Utah Opera to Present THE PEARL FISHERS in January

Utah Opera travels to the exotic shores of India for its premiere of Georges Bizet's "The Pearl Fishers," the second production of the 2014/15 season, which features conductor Carlos Izcaray and director Kristine McIntyre. The performances are January 17, 19, 21 and 23 at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on Sunday, January 25, at 2 p.m.

This is the first time Utah Opera will be presenting this opera. "The Pearl Fishers has been the most requested opera from long-time subscribers in my entire 15 years with the company," said Utah Opera Artistic Director Christopher McBeth, "and we are excited to finally be performing it."

Set on the shores of the desolate island of Ceylon, modern day Sri Lanka, the story of "The Pearl Fishers" centers around the reunion of two life-long friends, Nadir and Zurga, whose hearts were once tangled around the same woman. Their friendship is tested as Leïla stirs up their old rivalry and a dangerous love triangle. Desire and deception build and threaten to separate the friends forever, leaving compassion and trust as the lovers' only path for survival. Comedy or tragedy, everything rests upon whatever Zurga decides.

Returning to Utah Opera, Soprano Andrea Carroll plays Leïla, the woman at the heart of the struggles of this story. Ms. Carroll, who was called "a pure joy to listen to" by Everyday Opera, made her debut with Utah Opera as Rosalba in "Florencia en el Amazonas" during the 2012-13 season.

Playing Leïla's love Nadir, Tenor Phillippe Talbot makes his Utah Opera debut. Opera News applauded him as a "tenor emerging with such unforced, natural lyricism." Talbot reprises this same role for the Florida Grand Opera later this season. Baritone Craig Irvine-praised by the Minneapolis Star Tribune for his ability to "sing in robust fashion"-also makes his Utah Opera debut portraying Zurga, the leader who holds the fate of Leïla and Nadir in his hands.

Bass-Baritone Derrick Parker, hailed by Opera News for his "vividly flavored vocalism" and "tall and commanding" presence, also returns to Utah Opera to portray Nourabad, the High Priest. Mr. Parker has performed with the Utah Opera many times, including as Alidoro in "La Cenerentola," Colline in "La Bohème," and Don Alhambra in "The Gondoliers."

The Utah Opera Costume Shop, under Director Verona Green, is constructing brand new costumes for this production designed by Martin Lopez in Utah Opera's state-of-the-art production studios.

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