The Dallas Opera Opens Season With LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR

The Dallas Opera will present the first production of the 2011-2012 "Tragic Obsessions" Season: Gaetano Donizetti's passionate bel canto opera, LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR, opening Friday, October 21, 2011 in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Downtown Dallas.

The Linda and Mitch Hart Season Opening Night Performance will begin at 7:30 PM; it will be preceded by FIRST NIGHT red carpet arrivals and fashions (beginning at 6:00 PM) and a lively pre-performance reception in Hamon Hall.

The performance itself will be followed by a late-evening, black-tie dinner hosted by Blaine Nelson of Deloitte, presenting sponsor for the FIRST NIGHT dinner and festivities.

Subsequent performances of LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR are scheduled for October 23(m), 26, 29, November 6(m), 2011. Full season subscriptions are still available, beginning at just $76, and single tickets start at $25. Contact the Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or purchase online, 24/7, at dallasopera.org.

"We've assembled a remarkable group of artists from around the world to bring this bel canto masterpiece to life," says Dallas Opera Artistic Director Jonathan Pell. "They are as passionate about this music and repertoire as anyone working in opera today, and I know that these performances will be unforgettable.

"Romanian soprano, Elena Mosuc, undoubtedly one of the world's foremost interpreters of Lucia singing now, is partnered by Bryan Hymel, one of America's most exciting young tenors, and both are making their Dallas Opera debuts. We also have the privilege of introducing Italian baritone Luca Grassi, already acclaimed across Europe, in his American debut. This production promises to be one of the highlights of the season."

Based on epic 19th century Scottish romance by Sir Walter Scott, this 1835 masterpiece is filled with glorious bel canto music (a style that requires extraordinary vocal virtuosity) and contains two of the most famous scenes in opera.

LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR marks the first TDO project for director Garnett Bruce since his spectacularly well-received revival of Francesca Zambello's luminous production of Madame Butterfly, the grand finale of our 2009-2010 Inaugural Season in the Winspear Opera House.
LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR will be conducted by acclaimed Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director Graeme Jenkins, who drew tremendous praise for the work that brought our 2010-2011 Season to a close: Modest Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov. According to Classical Music Critic Scott Cantrell of The Dallas Morning News, it was "a triumph for any opera house, anywhere."

"Marshaled with authority and the greatest sensitivity by Music Director Graeme Jenkins," he added, "the orchestra played gloriously."

Opening night also promises to be an unforgettable opportunity for music and theater lovers from throughout North Texas for another reason: in partnership with AT&T Performing Arts Center and under the guidance of Dallas Opera General Director & CEO Keith Cerny, TDO will present a free, live simulcast of the evening's performance in Sammons Park (located directly in front of the Winspear). The simulcast will come complete with English language subtitles-so no advance preparation is needed-in this one-night-only Plazacast@theCenter.

"The moment I arrived in Dallas just over a year ago, I began working on a series of partnerships designed to address several important goals. These included raising our profile among opera-goers worldwide; finding more innovative ways to produce and stage 20th and 21st century opera; improving our already high standards of musical and theatrical artistry; developing a stronger spirit of collaboration, including exciting commissions and productions; and engaging the greater Dallas community-both inside and outside the traditional opera house," explains General Director and CEO Keith Cerny.
"Simulcasts, like the upcoming ‘Plazacast at the Center,' put opera out on the streets and right in the middle of the cultural conversation."

Once again, all seating is free (bring your own blanket) and will be on a first come, first served basis. Free bottled water will be provided by Smartwater. Patrons are welcome to take advantage of nearby dining and carry-out options or to bring their own picnic baskets and dine al fresco on the grounds!
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and we respectfully request that attendees leave their pets at home.

Romanian soprano Elena Mosuc will make her much-anticipated company debut in the title role of Lucia Ashton. Mosuc's voice has been described by Horst Koegler of Opera News as "a voice of immaculate purity rather than of sultry sexuality. She handles her coloratura with wonderful ease and fine lilt, and she approached the top notes without the least sign of strain."
This Dallas Opera revival also stars American Tenor Bryan Hymel, a native of New Orleans praised by James M. Keller from the Santa Fe New Mexican for giving "the most satisfying performance" in Santa Fe Opera's recent production of FAUST. "(His) voice is high-placed yet full in body, exciting in its visceral punch." Mr. Hymel will sing the role of Lucia's love and the rightful heir, Sir Edgardo di Ravenswood.
Baritone Luca Grassi will sing the role of Lucia's brother, the Machiavellian Lord Enrico Ashton, in his American debut. Mr. Grassi has been described by Elena Haberman as wielding "a beautiful, lyrical baritone, perfect for Bellini's fine cantabile in the arias."
Singing the role of Raimondo Bidebent is bass Jordan Bisch, who will be making his Dallas Opera debut in this production. Steve Smith of the New York Times recently praised his "robust sound."
Texas-born tenor Scott Quinn, former TDO Resident Young Artist, is back in Dallas preparing for the role of Normanno. Mr. Quinn gave a notable performance in the Dallas Opera's 2009 production of Donizetti's Roberto Devereux, prompting DFW Renaissance Classical Music Critic Dean Cassella to write: "From his first note he sounded to me like Pavarotti, a true lyric tenor with a sweet, soulful voice."
Tenor Aaron Blake, the current TDO Resident Young Artist, will sing the role of the doomed Lord Arturo Bucklaw. Applauded by Bay Area critic Susan Steinberg for his "masterful acting ability;" she went on to write that "(Blake) displayed a voice of tender sweetness, virile strength, and overwhelming emotional conviction."
Mezzo-soprano, Cynthia Hanna will be making her company debut in the role of Lucia's companion, Alisa. Robert Coleman of Opera News wrote: "Cynthia Hanna looked lovely and sang beautifully...her mezzo warming ensemble passages."

Scenic design for this Dallas Opera revival is by Henry Bardon, with costumes designed by the late, legendary Peter J. Hall.
Lighting design will be by Marie Barrett, with wig and make-up designs for LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR by David Zimmerman.
Fight choreography by Bill Lengfelder.
Chorus preparation will be by Dallas Opera Chorus Master Alexander Rom.

Parking onsite will be available in the Lexus Red Parking beneath the Winspear Opera House and the Lexus Silver Parking adjacent to the Wyly Theatre. Should those reach capacity, additional paid parking is available at nearby One Arts Plaza and in several surface lots. Prices range from $5 to $25 per vehicle.

Photo Credit: Richard Krall

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