Opera Atelier Opens 2013-2014 Season with ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO, 10/26

Opera Atelier's 2013-2014 season begins with Mozart's Abduction from the Seraglio, a colourful comedy that tells of the charming antics of Belmonte and Pedrillo, a master and servant who must rescue their beloveds from the harem of the Pasha Selim.

A revival of Opera Atelier's highly successful 2008 production, this opera features some of Mozart's most demanding arias and is grounded in the commedia dell'arte tradition, making it the perfect showcase for our artists' vocal prowess and comedic acting chops. Appealing to children, youth and families, Abduction from the Seraglio is part of Opera Atelier's ongoing commitment to cultivate the opera-lovers of tomorrow.

Abduction from the Seraglio will reunite several of the cast members from Opera Atelier's 2008 production, includingLawrence Wiliford in his role debut as Belmonte (he previously played Pedrillo), Carla Huhtanen as Blonde, Gustav Andreassen as Osmin and Curtis Sullivan as Pasha Selim. They will be joined by Ambur Braid as Konstanze (most recently Queen of the Night in Opera Atelier's 2013 The Magic Flute) and Adam Fisher as Pedrillo, making his Opera Atelier debut.

Abduction from the Seraglio will be directed by Marshall Pynkoski and choreographed by Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg, with set design by Gerard Gauci, lighting design by Bonnie Beecher, and costumes by Margaret Lamb. The production features the Artists of Atelier Ballet and Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra under the baton of David Fallis. Abduction from the Seraglio is sung in German with English dialogue and English surtitles.

2013-2013 Season Presenting Sponsor: BMO Financial Group

Abduction from the Seraglio Production Sponsor: Scotiabank

Opera Atelier also gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of The Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.

Opera Atelier is Canada's premier period opera/ballet company, specializing in producing opera, ballet and drama from the 17th and 18th centuries. While drawing upon the aesthetics and ideals of the period, Opera Atelier goes beyond "reconstruction" and infuses each production with an inventive theatricality that resonates with modern audiences. Since 1985, led by founding artistic directors Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg, Opera Atelier has garnered acclaim for its performances at home as well as in the United States, Europe and Asia.

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