Ubc opera 2014 2015 season brochure issuu

2014 --2015

UBC OPERA SEASON

PHOTO: TIM MATHESON

OPERA PRODUCTIONS MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DAVID SPENCER ENDOWMENT ENCOURAGEMENT FUND AND THE CHAN ENDOWMENT FUND OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

WELCOME

It is a great pleasure to present our 2014–15 season to you. In 1954 UBC’s administration supported the first Opera Workshop production here at UBC, but with professionals (not students) in the roles. In 1959 the first Opera Program was established. It has been 60 years since the first opera production at UBC and 55 since the creation of the first Opera Program. Now our students (not professionals) are the stars and we hope to delight you with three of the world’s most popular operas, and a world premiere of Stephen Chatman and Tara Whohlberg’s one act opera, Choir Practice.

This season also marks the merging of the UBC Opera and Theatre production seasons. This is unique in the Canadian post-secondary system and has created a deep, rich and fascinating season for our audiences, our students, staff and faculty.

We will be continuing our Opera Teas at the Botanical Garden and the Old Auditorium, our wonderful Opera Ball at the Chan Centre, featuring Dal Richards and his orchestra and our latest series of Live Cinema performances of the Royal Opera House season.

I hope you will enjoy our talented students in these masterpieces and take part in the wealth of cultural events and the cultural life available at UBC. Enjoy!

Welcome back for the 2014–1015 Season NANCY HERMISTON, O.C., Head, Voice and Opera Divisions

1

2

THE BARTERED BRIDE (Prodaná nevěsta)

Comic Opera in Three Acts | Sung in Czech BEDŘICH SMETANA (1824–1884) | Composer KAREL SABINA (1813–1877) | Libretto November 13, 14, 15 // 7:30 pm November 16 // 2:00 pm | Old Auditorium Regarded as the father of Czech music, Bedřich Smetena’s compositions have made a major contribution towards the development of Czech music, portraying the history, legends and landscapes of his native homeland.

Though The Bartered Bride was not an immediate success, Smetena revised it in the following four years after its premiere in Prague, and the final version premiered in 1870. It gained rapid popularity and eventually became a worldwide operatic standard. By 1909 it had been premiered in Vienna, Chicago, London and New York. The opera depicts real Czech people and real Czech life in that era. It is spring in a Bohemian village and holiday time. The villagers gather to celebrate the festive occasion. It is against this backdrop that the story of love, marriage (arranged and unarranged) is played with a great deal of bargaining on all sides. Relationships and assignations are put to the test against the carnival atmosphere in the village with the inevitable happy ending, although not quite as expected.

Norbert Baxa | Conductor Nancy Hermiston | Director Members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra

3

4

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO (Le Nozze di Figaro)

Comic Opera in Four Acts | Sung in Italian WOLFANG AMADEUS MOZART (1756–1791) | Composer LORENZO DA PONTE (1749–1838) | Libretto February 5, 6, 7 // 7:30 pm | February 8 // 2:00 pm Chan Centre for the Performing Arts Based on Beaumarchais’ stage comedy, Le Nozze di Figaro was the first of three collaborations between Da Ponte and Mozart. On May 1, 1786, it had its successful premiere in Vienna. In December of the same year it received its Prague debut. Critics reported “a masterpiece”, … “no piece…has ever caused such a sensation.” This sensation led to the commissioning of another famous Mozart/Da Ponte opera, Don Giovanni, premiering in Prague in 1787. Le Nozze di Figaro is regarded as a cornerstone of the standard operatic repertoire, appearing sixth on the list of the most-performed operas worldwide. The story revolves around engaged and soon to be married Figaro and Susanna, servants of the Count and Countess Almaviva. The Count has grown bored with his marriage and looks to re-engage the act of primae noctis, in which he would consummate the marriage on the couple’s wedding night.

Through Susanna’s, Figaro’s, and the Countess’s clever manipulations that right is never restored, and the Count’s love for his Countess is finally rekindled. Adding to the confusion, stress and the fun are an amorous teenager, a scheming old maid, a drunken gardener, and a silly young girl. Much happens on a single “folle journée” — a crazy day.

Neil Varon | Conductor Nancy Hermiston | Director UBC Symphony Orchestra 5

6

LA TRAVIATA

Opera in Three Acts | Sung in Italian GIUSEEPPE VERDI (1813–1901) | Composer FRANCESCO MARIA PIAVE (1810–1876) | Libretto June 20*, 25, 26, 27 // 7:30 pm June 21*, 28 // 2:00 pm | Old Auditorium Verdi’s La Traviata was not an immediate success at its premiere.

Verdi wrote: “La traviata last night was a failure. Was the fault mine or the singers’? Time will tell.” Today, it is in first place on the Operabase list of the most-performed operas worldwide.

The famous courtesan, Violetta, mistress of a wealthy Baron, hosts a lavish party to celebrate her improved health after suffering with tuberculosis.

There she meets Alfredo. He, Violetta and the guests join in the famous “Drinking Song”. After Alfredo’s ardent pleading, Violetta succumbs to what she knows, is a hopeless love. She leaves the Baron and moves to a secluded country villa with Alfredo. Unbeknownst to Alfredo, his father, Germont, convinces Violetta that continuing her relationship with his son will prevent Alfredo’s sister from a good marriage. With great sadness, Violetta decides that she must sacrifice her love for Alfredo and returns to the Baron. Misunderstanding her motives, Alfredo goes into a jealous rage that leads to tragic consequences.

An opera filled with lavish parties, true love, deceit, and heartbreak; La Traviata unveils an unforgiving world of morality and hypocrisy.

Violetta passionately exclaims, “Even when God has forgiven you, mankind is relentless. You are condemned forever.”

David Agler | Conductor Nancy Hermiston | Director Members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra *Our additional performance dates for La Traviata (June 20 and 21) are outside of our subscription series’ date range. After you have purchased your season subscription you can exchange out of your packaged dates to one of these added performance dates once you have received your tickets in the mail.

7

World Premiere

CHOIR PRACTICE Comic Opera in One Act | Sung in English STEPHEN CHATMAN (b. 1950) | Composer TARA WOHLBERG (b. 1967) | Lyricist MAY 8, 9 // 7:30 pm | Old Auditorium

Welcome to choir night at a community hall in Vancouver, circa 1985. Corey, the stuttering tenor, arrives for his entrance audition and Marilyn declares her infatuation with him. Willie, the directorcum-womanizer, is frustrated by interruptions of a clown, a belly dancer, a diva, and even an Angry Man. His attempts to conduct this hodgepodge of characters are a total failure. Wannabe leading ladies compete for the solo by engaging in insults and vocal duels – could their mutual hatred actually culminate in murder? Can a blind woman lead this discouraged choir into a world of light and transformation? Perhaps Corey will realize that Marilyn is the girl of his dreams and burst into a come hither song of seduction, Hanky Panky. Laugh your way through an hour of slapstick innuendo written by Tara Wohlberg and the eclectic music of multi-award winning composer, Stephen Chatman.

Jonathan Girard | Conductor Nancy Hermiston | Director Members of the UBC Symphony Orchestra

8

MANON LESCAUT

GIACOMO PUCCINI SEPT 18, 6PM / SEPT 20, 10AM

I DUE FOSCARI

GIUSEPPE VERDI NOV 27, 6PM / NOV 29, 10AM

L’ELISIR D’AMORE DOMENICO DONIZETTI JAN 8, 6PM / JAN 10, 10AM

ANDREA CHÉNIER

UMBERTO GIORDANO MARCH 12, 6PM / MARCH 14, 10AM

DER FLIEGENDE HOLLÄNDER RICHARD WAGNER MARCH 26, 6PM / MARCH 28, 10AM

RISE AND FALL OF THE CITY OF MAHAGONNY KURT WEILL MAY 14, 6PM / MAY 16, 10AM

All performances take place in the Old Auditorium on the UBC Campus

10

OPERA TEA SERIES

AN AFTERNOON CLASSIC AND PERENNIAL FAVOURITE September 21+ October 26, 2014 // April 12, 2015 2:00 pm // UBC Botanical Garden November 30, 2014 // January 11 + March 15, 2015 2:00 pm // Old Auditorium Opera Teas bring you closer to the performers on stage. Enjoy a concert of opera arias and song favourites in a casual setting in our theatre or in the UBC Botanical Garden. Coffee, tea, and light refreshments are served.

OPERA BALL FUNDRAISER

FEATURING THE DAL RICHARDS ORCHESTRA March 19 + March 20, 2015 // 7:00 pm // Chan Centre Enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner on the stage of the Chan Centre with serenades from our young stars. Cap off the evening with an incredible night of dancing to the fantastic music of the legendary Dal Richards and his orchestra. Tickets must be purchased in advance and include a $100 tax receipt.

11

OPERA + THEATRE

We’re delighted to announce that the Department of Theatre and Film and the School of Music’s Opera Program will be merging our production seasons starting in the fall of 2014. This merger is a landmark event for both programs; Opera and Theatre at UBC have enjoyed an informal association since the 1960s, and this new formal alliance of our production areas has been developing since the founding of the UBC Opera ensemble by Professor Nancy Hermiston in 1995.

The combined Opera and Theatre season of shows will be unique among Canadian post-secondary programs, an unparalleled training environment for student performers, directors, designers, and technicians, as well as a marvelous expansion of the opportunities to enjoy great live events on the UBC Vancouver campus.

We not only present this wonderful combined season of live performances, but we’ll also, for the first time in our history, be premiering an original film created entirely by students,“Naked Cinema”, which will be ushered to the screen by award winning filmmaking collaborators Bruce Sweeney and UBC Associate Professor Tom Scholte.

Our new subscription packages and extra events will be available to you online by July 30.

Please join us to experience the exciting work of our next generation of theatre, opera and film artists.

ROBERT GARDINER, Professor & Acting Head UBC Department of Theatre and Film 12

UBC THEATRE SEASON 2014/15 theatre

TWELFTH NIGHT

by William Shakespeare

SEPT 25 – OCT 11, 2014

FREDERIC WOOD THEATRE

film

NAKED CINEMA

JANUARY 26 & 27, 2015

original collective creations NORM THEATRE

theatre

THE BACCHAE 2.1

by Euripides, adapted by Charles Mee

JAN 22 – FEB 7, 2015

FREDERIC WOOD THEATRE

musical theatre

THE TRIUMPH OF LOVE

MAR 19 – APR 4, 2015

book: James Magruder, music: Jeffrey Stock, lyrics: Susan Birkenhead FREDERIC WOOD THEATRE

Subscription packages from $33 / Flexible options available online!

BOX OFFICE: 604.822.2678

www.theatre.ubc.ca | www.ubcopera.com

13

TICKET NITTY-GRITTY

Single tickets go on sale in September. Subscriptions are now available.

Buy tickets for the Old Auditorium online at www.ubcopera.com, by phone 604.822.6725, or in‑person at the Old Auditorium box office.

Buy tickets for the Chan Centre online at www.chancentre.com, by phone at 604-822-2697 or in‑person at the Chan Centre box office (fees may apply).

CHAN CENTRE: 6265 Crescent Road OLD AUDITORIUM: 6344 Memorial Road (across the plaza from the UBC Music Building) MAIN OPERAS Single Ticket

ADULT $37 SENIOR $27 STUDENT $15/ $20

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

Subscription (3 operas)

Single Ticket

Subscription (6 operas)

$90 $63 $42

$22 $20 $18

$105 $96 $87

OPERA TEA

OPERA BALL

$22 $17 $15

(includes a $100 tax receipt)

$150

Please note that UBC students are $15.00, Non UBC students $20.00 Season subscribers can purchase tickets for the Opera Tea for $15.00 each.

TICKETS HOTLINE: 604.822.6725 TICKETS ONLINE: WWW.UBCOPERA.COM

SUPPORT US

We provide the best platform for young opera performers in Canada.

Your gift is an investment in our young artists. It is your way to make a positive difference now and leave a lasting legacy. Contact us to discover the different ways you can get involved.

14

✃

2014–2015 SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGE THURSDAY 7:30 PM

FRIDAY 7:30 PM

Nov 13 Feb 5 June 25

The Bartered Bride The Marriage of Figaro La Traviata SUBSCRIPTION

Nov 14 Feb 6 June 26

PRICE

Adult

QUANTITY

$90

SATURDAY 7:30 PM

______

x

Nov 15 Feb 7 June 27

Senior (65+)

$63

x

______

=

$42

x

______

=

Nov 16 Feb 8 June 28 TOTALS

=

Student

SUNDAY 2:00 PM

STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR SEATS CHAN CENTRE Section A

check your preferred seating areas 1 2 3

Section B

1

KEEP MY SEATS

1 H

OLD AUDITORIUM Section A

2

3

4

5

Accessible Seating Available

Main Floor

Section B

1

KEEP MY SEATS

1 H

2

3

4

5

Accessible Seating Available

Main Floor and Balcony [B4]

STEP 3: ADD ROYAL OPERA HOUSE LIVE CINEMA THUR 6:00 PM

Sept 20

I Due Foscari

Nov 27

Nov 29

L’elisir d’amore

Jan 8

Jan 10

Andrea Chénier

Mar 12

Mar 14

Der Fliegender Holländer

Mar 26

Mar 28

Rise and Fall of the City Of Mahagonny

May 14

May 16

OLD AUDITORIUM Section A

check your preferred seating areas 1 2 3 1 H

2

3

4

5

Accessible Seating Available

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS

Adult

PRICE

Main Floor and Balcony [B4] QUANTITY

$22

x

______

=

Senior (65+)

$20

x

______

=

Student

$18

x

______

=

SUBSCRIPTION TO ALL 6 OPERAS SAVE 20%

✃

SAT 10:00 AM

Sept 18

Manon Lescaut

Section B

Lower Balconies

check your preferred seating areas 1 2 3

PRICE

QUANTITY

Adult

$105

x

______

=

Senior (65+)

$96

x

______

=

Student

$87

x

______

=

TOTALS

TOTALS

15

Subscribers have the opportunity to add individual tickets for the Opera Tea Series performances to their subscription for only $15 each! Or add an evening of delicious cuisine and dancing at the Opera Ball featuring the Dal Richards Orchestra, or attend the world premiere of Stephen Chatman’s one act comic opera Choir Practice.

Sept 21 Nov 30 Mar 19 May 8

Opera Tea in the Garden Opera Tea on the Stage Opera Ball Choir Practice Opera Tea

Oct 26 Jan 11 Mar 20 May 9

PRICE

✃

STEP 4: ADD-ONS

April 12 Mar 15

QUANTITY

$15

x

______

=

Opera Ball

$150

x

______

=

Choir Practice

$15

x

______

=

TOTALS

ADD UBC THEATRE TICKETS AT SPECIAL RATES Twelfth Night

Sept 25 – Oct 11, 2014

Naked Cinema** The Bacchae 2.1

Jan 26 & 27, 2015 Jan 22 – Feb 7, 2015

The Triumph of Love

March 19 – April 4, 2015

Preferred Date* _______________________ Preferred Date _____________ Preferred Date* _______________________ Preferred Date* _______________________

*No performance Sept 28, 29, 30 and Oct 5, 6, 7

*No performance Jan 25, 26, 27 and Feb 1, 2, 3

*No performance March 22, 23, 24 and March 29, 30, 31

Adult Senior (65+)

PRICE

QUANTITY

$18

x

______

=

$14

x

______

=

Student

$8

x

______

=

**Naked Cinema

$9

x

______

=

TOTALS

STEP 5: CONTACT AND PAYMENT INFORMATION Name____________________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________________ City_______________________________ Prov _________ Postal Code ________________ Phone_____________________________ Email _________________________________ Yes! I would like to add a tax-deductible donation to the UBC Opera Ensemble GRAND TOTAL Method of payment:

VISA

MasterCard

Cheque

Name as it appears on Credit Card_________________________________________________ Credit Card Number__________________________________________________________ 3-digit CVC code ____________ Expiry Date (mm/yy) ____________

✃

16

Prices include all applicable taxes and fees. Prices subject to change. All purchases are non-refundable and nontransferable. All purchased are subject to our ticket policy and privacy policy. For credit card transactions, a separate total for UBC Theatre tickets will appear on your statement. All totals will display as “UBC E-Payment”.

BRING YOUR GROUP

Bring your group for a memorable and affordable opera experience. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

Discounted school group rates are also available. Please contact UBC Opera at 604.822.6725 for more information.

PARKING AT UBC

For performances in the Old Auditorium, 24-hour secure parking is available at the Fraser River Parkade, a short 2 minute walk from the theatre. The Armories Parking Lot adjacent to UBC Music Building is open to the public after 5 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.

For performances in the Chan Centre, event parking is adjacent to the venue at the Rose Garden Parkade.

CONNECT WITH UBC OPERA CALL 604.822.6725 (box office)

604.827.4937 (administration) FAX 604.822.4884 MAIL UBC School of Music

Attn: UBC Opera

6361 Memorial Road

Vancouver BC, V6T 1Z2 WEB www.ubcopera.com

www.facebook.com/ubcopera

www.operatonic.com (blog) EMAIL info@ubcopera.com

17

PHOTO: TIM MATHESON

UBC School of Music 6361 Memorial Road, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z2 www.ubcopera.com 604.822.6725 DESIGN: MILES LINKLATER, WWW.24PT-HELVETICA.COM