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1999-2000 Season Announced
by General Director David Speers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 1999
Great Singer Series Artist: Kiri Te Kanawa
Turandot
Le Nozze di Figaro
(The Marriage of Figaro)
Eugene Onegin
Of Mice and Men
Un Ballo in Maschera
(The Masked Ball)
General Director David Speers has announced an exciting repertoire
for the 1999-2000 Season, which encompasses five main stage productions
in Tucson and Phoenix, and a recital concert by one of the world's most
famous sopranos, Kiri Te Kanawa.
Commenting on the season, General Director David Speers said, "The
season for the millennium promises to be one of the most exciting for
Arizona Opera. I am delighted to present our second Great Singers Series
artist, Kiri Te Kanawa, who will begin her national recital tour in
Phoenix. She is an extraordinary artist and will certainly draw
audiences from around the state. The January production of
Eugene Onegin not only introduces a Russian opera into the
repertoire, but will feature an extraordinary stage director, Sonja
Frissel. And of course, I am very excited to be presenting a 20th
century American opera, February's Of Mice and Men.
On October 2nd at 7:30 pm, Arizona Opera will open the 28th Season
with a gala performance by the incomparable Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
Appearing at the Orpheum Theater (Phoenix) for one special night only,
audiences will have an intimate experience in the beautifully restored
historic theater, which seats approximately 1500. Special
transportation and accommodation arrangements will be made to allow
all Arizona Opera subscribers and single ticket buyers the rare
opportunity to hear this great artist. Accompanying Dame Te Kanawa
is Warren Jones, who was introduced to Tucson and Phoenix audiences
at the first Great Singers Recital Concert featuring bass extra
ordinaire Samuel Ramey.
Regarded as one his most ambitious undertakings, Giacomo Puccini's
Turandot features a large cast, exotic settings, and
glorious music typical of this beloved composer, including the
immortal aria "Nessun Dorma." Arizona Opera's production
will feature a sophisticated set design utilizing the latest
technology in lighting with forty-eight rear projectors to create
the mood and ambience of ancient China.
Tucson:
Oct. 15 & 16, 1999 @ 7:30 pm;
Oct. 17, 1999 @ 2:00 pm
Phoenix:
Oct. 21, 22 & 23, 1999 @ 7:30 pm;
Oct. 24, 1999 @ 2:00 pm
The Marriage of Figaro
Arguably one of Mozart's most popular work, The Marriage of Figaro
will be presented in November and will certainly be an audience favorite.
Based on the second in the trilogy by Beaumarchais, Mozart's opera is
considered one of the greatest masterpieces of comic music theater.
Created by Banff Centre Theater Arts, recognized artisans in the craft
of scenic and costume elements, Arizona Opera's presentation of
The Marriage of Figaro features classically styled sets and
elegant hand stitched costumes.
Tucson:
Nov. 12 & 13, 1999 @ 7:30 pm;
Nov. 14, 1999 @ 2:00 pm
Phoenix:
Nov. 18, 19, & 20, 1999 @ 7:30 pm;
Nov. 21, 1999 @ 2:00
Eugene Onegin
Innovation and progress are the watch words of the new millennium, and
January's production marks the first presentation of Tchaikovsky's
Eugene Onegin on Arizona Opera's stage. Leading this production
will be Stage Director Sonia Frissel, whose brilliant work has been seen
at all the great opera houses of the world including the current
conceptualization of Aida for the Metropolitan Opera. As a
protégée to directors such Franco Zefferelli, Jean-Pierre
Ponelle and Giorgio Strehler at La Scala, Ms. Frisell is noted for her
artistic creativity and imaginative and intelligent staging. Ms. Frisell
will also co-design this new production of Eugene Onegin for
Arizona Opera.
Tucson:
Jan. 14 & 15, 2000 @ 7:30 pm;
Jan. 16, 2000 @ 2:00 pm
Phoenix:
Jan. 20, 21 & 22, 2000 @ 7:30 pm;
Jan.23, 2000 @ 2:00 pm
Of Mice and Men
Based on John Steinbeck's novel, the production Of Mice and Men
will be presented in February. In each man's heart burns a dream, and
in Carlisle Floyd's opera, the loneliness and desperation of its
characters is articulated in the music and libretto. Of Mice and
Men has received critical acclaim since its 1970 debut. Recently,
there has been a renewed interest in this work and this new production
is a collaborative effort between five opera producers, Arizona, Utah,
Cleveland, Portland, and Vancouver Operas.
Tucson:
Feb. 11 & 12, 2000 @ 7:30;
Feb. 13, 2000 @ 2:00 pm
Phoenix:
Feb. 17, 18, & 19, 2000 @7:30 pm;
Feb. 20, 2000 @ 2:00 pm
Un Ballo in Maschera
After a twenty-seven year hiatus, Giuseppe Verdi masterpiece, Un
Ballo in Maschera, returns to the Arizona Opera stage,
concluding the 1999-2000 Season. A controversial opera in his time,
this opera is considered by some as one of Verdi's most sophisticated.
This innovative production, an opera about love and political
intrigue, will be set in a distinctly unique location; the passionate
and politically volatile arena of 19th Century New Orleans.
Tucson:
March 10 & 11, 2000 @ 7:30 pm;
March 12, 2000 @ 2:00 pm
Phoenix:
March 16, 17, & 18, 2000 @ 7:30 pm;
March 19, 2000 @ 2:00
[1999-2000 Season Fact Sheet in PDF format]
(Includes ticket pricing)
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