Opera Philadelphia Announces Upcoming Season Schedule; Tickets on Sale, 8/1

Tickets go on sale on Monday, August 1, for Opera Philadelphia's 2016-2017 Season, including two September productions: the World Premiere of Breaking the Waves, composer Missy Mazzoli's opera inspired by Lars von Trier's searing Oscar-nominated 1996 film; and Puccini's grand Turandot starring soprano Christine Goerke in the title role. Tickets are also available for a series of special fall events surrounding these productions, including lectures, recitals, film screenings, brunches, backstage tours, and social events. Opera fans can also choose their seats for two spring productions at the Academy of Music: Rossini's Tancredi (February 2017), featuring star mezzo Stephanie Blythe's highly anticipated first appearance in the title role; and a new production of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro (April-May 2017).

Single tickets will be available at operaphila.org or 215.732.8400 beginning at 10 a.m. A fifth production, the American Premiere Tour of Third World Bunfight's Democratic Republic of the Congo-set Macbeth (September 24 & 25, 2016), presented as part of the 2016 Fringe Festival, is currently on sale at fringearts.com.

Learn more about Breaking the Waves

Learn more about Turandot, Macbeth, and the spring operas

Turandot premieres at the Academy of Music on Sept. 23Credit: Philip Groshong

Fall 2016 Event Schedule

Between the Notes: Breaking the Waves
Monday, Sept. 12 | 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 13 | 12:00 p.m.
Rendell Room at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Opera Philadelphia Members only

Dive deep into Breaking the Waves with guest lecturer and composer Marc LeMay as he discusses the opera and its music. These enlightening experiences will heighten your understanding - and anticipation - of this World Premiere work. FREE for Members at the Contributor level ($100) and above.

Brett Bailey: Caught in the Act Film Screening
Friday, Sept. 16 | 7:00 p.m.
Prince Theater
FREE

Screen the feature documentary Brett Bailey - Caught in the Act, about the South African theater maker and creator of Third World Bunfight's Macbeth. Introduction by Dr. Megan Lewis, assistant professor of theater history and criticism at University of Massachusetts Amherst University.

Panel Discussion: Who gets to tell the story?
Friday, Sept. 16 | 8:45 p.m.
Prince Theater
FREE

Breaking the Waves Film Screening and Panel
Saturday, Sept. 17 | 2:00 p.m.
PFS Roxy Theater
$15 | $13 for subscribers and members

In anticipation of Opera Philadelphia's World Premiere adaptation of Breaking the Waves, Opera Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Film Society are proud to present special screenings celebrating the 20th anniversary of Lars von Trier's Oscar-nominated film starring Emily Watson and Stellan Skarsgård. Following the screening on Sept. 17, TV Guide's Damian Holbrook will moderate a panel with opera librettist Royce Vavrek and University of Pennsylvania professor Lance Wahlert. A second screening will take place on Sept. 19. Presented in partnership with the Philadelphia Film Society.

Morris Robinson in Recital
Sunday, Sept. 18 | 2:30 p.m.
School of the Future, 4021 Parkside Ave.
$15 | $13 for subscribers and members

Bass Morris Robinson, appearing as Timur in Turandot, performs selections from Mozart, Schubert, Bernstein, Verdi's Macbeth, and more in a rapturous solo recitalaccompanied by pianist Grant Loehnig. A can't-miss preface to the season!

Breaking the Waves Film Screening
Monday, Sept. 19 | 7:00 p.m.
PFS Roxy Theater
$10 | $8 for subscribers and members

Watch Lars von Trier's Oscar-nominated film, starring Emily Watson and Stellan Skarsgård, before experiencing its operatic adaptation. Presented in partnership with the Philadelphia Film Society as part of the Signature Series at the PFS Roxy Theater.

Between the Notes: Turandot
Monday, Sept. 19 | 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 20 | 12:00 p.m.
Rendell Room at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Opera Philadelphia Members only

Explore the score and themes of Puccini's legendary final opera with musicologist Suzanne Bratt of the University of Pennsylvania. These engaging talks will expand even a Turandot devotee's appreciation of the work. FREE for Members at the Contributor level ($100) and above.

Panel discussion with members of the Macbeth cast
Tuesday, Sept 20 | 7:00 p.m.
The African American Museum of Philadelphia
FREE

Members of the Macbeth cast discuss performing in the American Premiere Tour of Third World Bunfight's opera, set in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Designing a World Premiere: Breaking the Waves
Wednesday, Sept. 21 | 7:00 p.m.
SEI Innovation Studio at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
$10 | $9 for subscribers and members

How is opera made? The design team of Breaking the Waves takes you behind the scenes, from creating costumes to staging a World Premiere, in a discussion moderated by Opera Philadelphia Senior Vice President of Artistic Operations David Levy.

Morris Robinson performs in recital on Sept. 18

Turandot Opening Night Gala
Friday, Sept. 23 | 5:00 p.m.
Dilworth Park and Academy of Music
$500+ Full Gala
$100 After-Party Only

Celebrate the start of Opera Philadelphia's 42nd Season with a spectacular black-tie Opening Night Gala in a tented ballroom at Philadelphia's lively new centerpiece location, Dilworth Park. Enhance your experience of the kaleidoscopic production of Puccini's Turandot with a unique party that includes elegant cocktails and dinner before the performance, a champagne intermission reception in the Academy of Music ballroom, and a dazzling After-Party back in the tent with dessert, dancing, and the cast.

Performance Provocations: 20 Years of Brett Bailey and Third World Bunfight
Friday, Sept. 23 | 6:00 p.m.
Prince Theater
FREE

Dr. Megan Lewis, assistant professor of theater history and criticism, University of Massachusetts Amherst University, conducts this lecture on theater maker Brett Bailey and his performance company Third World Bunfight. Dr. Lewis is a South African-American theater historian and performance scholar concerned with the staging of national identity, gender, and race.

Mabele na biso: Film Screening and Q&A
Friday, Sept. 23 | 8:00 p.m.
FringeArts
FREE

FringeArts hosts a screening of Mabele na biso, a 30-minute documentary about community autonomy in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The film is introduced by Faustin Linyekula, choreographer, performer and creator of Le Cargo, and followed by a Q&A with director Petna Ndaliko.

New Member Backstage Tour
Saturday, Sept. 24 | 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 1 | 11:30 a.m.
Academy of Music
Available to new Members only

Take advantage of your only chance to peek backstage this season and join fellow new members for an extended tour of the Academy of Music. You'll go behind the scenes of Turandot, exploring the set and discovering how our cast and crew bring this dazzling tale to life. Light refreshments will be provided. FREE for new Members at the Contributor level ($100) and above.

Turandot Brunch with William Berger
Sunday, Sept. 25 | 12:00 p.m.
Academy of Music Ballroom
$50| $45 for subscribers and members

Meet fellow opera buffs and enjoy a glamorous brunch while discussing one of Puccini's most beloved works. Metropolitan Opera Radio host William Berger presents a stimulating talk accompanied by audio and video excerpts, serving up a delicious appetizer (or digestif!) to a stunning production.

Master Class with Christine Goerke featuring Opera Philadelphia Emerging Artists
Monday, Sept. 26 | 7:30 p.m.
Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
$10 | $9 for subscribers and members

International star soprano Christine Goerke leads three Emerging Artists, soprano Ashley Milanese, bass-baritone Thomas Shivone and baritone Johnathan McCullough, through a master class. You'll witness these young talents blossom before your eyes as our incomparable Turandot shares her expertise.

Women's Sexuality in Opera: A Panel Discussion
Saturday, Oct. 1 | 1:00 p.m.
Innovation Studio at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
$10 | $9 for subscribers and members

Glyndebourne dramaturge Cori Ellison hosts a riveting conversation among a panel of guests including sopranos Christine Goerke and Patricia Schuman and composer Missy Mazzoli. Together they'll explore notions of women's sexuality, gender, and sexism on the operatic stage. Be prepared for an informative and energizing discussion!

Brunch with Missy Mazzoli
Sunday, Oct. 2 | 12:00 p.m.
The Capital Grille
$50| $45 for subscribers and members

Breaking the Waves composer Missy Mazzoli joins a memorable brunch the morning after its World Premiere run. Join fellow opera lovers for an intimate meal as Mazzoli discusses this incredible project with Opera Philadelphia New Works Administrator Sarah Williams.

Added Value with Your Performance Ticket

Opera Overtures
One hour prior to all performances
Breaking the Waves: Innovation Studio at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Turandot: Academy of Music
Macbeth: Prince Theater
FREE to all performance ticket holders for the day listed on your opera ticket

Ticket holders can warm up for each opera with a pre-curtain lecture one hour before each performance. Opera Philadelphia's Michael Bolton provides insights into the themes, music, and production of Breaking the Waves and Turandot, while a guest lecturer explores Third World Bunfight's Macbeth. These informal talks will enhance your appreciation of all the operas you see this season.

Post-Performance Artist Q&As
Breaking the Waves: Saturday, Sept. 24
Macbeth: Saturday, Sept. 24
Turandot: Sunday, Sept. 25
Macbeth: Sunday, Sept. 25
FREE to all performance ticket holders for the day listed on your opera ticket

Stay tuned after select performances for an exclusive audience Q&A with members of each star-studded cast. These relaxed discussions are a great way to unwind after a mesmerizing performance!

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