Palm Beach Opera Presents LUNCH AND LEARN with Director Kristine McIntyre

Palm Beach Opera presented the second of its 2018-2019 Lunch & Learn series for an inside look into the film noir-inspired production of Mozart's "Don Giovanni," the company's upcoming opera, which runs Feb. 22-24.

On Feb. 7, Palm Beach Opera hosted Lunch & Learn at West Palm Beach's National Croquet Center, featuring a thoughtful presentation by director Kristine McIntyre and Palm Beach Opera's Director of Artistic Operations Scott Guzielek, paired with performances by the company's artists in residence.

Managing Director David Walker welcomed guests, shared the success of "La traviata" with attendees, and highlighted the recently announced 19-20 season, which includes "Turandot," "Il Barbiere di Siviglia," and "Eugene Onegin," as well as "Hansel and Gretel" at Delray Beach's Crest Theatre.

McIntyre, who designed the reimagined production, walked Lunch & Learn guests through the unique adaptation, highlighting the elegant costumes, dramatic lighting design, and the stylish, black-and-white sets, all reminiscent of the 1940s film genre.

Examples of the score were provided through live opera performed by Benenson Young Artists Ben Schaefer, Emily Blair, Joanna Latini, Sylvia D'Eramo and Ted Allen Pickell, as well as Apprentice Artist Pavel Suliandziga, all accompanied by Timothy Cheung.

"We are thrilled that Kristine McIntyre is making her Palm Beach Opera debut in this striking and stylistic production," said General Director Daniel Biaggi. "Her impressive expertise in film noir and learning about her precise creative process made for an intriguing Lunch & Learn, leaving guests inspired to see the production this weekend."

Attendees included Gladys Benenson, William and Solange Brown, Arlette Gordon, Ingrid Kosowsky, Marsha Laufer, Jay Parker, Ari Rifkin, and Philip Robinson among others, as well as Palm Beach Opera's General Director Daniel Biaggi, Director of Artistic Operations Scott Guzielek, and Managing Director David Walker.

Palm Beach Opera's Lunch & Learn series is designed to provide patrons with an inside look into upcoming productions over lunch, featuring aligned programming presented by artistic staff and live performances by the company's Benenson Young Artists. Tickets are $89. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit pbopera.org/lunch-and-learn or call 561-833-7888.

Palm Beach Opera is dedicated to producing live opera at an international standard of excellence and to enriching the life of the communities it serves with a diverse offering of educational programs. Founded in 1961, the fully professional Palm Beach Opera presents mainstage performances at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach and is a proud member of OPERA America and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.

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