Pittsburgh Opera Announces Shows In 2016-2017
By: Molly Tracy Aug. 24, 2016
Pittsburgh Opera announces its 2016-2017 season. The season includes the very first world premiere in our 78 year history and two Pennsylvania premieres. The season will encompass four operas produced at the Benedum Center and two Resident Artist operas - the annual production at Pittsburgh CAPA Theater and the Second Stage Project at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters.
Season Overview
Benedum Center Productions :
Giuseppe Verdi's La traviata
Sat, Oct. 8, 2016 * 8:00 PM
Tue, Oct. 11, 2016 * 7:00 PM
Fri, Oct. 14, 2016 * 7:30 PM
Sun, Oct. 16, 2016 * 2:00 PM
Richard Strauss' Salome
Sat, Nov. 5, 2016 * 8:00 PM
Tue, Nov. 8, 2016 * 7:00 PM
Fri, Nov. 11, 2016 * 7:30 PM
Sun, Nov. 13, 2016 * 2:00 PM
Giacomo Puccini's Turandot
Sat, Mar 25, 2017 * 8:00 PM
Tue, Mar 28, 2017 * 7:00 PM
Fri, Mar 31, 2017 * 7:30 PM
Sun, Apr 2, 2017 * 2:00 PM
World premiere of Daniel Sonenberg's The Summer King - The Josh Gibson Story
Sat, Apr 29, 2017 * 8:00 PM
Tue, May 2, 2017 * 7:00 PM
Fri, May 5, 2017 * 7:30 PM
Sun, May 7, 2017 * 3:00 PM
CAPA Theater Production:
Pennsylvania premiere of George Frideric Handel's Richard the Lionheart
Sat, Jan 21, 2017 * 8:00 PM
Tue, Jan 24, 2017 * 7:00 PM
Fri, Jan 27, 2017 * 7:30 PM
Sun, Jan 29, 2017 * 2:00 PM
Second Stage Project:
Pennsylvania premiere of Laura Kaminsky's As One
Sat, Feb 18, 2017 * 8:00 PM
Tue, Feb 21, 2017 * 7:00 PM
Fri, Feb 24, 2017 * 7:30 PM
Sun, Feb 26, 2017 * 2:00 PM
Special Events:
63rd Annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball - Friday., Sept. 30th, 2016
New Year's Eve Celebration at Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland - Sat., Dec. 31, 2016
Maecenas Ball xxIII - Saturday, May 13th, 2017
Free, Low Cost and Other Events:
FREE Pre-Opera Talks- One hour before each performance
FREE Meet The Artists - Following each Tuesday evening performance
FREE Rising Stars concert - Sunday, Sept. 28th, 2016 at Pittsburgh Opera headquarters
FREE Brown Bag Concerts - selected Saturdays during the season at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters
Art Song Recitals - selected Sundays during the season at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters.
Opera Up Close - selected Sundays during the season at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters
Friends of Pittsburgh Opera events
WQED previews and broadcasts
Tickets:
Single tickets for the Benedum Center productions will again start at just $12. Season tickets (subscriptions) for the four Benedum productions range from $43 - $639. Single ticket sales begin August 29, 2016. Group Discounts available.
THE OPERAS
La traviata (1853)
Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave
Sung in Italian with English texts projected above the stage
Four performances at the Benedum Center
Last performed at Pittsburgh Opera in 2011
Period production, from Boston Lyric Opera
Performances of La traviata
Sat, Oct. 8, 2016 * 8:00 PM
Tue, Oct. 11, 2016 * 7:00 PM
Fri, Oct. 14, 2016 * 7:30 PM
Sun, Oct. 16, 2016 * 2:00 PM
Overview of La traviata
Giuseppe Verdi's La traviata - the fallen woman- is a compelling tale of love, intrigue, money and power in 19th century France.
La traviata tells the heart wrenching story of courtesan Violetta Valéry, played by Pittsburgh favorite Danielle Pastin, last seen here in 2015's Così fan tutte.
Like so many of Verdi's works, La traviata explores grand themes through intimate family drama. Alfredo Germont - played by Cody Austin in his Pittsburgh Opera debut - wins Violetta's love and his father's displeasure. His father, going behind Alfredo's back, coerces Violetta into breaking up with Alfredo because their relationship threatens his daughter's engagement and his family's reputation.
Violetta will not disclose his father's role in their breakup, so Alfredo erroneously believes she loves someone else. He publicly denounces her, leaving them both grief-stricken. Will they reconcile before it's too late?
From the rousing "Brindisi" drinking song to touching arias, La traviata's singing and music are sure to delight.
Music Director AnTony Walker conducts the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra and Chorus. Chas Rader-Shieber directs.
Cast and Artistic Team: La traviata
Violetta Valery Danielle Pastin**
Alfredo Germont Cody Austin+
Giorgio Germont Sebastian Catana+
Flora Bervoix Leah de Gruyl*
Baron Douphol Brian Vu*
Doctor Grenvil Matt Scollin*
Gastone de Letorieres Eric Ferring*
Annina Claudia Rosenthal*
Conductor Christian Capocaccia
Stage Director Chas Rader-Shieber
Set Designer Julia Noulin-Mérat
Lighting Designer (TBA)
Asst. Conductor Glenn Lewis
Chorus Master Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist James Lesniak
* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni
Salome (1905)
Composition and libretto By Richard Strauss
Sung in German with English texts projected above the stage
Four performances at the Benedum Center
Last performed at Pittsburgh Opera in 2001
Period production, owned by Pittsburgh Opera
Performances of Salome
Sat, Nov. 5, 2016 * 8:00 PM
Tue, Nov. 8, 2016 * 7:00 PM
Fri, Nov. 11, 2016 * 7:30 PM
Sun, Nov. 13, 2016 * 2:00 PM
Overview of Salome
Originally censored in Vienna, banned in London, and even protested in New York, Salome is now considered a classic. Salome helped reinforce Strauss's reputation as "the greatest genius of the age".
Based on the play by the one and only Oscar Wilde, Salome recreates the biblical story of King Herod, his daughter Salome and John the Baptist (called Jochanaan).
Princess Salome is obsessed with Jochanaan, who is being held prisoner in her father King Herod's dungeon. She is filled with an overwhelming desire for him and wants to kiss him, but he rejects her. King Herod, meanwhile, fancies his own daughter Salome, much to his wife Herodias' disgust. Herod implores Salome to dance for him, promising to reward her with her heart's desire - even if it were one half of his kingdom.
Sensing an opportunity, Salome agrees and performs the seductive "Dance of the Seven Veils". This dance, a sort of biblical strip tease, has her slowly removing her seven veils until she lies naked at her father's feet. Having danced for her father, Salome intends to make good on Herod's promise to give her whatever she wants. What she wants is the head of the prophet Jochanaan, presented on a silver platter. Herod tries to no avail to change her mind, and ultimately he is forced to accede to her demands.
Salome holds her trophy triumphantly. Jochanaan had prevented her from kissing his lips before- now she mocks him and passionately kisses his severed head. Disgusted and terrified, Herod has his guards kill Salome as the curtain falls.
We are thrilled to have Patricia Racette playing the title role of Salome, who sang the role to critical acclaim last year, Robert Brubaker as King Herod, and Michaele Martens as Herodias.
Music Director AnTony Walker conducts.
Cast and Artistic Team: Salome
Salome Patricia Racette+
King Herod Robert Brubaker+
Herodias Micaela Martens+
Jochanaan Nmon Ford+
Narraboth Jonathan Boyd
Page of Herodias Leah de Gruyl*
Conductor AnTony Walker
Stage Director Andrew Sinclair
Set Designer Boyd Ostroff
Lighting Designer (TBA)
Asst. Conductor Glenn Lewis
Chorus Master Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist James Lesniak
Wig & Make-up Designer James Geier
Choreographer Michele de la Reza
Stage Manager Cindy Knight
Asst Stage Director Frances Rabalais*
Asst. Stage Manager Sarah Cowing
+ Pittsburgh Opera debut* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni
CAPA Theater production: Handel's Richard the Lionheart (1727) - Pennsylvania premiere
By George Frideric Handel
Libretto by Paolo Antonio Rolli
Sung in Italian with English texts projected above the stage
Four performances at CAPA Theater, 111 Ninth Street, Downtown
Never before performed by Pittsburgh Opera
New production
Performances of Richard the Lionheart
Sat, Jan 21, 2017 * 8:00 PM
Tue, Jan 24, 2017 * 7:00 PM
Fri, Jan 27, 2017 * 7:30 PM
Sun, Jan 29, 2017 * 2:00 PM
Overview of Richard the Lionheart
In Richard the Lionheart, Pittsburgh Opera's Resident Artists will perform an opera that has never before been seen in Pennsylvania.
Before he wrote his famous Messiah, George Frideric Handel composed a number of beautiful operas. He wrote Richard the Lionheart (Riccardo Primo) for the Royal Academy's 1726-27 opera season in London. It was neglected for a considerable amount of time before being resurrected in the mid 1960's. However, this will only be the second time Richard the Lionheart has been performed in the United States (the first was by Opera Theatre of St. Louis in 2015).
The story takes place in Cyprus in the late 1100's, and is about King Richard the First of England's pending marriage to the Spanish princess Costanza.
On her journey to be married to King Richard, Costanza and her party are shipwrecked off the coast of Cyprus. She finds shelter at the court of the local governor, Isacio. Isacio's daughter Pulcheria is engaged to Oronte, Prince of Syria, but Oronte is quickly attracted to the beautiful Costanza, as is Isacio himself.
King Richard arrives in Cyprus to collect Costanza, who Isacio promises to deliver. However, Isacio is up to no good. He intends to send his daughter Pulcheria to King Richard in place of Costanza, and keep Costanza for himself. Costanza and her servant Berardo suspect treachery, and Berardo promises to investigate.
When Isacio informs Pulcheria of his plot she is conflicted. She does not want to be party to a fraud, but she sees an opportunity to punish her unfaithful lover Oronte.
King Richard arrives, disguised as his kingdom's ambassador. Pulcheria presents herself to him as Costanza. Berardo has discovered and relayed the plot to Oronte, who reveals the treachery to a now angry King Richard. Richard vows to either return with the real Costanza or avenge himself by force of arms.
King Richard Offers Isacio the choice of either peace or war. Isacio chooses war, with Costanza as the proposed prize. The armies battle, and Richard's army captures Isacio. Isacio must renounce his power, but is allowed to live. Pulcheria, now reconciled with Oronte as her husband, shall reign in place of her father. Richard and Costanza sail off into the sunset where, "gentle, sweet affection will set their hearts aglow."
Pittsburgh Opera is pleased to partner with Chatham Baroque for Richard the Lionheart. Founded in 1990, Chatham Baroque continues to excite local, national and international audiences with dazzling technique and lively interpretations of 17th- and 18th- century music played on authentic instruments of the period.
Pittsburgh Opera is also pleased to be partnering with Carnegie Mellon University's School of Drama to create custom sets for these performances.
Our CAPA Theater Productions showcase Pittsburgh Opera's talented, dedicated Resident Artists, and provide a rare opportunity to see tomorrow's big league opera stars today.
Cast and Artistic Team: Richard the Lionheart
King Richard I of England Leah de Gruyl*
Costanza Shannon Jennings*
Isacio Andy Berry*
Pulcheria Claudia Rosenthal*
Oronte Taylor Raven*
Berardo Brian Vu*
Conductor Michael Beattie
Stage Director Crystal Manich
Asst Stage Director Frances Rabalais*
Stage Manager Cindy Knight
Set Designer (TBA)
Lighting Designer (TBA)
Director of Musical Studies Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist James Lesniak
+ Pittsburgh Opera debut* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni
Second Stage Project: As One (2014) - Pennsylvania premiere
By Laura Kaminsky
Libretto by Mark Campbell and Kimberly Reed
Sung in English with English texts projected above the stage
Four performances at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters, 2425 Liberty Ave., in the Strip
Never before performed by Pittsburgh Opera
New production
Performances of As One
Sat, Feb 18, 2017 * 8:00 PM
Tue, Feb 21, 2017 * 7:00 PM
Fri, Feb 24, 2017 * 7:30 PM
Sun, Feb 26, 2017 * 2:00 PM
Overview of As One
Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters has become the home of our Second Stage Project, focusing on new works in the opera canon. We are very proud to bring Laura Kaminsky's contemporary opera As One to our Second Stage beginning February 18, 2017.
As explained more fully in the libretto available for free download, As One tells the story and struggle of the transgender protagonist, Hannah, as she tries to reconcile the discord between herself and the outside world. As One traces Hannah's experiences from her youth in a small town to her college years on the West Coast, and finally to Norway where she is surprised at what she learns about herself.
Hannah faces youthful challenges conforming to gender norms, before discovering that she is not alone in the world. During her college years, Hannah struggles with her bifurcated existence and begins to grow apart from her family. Hannah escapes a harrowing assault that prompts her to find a link to the larger trans community and end her self-imposed alienation. Eventually, Hannah finds, in nature, solitude, and self-reflection, the simple yet surprising equation that will help her achieve happiness.
Commissioned and developed by American Opera Project, As One received generous
funding from OPERA America's Opera Discovery Grants for Female Composers
Program, supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, the New York
State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo, the New
York State Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Art Works,
Dr. Coco Lazaroff, Lynn Loacker and Judith O. Rubin.
As One premiered at BAM Fisher Center in Brooklyn, NY in September, 2014. This will be one of the first times it's been performed since its world premiere.
Like our CAPA Theater Productions, our Second Stage productions showcase Pittsburgh Opera's talented, dedicated Resident Artists, and provide a rare opportunity to witness performances of this caliber in such a private setting.
Cast and Artistic Team: As One
Hannah before Brian Vu*
Hannah after Taylor Raven*
Conductor (TBA)
Stage Director (TBA)
+ Pittsburgh Opera debut* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni
Turandot (1926)
Libretto by Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni
Sung in Italian with English texts projected above the stage
Four performances at the Benedum Center
Last performed at Pittsburgh Opera in 2011
Period production, Pittsburgh Opera co-production with Minnesota Opera, Austin Lyric Opera, Utah Opera and Cincinnati Opera
Performances of Turandot
Sat, March 25, 2017 * 8:00 PM
Tue, March 28, 2017 * 7:00 PM
Fri, March 31, 2017 * 7:30 PM
Sun, April 2, 2017 * 2:00 PM
Overview of Turandot
Set in ancient China, Turandot is an all-time favorite - a lavish production full of dazzling sets and costumes. The opera's story involves Prince Calaf, who falls in love with the icy Princess Turandot, played by Alexandra Loutsion.
To obtain permission to marry Turandot, a suitor has to solve three riddles; a single wrong answer results in death. Prince Calaf is dazzled by Turandot's beauty and wants to attempt to solve her three riddles. His father Timur, and Timur's servant Liù- who is secretly in love with the Prince- plead with him in vain not to attempt the riddles.
Calaf correctly solves the riddles, but Turandot still refuses to marry him. Calaf offers her a way out: learn his name before dawn, and he will die after all. Believing that no one will reveal his name, the Prince waits for dawn and anticipates his victory, singing his famous aria "Nessun dorma".
Turandot realizes that Liù knows Calaf's name, and attempts to torture it out of her. Liù withstands the torturing, declares that she will not reveal his name, then seizes a dagger from a soldier's belt and stabs herself.
The Prince reproaches Turandot for her cruelty, then takes her in his arms and kisses her. Turandot feels herself falling for him and is conflicted. She admits that, ever since he came, she has both hated and loved him. She asks him to leave, taking his secret name with him. The Prince however, reveals his name and places his life in Turandot's hands. Ultimately, she realizes she loves him too, and spares his life. The lovers embrace while the crowd rejoices.
Renaud Doucet directs. AnTony Walker conducts.
Cast and Artistic Team: Turandot
Princess Turandot Alexandra Loutsion**
Prince Calaf Thiago Arancam+
Liù Maria Luigia Borsi
Timur Wei Wu+
Emperor Altoum Joseph Frank
Ping Craig Verm**
Pang Julius Ahn+
Pong Joseph Hu+
Conductor AnTony Walker
Stage Director Renaud Doucet
Set Designer Andre Barbe
Lighting Designer Guy Simard
Asst. Conductor Glenn Lewis
Chorus Master Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist James Lesniak
* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni
The Summer King - World Premiere
by Daniel Sonenberg
Libretto by Daniel Sonenberg and Daniel Nester
Based on the life of baseball Hall of Famer Josh Gibson
Sung in English with English texts projected above the stage
Four performances at the Benedum Center
Performances of The Summer King
Sat, Apr 29, 2017 * 8:00 PM
Tue, May 2, 2017 * 7:00 PM
Fri, May 5, 2017 * 7:30 PM
Sun, May 7, 2017 * 3:00 PM
ALSO: Thursday, May 4th, 2017: Student Matinee performance at 10:30 AM
Overview of The Summer King
Pittsburgh Opera's 2016-2017 season concludes with the first world premiere in our illustrious 78 year history. Opera lovers, baseball fans, and Pittsburghers of all stripes will be dazzled by Daniel Sonenberg's The Summer King, the Josh Gibson story.
The Summer King was commissioned by Portland Ovations, with development by American Opera Projects and deeply appreciated continuing support for the Pittsburgh Opera world premiere from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The Summer King has received major support from American Opera Projects, the National Endowment for the Arts, Bob Crewe Foundation,Maine Arts Commission and University of Southern Maine. The Summer King received its first public presentation as a concert performance on May 8, 2014 at Merrill Auditorium, Portland, Maine under the auspices of Portland Ovations in collaboration with the University of Southern Maine. Pittsburgh Opera is turning it into a full stage production, with lighting, costumes, sets, a full orchestra in the pit, and so forth for its world premiere in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Opera is also working with the composer to continue to develop material for the world premiere.
As baseball fans and proud Pittsburgh history enthusiasts know, Josh went from the sandlots of Pittsburgh's North Side to the pinnacle of greatness on the baseball diamond in the Negro Leagues, before ultimately being enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
The opera begins with a father and son debating about great baseball players. When the father mentions Josh Gibson, the son thinks his father is living in the past. But as his father retorts, "Who's got those numbers today?"
The Summer King follows Josh at key points in his life, including his playing days in the Negro Leagues as well as in Mexico, where he was awarded the MVP award while playing for the Veracruz Azules. The robust supporting characters include his wife Helen, who dies in childbirth, his girlfriend Grace, and teammates such as Sam Bankhead and Cool Papa Bell.
Also featured in prominent roles are the gregarious Gus Greenlee, who owned not just the Pittsburgh Crawfords but also the legendary Crawford Grill in Pittsburgh's Hill District, and Wendell Smith, an intrepid reporter for the celebrated African American newspaper The Pittsburgh Courier.
Like all African Americans at the time, Josh was prohibited from playing in the Major Leagues by what was disingenuously referred to as a "gentlemen's agreement" among the Major League clubs. Sadly, Josh died at the age of 35, felled by a stroke shortly before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Pittsburgh Opera is proud and privileged to premiere The Summer King, Josh Gibson's story. Josh Gibson™ used with permission of Josh Gibson Enterprise, Inc., c/o Luminary Group LLC,www.JoshGibson.org
Pittsburgh Opera's annual Student Matinee will introduce 2,000+ school children grades 3-12 to this lively, colorful opera on Thursday, May 4th, 2017 at the Benedum Center. The Resident Artists take lead roles in the Student Matinee, and are accompanied by the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra, in yet another opportunity to hone performance skills.
Cast and Artistic Team: The Summer King
Josh Gibson AlFRed Walker+
Sam Bankhead Kenneth Kellogg+
Gus GreenLee Norman Shankle+
Cool Papa Bell Phillip Gay**
Grace Denyce Graves+
Wendell Smith Sean Pannikar**
Hattie Jasmine Muhammad**
Conductor AnTony Walker
Stage Director Sam Helfrich
Set Designer Andrew Lieberman
Costume Designer Kay Voyce
Lighting Designer Robert Wierzel
Asst. Conductor Glenn Lewis
Chorus Master Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist James Lesniak
+ Pittsburgh Opera debut
* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni
SPECIAL EVENTS
62nd annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball
Friday, September 30, 2016
Location TBA
Pittsburgh Opera special events have a reputation for elegance and excitement. The annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball is its signature season kickoff gala, where guests enjoy an evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing, and special entertainment. Each year, one lucky Diamond Horseshoe Ball guest is selected at random to receive a diamond-encrusted pendant in the shape of a horseshoe. A live and silent auction raises funds which enable Pittsburgh Opera to offer special programs such as Opera Connections and Opera Opportunity. The 62nd annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball will be held on Friday, September 30, 2016, at a location to be announced.
New Year's Eve
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland
Back by popular demand! Named by NEXTpittsburgh as one of the 10 Pittsburgh Events Not to Miss, this glittery event returns to Carnegie Music Hall for dinner, entertainment and a stellar party to ring in 2017. The only event of its kind in Pittsburgh, it includes entertainment by members of the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra and our Resident Artists, a DJ and live music.
Maecenas xxIII
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters in the Strip
Hailed by SEEN as one "of the best black tie galas in town" and by the Tribune Review as one of Pittsburgh's top parties of the year, Pittsburgh Opera's signature fundraiser gala Maecenas is the social event not to be missed! Named for Gaius Maecenas, the wealthy Roman statesman and cultural patron, Maecenas has developed a reputation for a spectacular environment and great entertainment. Maecenas xxIII will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2017. Specific details will be released at a later date.
FREE, LOW COST & OTHER EVENTS
FREE Pre-Opera Talks
Ticketholders are invited to attend a Pre-Opera Talk one hour before each performance's
curtain (except the Second Stage Project "As One") in the Main Floor/Orchestra section of the Benedum Center or in the Black Box for CAPA performances. Learn about the composer, the story and some juicy details about the opera! These talks are free to all ticketholders.
FREE Meet the Artists
Ticketholders for each Tuesday opera performance are invited to join General Director Christopher Hahn immediately following the performance to enjoy lively repartee, as Mr. Hahn interviews the stars of the production. This event is free to all Tuesday opera ticketholders, and is held in the Lower Lobby for Benedum performances, in the Black Box for CAPA performances, and in the performance space at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters.
Meet the Artists Dates 2016-'17
La Traviata - Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Salome - Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Richard the Lionheart - Tuesday, January 24, 2017 (at CAPA Theater)
As One - Tuesday, February 24, 2017 (at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters)
Turandot - Tuesday, March 28, 2017
The Summer King - Tuesday, May 2, 2017
FREE Rising Stars
Sunday, September 18, 2016, 6:00 PM
George R. White Opera Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)
Pittsburgh Opera hosts its annual Rising Stars on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at 6:00 PM in the Opera's Strip District headquarters. Rising Stars is the community's first opportunity to meet the incoming Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artists, using the opera audition process to introduce the singers. This performance is free and open to everyone. At Rising Stars, each Resident Artistfirst performs a selection of his or her own choosing, followed with one chosen by General Director Christopher Hahn and Music Director AnTony Walker. A final aria to conclude the concert is selected by the audience.
FREE Brown Bag Concerts
Selected Saturdays during the season, 12:00 PM
George R. White Opera Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)
Pittsburgh Opera continues its popular and free Brown Bag Concerts in 2014-'15. Attracting an average of 157 each month, these informal performances feature the Resident Artists of Pittsburgh Opera. Beginning at 12:00 PM on selected Saturdays of each month, October 2015 - April 2016, these one-hour performances are free and open to everyone. Guests are encouraged to bring a friend and bring a lunch. Friends of Pittsburgh Opera provide a reception after each Brown Bag concert.
Brown Bag Concert Dates 2016-'17:
October 15, 2016
November 12, 2016
December 10, 2016
January 7, 2017
February 4, 2017
March 11, 2017
April 1, 2017
Opera Up Close
Selected Sundays during the season, 2:00 PM
Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)
Pittsburgh Opera hosts another season of its popular Opera Up Closepresentations. These entertaining and insightful programs are offered five times per season in Pittsburgh Opera's headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue) in the Strip District. Each Opera Up Close begins with an in-depth musical analysis of the opera with Maestro AnTony Walker or a guest conductor and members of the cast and the production team, which is followed by a lively panel discussion. There is a $5 general admission fee, but Opera Up Close events are free to members of Friends of Pittsburgh Opera and to donors at $50+.
La Traviata - Sunday, Sep. 25, 2016
Salome - Sunday, Oct. 23, 2016
Richard the Lionheart - Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017
As One - Sunday, February 12, 2017
Turandot - Sunday, March 12, 2017
The Summer King - Sunday, April 9, 2017
Art Song Recitals
Selected Sundays during the season, 2:00 PM
George R. White Opera Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)
In the 2015-'16 season, Pittsburgh Opera continues to present Art Song Recitals. Each recital offers one-hour performances of art song literature from a variety of composers and styles, featuring Pittsburgh Opera's Resident Artists. Art Song Recitals will be held on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016 and Sunday, March 5, 2017. Additional recital dates, performers and selections will be released at a later date. There is a $5 general admission fee, but Art Song Recitals are free to members of Friends of Pittsburgh Opera and to donors at $50+.
FRIENDS of Pittsburgh Opera Events
Friends of Pittsburgh Opera schedules events geared toward fellowship, fundraising, and opera scholarship during the year. Events for 2016-'17 included a Holiday party, a Valentine's Day dinner/dance party, salon-type events, and talks by opera aficionados and scholars. The schedule of 2016-'17 FRIENDS of Pittsburgh Opera events includes chapter-specific events as well as the following organization-wide events:
- September 11, 2016: Season Kickoff Party
- December 4, 2016: Holiday Party
- March 2, 2017: Spring Event
- June 10, 2017: GArden Party
WQED BROADCASTS/PREVIEWS
Pittsburgh Opera 2015-'16 Season Performances on WQED-FM 89.3 and wqed.org/fm
Pittsburgh Opera, in collaboration with Classical WQED-FM 89.3, will broadcast the 2015-2016 season productions, giving listeners an opportunity to enjoy the operas all over again. The broadcasts are at 1:00 PM on consecutive Saturdays from September 3rd through October 8th.
- Nabucco - September 3, 2016
- Cosi Fan Tutte - September 10, 2016
- Little Women - September 17, 2016
- 27 - September 24, 2016
- The Barber of Seville - October 1, 2016
- The Rake's Progress - October 8, 2016
Pittsburgh Opera Previews on WQED-FM 89.3 and wqed.org/fm
Hosted by WQED's Jim Cunningham, these half-hour previews of each upcoming opera are broadcast twice before each production opens, giving listeners an in-depth introduction to the opera's singers, music and production.
- La Traviata - Sat., Oct. 1 and Fri., Oct. 7, 2016
- Salome - Sat., Oct. 29 and Fri., Nov. 4, 2016
- Richard the Lionheart - Sat., Jan. 14 and Fri., Jan. 20, 2017
- As One - Sat., Feb. 11 and Fri., Feb. 17, 2017
- Turandot - Sat., Mar. 18 and Fri., Mar. 24, 2017
- The Summer King - Sat., Apr. 22 and Fri., Apr. 28, 2017
TICKETS, SEASON TICKETS & GROUP DISCOUNTS
As part of Pittsburgh Opera's continued efforts to make opera accessible to all members of the community, single tickets for the 2016-'17 season will again start at just $12. Season tickets (subscriptions) for the 4 Benedum productions range from $43 - $639. Single ticket sales tentatively begin August 29, 2016. For tickets, call (412) 456-6666 or visit www.pittsburghopera.org.
Subscribers enjoy the benefits of:
- The best seats at the best prices
- Easy, flexible, free ticket exchanges
- Split-Pay Plan for Early Birds: up to 5 months to pay for the subscription
- Reserved parking at Theater Square Garage
- 15% subscriber discount on additional single tickets to mainstage operas
- 20% subscriber discount on the Resident Artist opera Richard the Lionheart
- Invitations to exclusive events throughout the year
- Money-Back Guarantee: - if subscribers are not satisfied with their first opera, Pittsburgh Opera will refund the balance of the subscription
Pittsburgh Opera is committed to making opera accessible to all groups in the Pittsburgh area by providing great discounts and special services to group ticketholders. A group at Pittsburgh Opera can be as few as 6 people! For more information about group ticket services and discounts, contact Regina Connolly at (412) 281-0912, ext. 213 or groups@pittsburghopera.org.
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