t s o p e r a ph i l a . o r g 215.732.8400