Seattle Opera Young Artists Present DON PASQUALE at UW's Meany Hall

Seattle Opera's Young Artists Program comes to the University of Washington for the first time next month with a production of Don Pasquale at Meany Hall for the Performing Arts. The 2011/12 Young Artists open Donizetti's bel cantocomedy on Saturday, March 31, with additional performances on April 1, 6, and 7. This fully staged production is directed by Young Artists Program Artistic Director Peter Kazaras and conducted by the program's Music Director, Brian Garman.

"Don Pasquale is a perfect showcase for the talents of our extraordinary, versatile group of young singers this season," says Kazaras.  "The roles of young lovers, mastermind, and old curmudgeon offer opportunities to act with gusto and credibility, and the gorgeous melodies of Donizetti's score demand beautiful singing.  The story, which is as old as time, is one of the world's great comedies. It will play wonderfully in Meany Hall-a delicious contrast to the grandeur of McCaw Hall."

The matinee performance on Sunday, April 1, will be Seattle Opera's Family Day this season, with $15 tickets for students 18 and under who are accompanied by an adult. Special activities for children of all ages will make it an April Fools' Day to remember!

Starring in all performances as Don Pasquale is bass Michael Uloth, who will make his Seattle Opera mainstage debut in May as the Imperial Commissioner in Madama Butterfly. The March 31 and April 6 performances of Don Pasquale feature a trio of returning Young Artists: soprano Amanda Opuszysnki as Norina, tenor Andrew Stenson as Ernesto, and baritone David Krohn as Dr. Malatesta. Audiences will recognize these talented singers from Seattle Opera's recent production of Carmen, in which they sang the roles of Frasquita, Remendado, and Dancaïre, respectively. Stenson made his mainstage debut as Arturo in last season's Lucia di Lammermoor, and also, as cover, sang the demanding title role at the March 4, 2012, performance of Orphée et Eurydice. On April 1 and 7, soprano Lindsay Russell sings Norina, tenor Jason Slayden is Ernesto, and baritone Joseph Lattanzi portrays Dr. Malatesta. Slayden recently made his mainstage debut as Uldino in Attila, and Lattanzi sang the role of Moralès in Carmen. Sets are designed by Donald Eastman, lights by Chris Reay, and costumes by Deborah Trout.

Seattle Opera's 2011/12 Season is sponsored by Microsoft. Single tickets are $55 for adults, $20 for students; student tickets for the Sunday, April 1, 2012 Family Day Matinee performance are $15 with the purchase of one adult ticket. Tickets are available online at seattleopera.org, and by calling206.389.7676 or 800.426.1619; they may also be purchased at the Box Office by visiting 1020 John Street (two blocks west of Fairview), Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

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