Regional Opera Company of the Week: Austin Lyric Opera, TX

BroadwayWorld.com, the largest theatre site on the net, continues its expansion into other areas of entertainment with our latest feature -The Regional Opera Company of the Week!

This week's featured opera company is the Austin Lyric Opera!

Austin Lyric Opera became the first professional opera company in Austin when it was founded in May of 1986. It quickly became a cultural touchstone for the fine arts community in the Central Texas Region. Co-founders Joseph McClain and the late Dr. Walkter Ducloux quickly developed a company focused on 3 essential E's- Enrich, entertain and educate. This has only continued since its debut production of Mozart's The Magic Flute in January 1987 until now 26 years later.

As the company grew in the next decade so did its seasons. By the 1989-90 season the company expanded to three performances of three productions and in the next season up to four performances of four productions. This has continued since that season.

Over the years the Austin Lyric Opera has been an innovator which showcases new American talent. The companies commitment to outstanding opera and extraordinary experiences is shared by performers and audiences alike. For several years now Austin Lyric Opera along with Ballet Austin and the Austin Symphony Orchestra have all been founding residents of the new Long Center. The Long Center construction began in November of 2005 and ended on time and on budget in early 2008. The grand opening was on March 28, 2008.

Austin Lyric Opera is committed to empowering young people with innovative programs that expose students to the joys of classical music and live performance, fostering a deeper connection with opera and the arts. One program the company has available is the Opera by Night program which offers over 5000 free tickets to students, parents and teachers to attend Austin Lyric Opera dress rehearsals. Prior to the performance school teachers are given educational packets to help the students familiarize themselves with the opera to have a more meaningful and enjoyable experience. Another one of the companies programs is Opera Treasure Chest which is an interdisciplinary curriculum that provides music and opera learning experiences that reinforce academic skills. This brings hands-on programming to children in grades K-4.

Current Season

The 2012-2013 season kicked off with Leoncavallo's Pagliacci in early November last year. For those in the Austin area don't miss the next production of Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro at the end of this month and be sure to put Gounod's Faust on the calendar for April.

Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro

Thursday, January 31, 2013 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 2, 2013 - 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 3, 2013 - 3 p.m.

Something's afoot in the palace of the Count!

In this single "day of madness," Mozart takes us on a laugh-out-loud ride filled with schemes, masquerades and mistaken identities.

Gounod's Faust

Thursday, April 25, 2013 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 27, 2013 - 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 28, 2013 - 3 p.m.

Would you strike a deal with the devil?
Faust, an aging scholar, wants another chance at youth and love, and forges a malevolent pact with Méphistophélès to seduce the beautiful and innocent Marguerite.

For more information about Austin Lyric Opera or to purchase tickets visit the website at http://www.austinlyricopera.org/

Photo Credit: Kirk Tuck/Austin Lyric Opera

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