Austin Opera Announces 2018-2019 Season

Austin Opera today announces its 2018-2019 season and unveils Opera ATX, an adventurous new artistic series that will amplify the company's core programming with groundbreaking productions and exciting new talent. The three-opera season at the Long Center includes Verdi's spectacle of passion and betrayal Otello, the company premiere of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Silent Night, and Puccini's enduring romantic masterpiece La bohème. Opera ATX will launch with the innovative Soldier Songs by David T. Little at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Austin.

While Austin Opera's core program at the Long Center will continue to feature a combination of traditional and contemporary operas, Opera ATX will champion new works with productions in alternative venues throughout the city, bringing together exciting emerging talent in opera to create musical experiences completely new to Austin. The inaugural production of Opera ATX perfectly embodies this promise: Soldier Songs, written by noted contemporary composer David T. Little, is a multimedia work that combines elements of opera, theater, rock music, and video to explore the reality of war in a unique storytelling style. The opera, produced by Beth Morrison Projects, will be presented at Austin's historic Paramount Theatre.

"By applying our world-class musicianship to new works, fostering the talent of up-and-coming artists, and tapping into our city's live music DNA at unexpected venues, Opera ATX reflects the pioneering image Austin is known for," said Annie Burridge, Austin Opera's General Director and CEO. "At Austin Opera, we are driven by our love of opera, our love of audiences, and our love of Austin, and our entire season shows how Austin is shaping its opera company and inspiring new experiences both in the opera house and in new spaces around the city."

The launch of Opera ATX has been made possible by generous investments from four Founding Underwriters: Patrick and Judy Cantilo; Jeff and Gail Kodosky; Kenneth W. and Paula Smith; and Patricia R. Angly and Miles O. Smith.

Austin Opera opens its season with Verdi's Otello, which hasn't been seen in Austin in 20 years. Shakespeare's tragedy of jealousy, desire, and political ambition features dramatic sets and costumes and a key role for the Austin Opera Chorus. Otello features some of the most demanding roles in all of opera, and Austin Opera has assembled a world-class cast: Issachah Savage as the brooding Moor, Marina Costa-Jackson as his faithful wife Desdemona, and Michael Chioldi as the evil Iago.

Based on the true story of a wartime ceasefire, Silent Night makes its Austin Opera premiere in celebration of the centenary of the end of World War I. This touching opera, based on the Oscar-nominated film Joyeux Noël, tells of a singular moment of peace during a turbulent time of war. A stellar cast comes to Austin to perform this Pulitzer Prize-winning modern classic, written by the acclaimed team of composer Kevin Puts and librettist Mark Campbell.

The season ends with Puccini's La bohème, perhaps the most famous of all operas, a sweeping tale of young bohemians struggling to fulfill their artistic dreams and find love. Some of the world's most recognizable music propels this story of six friends fighting to keep their passions burning bright through the harsh Parisian winter. La bohème will be presented in a traditional and opulent production originally from San Francisco Opera and directed by Alison Moritz.

"Next season continues the excellence of our core programming that our audiences have come to expect-we bring you inspiring productions of the classics as well as the thought-provoking voices of the new masters of 21st-century opera," said Richard Buckley, the Sarah and Ernest Butler Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Austin Opera. "Plus, we remain dedicated to showcasing the best rising stars alongside established favorites. Together with the outstanding contribution of our orchestra and chorus, this season is full of thrilling drama and memorable musical moments worthy of Austin's reputation for having the best live music in the world."

Tickets available now at austinopera.org/subscriptions or 512-472-5992

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