TOSCA, NABUCCO and More Set for Lyric Opera Baltimore's 2013-14 Season

The Modell Performing Arts Center at The Lyric's Artistic Director James Harp has announced the third annual opera season at the new Modell Lyric. Two grand operas will be featured-Puccini's Tosca and Verdi's Nabucco-and Toujours L'Amour, the third in our gala concert series celebrating French grand opera.

Opulent sets will transform our historic theater as some of the world's most exciting and acclaimed singers take the stage at The Modell Lyric. The world-renowned Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) returns to the pit for Tosca and Nabucco, and for our gala concert, Toujours L'Amour, the Concert Artists of Baltimore Orchestra will delight audiences. Exciting collaborations continue as our curtain raises on The Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University in a moving opera production of Dialogues des Carmélites, which may be added-on by opera subscribers. Also available for those who wish to add a special performance to their subscriptions are soprano Sarah Brightman in concert and the Joffrey Ballet.

Artistic Director James Harp says "It is an honor to present these wonderful events and take part in the continuing historic rebirth of grand opera in Baltimore. We are grateful to our patrons and supporters who, through their attendance, financial support and enthusiasm, have insisted that opera and opera education thrive in our community."

NEW this season is an exclusive perk: FREE parking at the Fitzgerald Garage for those purchasing two 3-show subscriptions and more (not including Peabody performances). Very flexible Subscription Plans are on sale now and range in price from $99.

Tosca, by Giacomo Puccini

November 1 & 3, 2013

Based on "La Tosca" by Victorien Sardou - Sung in Italian with English Surtitles

Puccini's great masterpiece of love, lust, and revenge is one of the most dramatically compelling in the entire operatic repertoire. The opera diva Floria Tosca is in love with the painter Mario Cavaradossi, but the evil Baron Scarpia, the Roman Chief of Police, desires her as well. His nefarious plot to have her involves political intrigue, sadistic brutality and horrific torture. Tosca's dream of love is shattered by Scarpia's duplicity, and in one of the most famous endings in opera, she leaps to her tragic death.

Rising American superstar Jill Gardner performs the title role, with celebrated Puccini specialist Dinyar Vania as Cavaradossi, and Metropolitan Opera Star and Baltimore favorite Eric Owens in his role debut as Scarpia. The Baltimore Symphony orchestra will be conducted by Steven White in a magnificent production directed by James Harp.

Nabucco, by Giuseppe Verdi

May 9 & 11, 2014

Based on the Biblical story and the play by Auguste Anicet-Bourgeois and Francis Cornu.

Verdi's induction into immortality was through this glorious opera, a celebration of spirit, sacrifice and faith. Nabucco, King of Babylon (King Nebuchadnezzar) has enslaved and oppressed the Hebrews, but his presumed daughter, Abigaille, has fallen in love with the Jewish Ismaele, and secretly works for their freedom. Nabucco's pride leads to his downfall, when he proclaims himself God and is struck by lightning. This beautiful opera, containing the beloved chorus "Va, Pensiero" ends as Abigaille and Nabucco recognize the Hebrew God as the one true God.

Acclaimed American baritone Michael Chioldi will star in the title role, with virtuoso Bel Canto soprano Francesca Mondanaro as Abigaille. Oren Gradus will make his Baltimore debut as Zaccaria, the Jewish High Priest. James Meena will conduct the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in a new production, with an opulent and traditional concept, designed and directed by Bernard Uzan.

Dialogues des Carmélites, by Francis Poulenc

November 15 & 17, 2013

Sung in French with English Surtitles

The Peabody at the Modell Lyric series presents Francis Poulenc's Dialogues des Carmélites (The Dialogues of the Carmelites). This unforgettable opera, sung in French and set in the French Revolution, is the story of the triumph of faith over doubt. This fully staged and costumed production will highlight the brightest vocal stars from Peabody and feature the Peabody Symphony Orchestra.

TOUJOURS L'AMOUR

A Celebration of French Grand Opera

April 25, 2014

Sung in French with English Surtitles

Love and romance are the hallmarks of French grand opera, ranging from works such as Roméo et Juliette, Manon, Faust, Thaïs, Louise, and so many others. We'll celebrate these wonderful works in a gala concert with orchestra on the stage of the Modell Lyric.

Opera stars Soprano Nicole Cabell and Tenor Stephen Costello will be our soloists, both renowned internationally for their sensational vocalism, stage glamor and personal charisma. Baltimore favorite Edward Polochick will lead the Baltimore Concert Artists Orchestra in this magnificent event sure to sparkle with romantic delight. Vive l'Opéra!

Tosca:

Friday, November 1, 2013 7:30pm

Sunday, November 3, 2013 3:00pm

Dialogues des Carmélites:

Friday, November 15, 2013 7:30pm

Sunday, November 17, 2013 3:00pm

Toujours L' Amour Gala Concert:

Saturday, April 25, 2014 7:30pm

Nabucco:

Friday, May 9, 2014 7:30pm

Sunday, May 11, 2014 3:00pm

For subscriptions call 410-900-1150, online at www.ModellPAC.com or visit us at The Modell Lyric box office from 10am to 4pm, Monday through Friday. The Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric is located at 110 West Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore, MD.

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