Knoxville Opera Opens Season with THE TALES OF HOFFMANN Tonight

Knoxville Opera will open its 36th Season with a stunning production of Offenbach's popular The Tales of Hoffmann, tonight, October 25th and 27th, at the magnificent Tennessee Theatre. The production stars Talise Trevigne, performing all four soprano roles, a rare feat tackled by very few artists in history.

"We are especially excited to welcome back Talise Trevigne who scored triumphs in our productions of Rigoletto andManon," said Executive Director and Conductor Brian Salesky. "Her vocal and physical beauty are only matched by her superb acting, and we are all looking forward to a riveting performance." Ms. Trevigne will be making her debut on PBS's Great Performances series on November 1st in San Francisco Opera's production of Moby-Dick.

The intriguing production is a thrilling Halloween appetizer regarding the poet Hoffmann, who, in his world of fantasy and demons, pursues four mesmerizing women: a life-sized mechanical doll, an aspiring chanteuse, a Venetian courtesan, and an opera diva; only to be thwarted at every turn by four diabolical villains. Knoxville Opera welcomes internationally renowned tenor Evan Bowers as Hoffmann, and baritone Markus Beam as the devils, each in his company debut.

Valentine's weekend (February 14th and 16th), delivers Donizetti's beloved romantic comedy, The Elixir of Love. It is presented in memory of Luciano Pavarotti, whose legendary performances in Elixir won the hearts of millions of fans, including those who heard him perform arias from the opera at his 1990 Knoxville concert. The production stars international sensation, Cuban soprano Maria Aleida, whose dazzling vocal fireworks will include the highest note ever sung on the stage of the Tennessee Theatre. Ms. Aleida has been touring the world as Andrea Bocelli's concert partner. Tenor Joshua Kohl will make his local debut as Nemorino, who requires "liquid courage" to win the heart of the feisty Adina. The Metropolitan Opera's Rod Nelman debuts as Dr. Dulcamara, and baritone Sean Anderson returns to Knoxville Opera's stage as the dashing sergeant Belcore.

April 11th and 13th brings the local premiere of Bellini's dramatic tragedy, Norma. A triangle of forbidden love unfolds against the backdrop of war between the Gauls and the Romans. Norma, the Druid Priestess, has betrayed her vows of chastity in liaison with the conquering Roman Governor, who is entangled in an affair with a younger priestess. Unable to protect her people against the invaders and humiliated by her own actions, Norma throws herself into the flames of the sacrificial pyre.

"The only other American company staging Norma this season is The Met in New York City, and we are privileged to present the local premiere of this monumental work," said Salesky. "The exciting, young cast includes soprano Rochelle Bard, tenor Ta'u Pupu'a (formally a member of the Cleveland Browns!), mezzosoprano J'nai Bridges from the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and bass Kevin Thompson, star of Knoxville Opera's annual Knoxville Opera Goes to Church concerts."

All operas are performed with projected English translations. Opera Previews hosted by Maestro Salesky begin 45 minutes prior to performances.

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About Knoxville Opera - Knoxville Opera's mission is to provide the residents of East Tennessee with high quality, locally produced opera and to contribute to the future of the operatic art form by educating the community about opera and its role in our culture. Knoxville Opera, founded in 1978, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization presenting productions made possible, in part, by generous funding from our patrons, The Aslan Foundation, the Tennessee Arts Commission, Regal Entertainment Group, Knox County, The Cole Foundation, the City of Knoxville, the Arts and Heritage Fund, Pilot Flying J, Eagle Springs Winery, Wells Fargo Advisors, Home Federal Bank, Comcast, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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