The Bronx Opera Presents DIE DREI PINTOS

The Bronx Opera presents the New York Premiere of this merry musical tale of mistaken identity and secret romance in 17th century, Spain. "Pintos" concerns a fortune-hunter named Gaston, masquerading as husband-to-be Don Pinto in order to swindle wealthy arranged-marriage bride-to-be, Clarissa. He also employs her secret lover to swindle her father. So at once, there are three [Don] Pintos running around. Originally written by Carl Maria von Weber, the opera was finally completed by Gustav Mahler more than 60 years later.

The Bronx Opera is the oldest opera company of its kind in the New York area and prides itself on presenting rare works such as this one.

BxO productions are always SUNG IN ENGLISH.

Production directed by Benjamin Spierman, conducted by Michael Spierman and Eric Kramer

Performances in The Bronx at the Lovinger Theatre @ Lehman College, Sat., Jan. 9, 2010 @ 8 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 10, 2010 @ 2 p.m., Tickets: $15 - $30 1-800-838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/86467.

Performances in Manhattan at The Kaye Playhouse @ Hunter College, Sat., Jan. 16, 2010 @ 8 p.m. and Sun., Jan. 17, 2010 @ 2 p.m., Tickets: $25 - $40, Call (212) 772-4448.

A free pre-opera lecture before each Hunter College/Kaye Playhouse performance (Saturday 1/16 at 7pm; Sunday 1/17 at 1pm) will be given by Dr. James L. Zychowicz, the music historian responsible for compiling the new and scholarly edition of Die Drei Pintos after exhaustive research. Dr. Zychowicz will be speaking in the North Building (the Kaye Playhouse building), Room 404. Enter on 69th Street, near Park Avenue. Take the elevator to 4, turn right and go to the end of the hall.

For more info, visit www.bronxopera.org.