The Dallas Opera in Partnership with Klyde Warren Park Presents THE 2014 OPENING NIGHT SIMULCAST IN THE PARK, 10/24

Now anyone and everyone can join in the thrill of opening night at the opera! The Dallas Opera and the Sheila and Jody Grant Opera Discovery Program, with support from the AT&T Performing Arts Center, present an evening of FREE entertainment at Dallas's popular Klyde Warren Park, the second annual "Dallas Opera Opening Night Simulcast in the Park" featuring Mozart's class-conscious romantic comedy, The Marriage of Figaro.

The simulcast will take place on Friday, October 24, 2014 with activities getting underway at6:30 p.m., and the live performance originating from the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center when the curtain goes up at 8:00 p.m. (a half hour later than usual). Klyde Warren Park is located at 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite 403, Dallas, TX 75201.

"It is a very rewarding honor for Jody and me to underwrite our wonderful Dallas Opera's simulcast this year in Klyde Warren Park, a nine-year dream of ours to showcase this extraordinary art to our cherished visitors," explained Sheila Grant, Board Member and Chairman of the Klyde Warren Park capital campaign. "Opera is truly the most thrilling of art forms: the complete artistic experience, with beautiful voices, live orchestra, excellent acting, fascinating plots, with sets and costumes that transport us to a different and exciting world. At last year's simulcast, nearly four thousand people, many with their children, watched Carmen with rapt attention and evident joy. We hope those guests, who have never been exposed to opera, will leave this year's performance sharing our passion for this beloved art form, which has existed and been venerated for hundreds of years.

"We are grateful to Keith Cerny for his vision in sharing this exquisite art in a public space," she added, "which helps keep it an important part of our cultural mainstream."

The live performance will be projected on two high-definition LED screens. Mozart's 1786 masterpiece will be conducted by our distinguished Music Director Emmanuel Villaume, who continues to draw rave reviews for his conducting around the globe. Since last year's Opening NightCarmen, Mr. Villaume has performed to enthusiastic audiences at La Fenice, Covent Garden, and in Rome-as well as major opera houses and concert halls in New York City, Oman, Eastern Europe and throughout Canada.

"The Dallas Opera's public simulcasts have proven to be a powerful tool to engage new audiences in this classic art form; they've really set the standard," said Doug Curtis, President and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center, sponsoring the event. "And doing this again in Klyde Warren Park, with visitors from every corner of Dallas, just seemed like a tremendous fit. We're proud to support this!"

The public is encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot on the lawn and take advantage of the variety of available wining-and-dining options ranging from Savor, a modern on-site "gastropub," to other nearby eateries and food trucks. Those interested in attending are advised to mark their calendars and to be counted in advance at www.dallasopera.org/simulcast/.

KLUV Radio's legendary on-air personality Jody Dean and University of North Texas Associate Professor and Music Director of UNT Opera, Dr. Stephen Dubberly, one of our most popular guest speakers, will co-host the fun-including something borrowed from last year's simulcast, yet altogether new: the "Worst Bridesmaid's Dress EVER!" contest.

As if an explanation were necessary, park patrons are invited to parade their most hideous bridesmaid gowns as they vie for special prizes and a chance to attend the rockin' (you heard that right-rockin') FIRST NIGHT After Party.

Other entertainment includes backstage interviews with the cast and production team of The Marriage of Figaro, a "Bouquet Toss" from the Klyde Warren Park stage with prizes stashed inside wedding-themed floral arrangements, and a showing of the 1945 Three Stooges classic, "Micro-Phonies," a 17-minute short starring Curly, Moe and Larry (courtesy of Sony Pictures) along with guest star Christine McIntyre, in a hilarious, slapstick send-up of opera and the recording industry.

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The Marriage of Figaro, composed in 1785-86, offers some of the most memorable music ever written by the musical genius, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and a touchingly funny story about the antics surrounding Figaro's imminent marriage to his beloved Susanna. Count Almaviva, who has eyes for his servant's fiancée, is set up by his wife and the bride-to-be who expose his adulterous plans. Abounding in crazy plot devices and disguises, the truth is finally revealed, lovers restored, and all is forgiven. Fabulous music, a leisurely outdoor setting and an incredible cast headed by Italian bass-baritoneMirco Palazzi as Figaro, hold the promise of a very special evening in the park.

"We are proud to be able to offer this free event at people-friendly Klyde Warren Park for the second year in a row. Last year, we attracted a diverse crowd of over thirty-seven hundred people for our simulcast of Carmen," explains Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny "and patrons tell me, emphatically, that they want another chance to experience opera under the stars.

"We greatly appreciate the ongoing support of Sheila and Jody Grant and our other generous sponsor: the AT&T Performing Arts Center. We are also grateful to Klyde Warren Park and the Dallas Arts District for partnering with us to make this such a successful event. This fall, we hope to attract thousands of art, music and entertainment lovers to the park for Mozart's marvelous romantic comedy,The Marriage of Figaro," Mr. Cerny added, "and to make our Opening Night Simulcast a Dallas tradition-in the very best sense of the term."

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The Marriage of Figaro stars Mirco Palazzi (Figaro), an accomplished scene stealer who charmed us out of our seats as Leporello in his 2010 U.S. debut. It was a performance that showed "great spirit and comic timing" (Mike Silverman, Associated Press). This opera also stars Austrian soprano Beate Ritter, a European favorite, in her American debut as the spunky Susanna.

This stellar international cast includes Canadian baritone Joshua Hopkins as Count Almaviva. Jay Nordlinger of The New Criterion wrote: "He owns a gorgeous voice, a voice with gold in it. I am not talking about its bankability but rather its tone...and he filled the Koch Theater with this gold, this glow." Mr. Hopkins was selected by Opera News magazine as one of the twenty-five artists poised to define opera for this generation.

Nicole Car, who will make her American debut at the Dallas Opera as the melancholy Countess Almaviva, is already being hailed as the next Joan Sutherland. "Car's honeyed voice, clear expression and delightfully focused performance was used to impressive effect right from the opening scene," (The Daily Telegraph Australia regarding her performance in Eugene Onegin).

Mezzo-soprano Emily Fons will reprise the role of the love-struck Cherubino here in Dallas. As a former member of the Ryan Center at Lyric Opera of Chicago, she impressed The Chicago Tribune's John von Rhein who wrote, "Has there ever been a more winning impersonation? Her "Voi che sapete" is enough to melt the Countess' heart, and our own as well."

Another world renowned mezzo, Britain's Diana Montague will be making her TDO debut as Marcellina. Last season, she appeared to great critical acclaim in the Welsh National Opera production of Handel's Jephtha prompting the Manchester Salon to write: "there were gasps throughout the house when she had finished. I've seen and heard many great moments in Handel's works but nothing that I recall, to match this."

Kevin Langan, performing the role of Doctor Bartolo, is one of America's most sought-after basses. He received glowing praise in the role from The New York Times, citing his "deep, toffee-smooth voice and convincing interpretive abilities," and by Opera magazine for his "revelatory" performance.

The other principal artists in this outstanding ensemble are acclaimed character tenor Doug Jones as Don Basilio, soprano Deanna Breiwick in her company debut as Barbarina, bass Adam Lauin his TDO debut as Antonio, the gardener and tenor Jon Kolbet as Don Curzio.

Acclaimed Dallas Theater Center Artistic Director Kevin Moriarty (The Lighthouse) will stage the production in his Winspear Opera House debut.

"In 2012, I had the great pleasure of directing an opera for the first time, when The Dallas Opera produced The Lighthouse," explained Mr. Moriarty. "Inspired by that experience of collaborating with Maestro Paiement on a modern musical masterpiece, I was overjoyed when Keith Cerny invited me to return to direct Le nozze de Figaro."

"This will be my first opportunity to direct a major work of the standard repertoire," he added, "and will allow everyone involved to kick up our heels with laughter at the hilarious plot, marvel at the musical wonders of Mozart's beautiful score, and delve into bringing these wonderfully rich characters to life on the Winspear stage. What a joy it will be!"

Production design for The Marriage of Figaro is by John Bury in this classic production from Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The Dallas Opera Chorus will be prepared by Chorus Master Alexander Rom.

"The Arts District is at its absolute best when our neighbors collaborate, as the Dallas Opera does so well with so many-especially Dallas Theater Center artistic director Kevin Moriarty" saidCatherine Cuellar, Executive Director of the Dallas Arts District. "We are thrilled to see the season opening night simulcast, conducted by Maestro Villaume, become an annual tradition in Klyde Warren Park, exposing thousands of new fans to the pleasures of opera."

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About the AT&T Performing Arts Center

The AT&T Performing Arts Center is a nonprofit foundation that operates and programs three premier performance venues and a 10-acre park for music, opera, theatre and dance in the heart of downtown Dallas. Opened in October 2009, the Center helped complete the 30-year vision of the Dallas Arts District. Audiences enjoy the best and most recent from Broadway; the finest in world dance and music co-presented with TITAS; top concerts, lectures and performers with Center Presents; and a five-year undertaking to present The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. The Center also presents a wide range of free programming for audiences from every part of Dallas, including Patio Sessions concerts, Sunset Screenings, Local Motion fitness programs and an annual outdoor holiday event. The Center makes performance art accessible to thousands of local students through its education program, Open Stages. Through a variety of special programs and benefits, the Center's members and volunteers are able to become involved and engaged in the arts. The Center's five resident companies are among the city's finest arts institutions: Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center and Texas Ballet Theater. Designed by internationally acclaimed architectural firms, the Center's Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, Elaine D. and Charles A. Sammons Park, and Annette Strauss Square are some of the finest venues for performances in the world. The Center's mission is to provide a public gathering place that strengthens community and fosters creativity through the presentation of performing arts and arts education programs. For more information on the AT&T Performing Arts Center, to become a member, or to make a donation, visit www.attpac.org.

About Klyde Warren Park

Klyde Warren Park is owned by the City of Dallas and was designed by award-winning landscape architect Jim Burnett, principal of The Office of James Burnett. It creates an urban green space over the existing Woodall Rodgers Freeway between Pearl and St. Paul Streets in Downtown Dallas. The sustainable landscaping includes 37 native plants species and 322 trees in the 5.2 acre deck park. It also includes a performance pavilion, restaurant, shaded walking paths, a dog park, a children's park, great lawn, water features and more. It is privately operated and managed by the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information please visit www.KlydeWarrenPark.org or call 214-716-4500.

About the Dallas Arts District

On January 26, 2009, Dallas Arts District was created. Currently, the Dallas Arts District is the largest arts district in the nation, spanning 68 acres and 19 contiguous blocks. Operating under the umbrella of Downtown Dallas, Inc., a nonprofit organization that serves as an advocate for downtown Dallas, Dallas Arts District acts as an advocate, steward and representative on behalf of the Dallas Arts District. In addition to serving the needs of those in the neighborhood, Dallas Arts District also assumed the responsibilities of the former Arts District Alliance (created in 1984 as the Arts District Friends) - educating the larger community about the benefits and resources of the district. The Dallas Arts District enhances the value of the city's creative and economic life by engaging artistic, educational and commercial neighbors through excellent design, practices and programs.

The Klyde Warren Park Simulcast is underwritten by the Sheila and Jody Grant Opera Discovery Program with support from the AT&T Performing Arts Center. The Dallas Opera's 2014-2015 Season is sponsored by Texas Instruments Foundation.

Flex subscriptions begin at $75 for the 2014-2015 Season. Full Subscriptions begin at $95. For additional information about the coming season, call The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214-443-1000 or visit us online at www.dallasopera.org.

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The Dallas Opera Family Performances are generously supported by Texas Instruments and the Betty and Steve Suellentrop Educational Outreach Fund. TDO Family Performances are a part of the Perot Foundation Education and Community Outreach Programs.

EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE DALLAS OPERA

IS CONVENIENTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7

VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG AND CHECK THE CALENDAR LISTINGS

Ticket Information for the 2014-2015 Dallas Opera Season

All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center unless otherwise described. Single Tickets range from $19 to $275 and Flex Subscriptions are on sale starting at $75. Family performance tickets are just $5. For more information or to make your purchase, contact The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or visit us online, 24/7, at www.dallasopera.org.

THE DALLAS OPERA 2014-2015 SEASON INFORMATION

The Dallas Opera celebrates its Fifty-Eighth International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired. The Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk begins one hour prior to curtain, at most performances excluding FIRST NIGHT of the season.

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

October 24, 26(m), 29, November 1, 7 and 9(m), 2014

In a single crazy, romantic day, doors will be locked and unlocked, disguised donned, kisses exchanged and innermost hearts revealed---to some of the most memorable music Mozart ever composed.

An opera in four acts first performed in Vienna on May 1, 1786

Text by Lorenzo Da Ponte after the 1784 play La folle journée, ou Le mariage de Figaro by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais

Time: The late 18th century

Place: Aguasfrescas near Seville, Spain, the Almaviva's country house

Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume

Stage Director: Kevin Moriarty

Production Design: John Bury*

Lighting Design: Mark McCullough

Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

Choreography: Joel Ferrell*

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

Starring: Mirco Palazzi (Figaro) , Beate Ritter** (Susanna), Joshua Hopkins (Count Almaviva), Nicole Car** (Countess Almaviva), Emily Fons (Cherubino), Diana Montague* (Marcellina), Kevin Langan (Doctor Bartolo), Doug Jones (Don Basilio), Angela Mannino (Barbarina), Adam Lau* (Antonio) and Jon Kolbet (Don Curzio).

Production Owned by Lyric Opera of Chicago

SALOME by Richard Strauss

October 30, November 2(m), 5, 8, 2014

Once in a great while, the term "over the top" doesn't seem nearly high enough.

An opera in one act first performed in Dresden, Germany on December 9, 1905

Hedwig Lachmann's German translation of Oscar Wilde's French language play

Time: During the time of Jesus Christ

Place: King Herod's palace on the Sea of Galilee

Conductor: Evan Rogister*

Stage Director: Francesca Zambello

Original Production: Francesca Zambello

Scenic Design: Peter J. Davison*

Costume Design: Anita Yavich

Lighting Design: Mark McCullough

Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

Choreography: Yael Levitin*

Starring: Deborah Voigt* (Salome), Robert Brubaker (Herod), Greer Grimsley* (Jokanaan), Susan Bickley* (Herodias), Scott Quinn (Narraboth), Heather Johnson* (Herodias'Page), Bradley Garvin (First Nazarene), Grigory Soloviov* (First Soldier), Jason Grant (Second Soldier), Joseph Hu (First Jew), Jay Gardner (Second Jew), John Robert Lindsey (Third Jew), Steven Haal (Fourth Jew), Patrick Guetti* (Fifth Jew), Tyler Simpson* (Second Nazarene), NaGuanda Nobles (A Slave) and Matthew Stump* (A Cappadocian).

Production Owned by Washington National Opera

A RARE DALLAS OPERA DOUBLE BILL:

LA WALLY by Alfredo Catalani

January 30, February 1(m), 4 and 7, 2015

The Climactic Final Act!

First performed in Milan, Italy on January 20, 1892

Text by Luigi Illica after Wilhelmine von Hillern's story, Die Geyer-Wally

Time: Around the year 1800

Place: The Austrian Alps

Conductor: Anthony Barrese

Stage Director: Candace Evans

Scenic Design: Robert Brill

Costume Design: David C. Woolard

Lighting Design: Christopher Akerlind

Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

Starring: Latonia Moore (Wally), Carl Tanner* (Giuseppe Hagenbach) and Jennifer Chung (Walter)

A Brand-New Dallas Opera Production!

With EVEREST by Joby Talbot

January 30, February 1(m), 4 and 7, 2015

A Dallas Opera World Premiere!

Text by Gene Scheer

Time: Modern Day

Place: In the Death Zone on Mount Everest

Conductor: Nicole Paiement

Stage Director: Leonard Foglia

Scenic Design: Robert Brill

Costume Design: David C. Woolard

Video Design: Elaine J. McCarthy

Lighting Design: Christopher Akerlind

Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

Starring: Andrew Bidlack (Rob Hall), Sasha Cooke (Jan Arnold), Kevin Burdette* (Beck Weathers) and Craig Verm* (Doug Hanson).

LA BOHÈME by Giacomo Puccini

March 13, 15(m), 18, 21, 27 and 29(m), 2015

A passionate and timeless masterpiece in a beloved period production

An opera in four acts first performed in Turin, Italy on February 1, 1896

Text by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica after Henry Murger's novel Scènes de la vie de bohème

Time: mid-19th century

Place: The Latin Quarter of Paris, France

Conductor: Riccardo Frizza*

Stage Director: Peter Kazaras

Scenic Design: Jean-Pierre Ponnelle

Costume Design: Peter J. Hall

Lighting Design: Thomas C. Hase

Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

Children's Chorus Master: Melinda Cotton

Starring: Ana Maria Martinez (Mimi), Bryan Hymel (Rodolfo), Davinia Rodriguez* (Musetta), Jonathan Beyer (Marcello), Alexander Vinogradov* (Colline), Stephen LaBrie (Schaunard) and Stefan Szkafarowsky (Benoit).

One of the Dallas Opera's Most Popular!

IOLANTA by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

April 10, 12(m), 15 and 18, 2015

A rarely performed Tchaikovsky gem, set in Medieval Provence!

First performed in St. Petersburg, Russia on December 18, 1892

Text by Modest Tchaikovsky based on the Danish play King Rene's Daughter by Henrik Hertz

Time: The 15th century

Place: Provence, a mountainous region in Southern France

Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume

Stage Director: Christian Räth

Scenic Design: Christian Rath

Costume Design: Susan Cox

Video Design: Elaine J. McCarthy

Lighting Design: Thomas C. Hase

Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

Starring: Ekaterina Scherbachenko* (Iolanta), Sergei Skorokhodov* (Count Vaudémont), Joanna Mongiardo* (Brigitta), Lauren McNeese (Laura), Tamara Mumford* (Marta), Andrei Bondarenko** (Robert, Duke of Burgandy), Mikhail Kolelishvili (Renè, King of Provence), Andrew Bidlack (Alméric), Vladislav Sulimsky** (Ibn-Hakia) and Jordan Bisch (Bertrand).

Another New Dallas Opera Production

* Dallas Opera Debut

** American Debut

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