arizona opera 2011-12 season brochure

D I S CO V E R T H E P L A C E W H E R E

LOVE MEETS DEST INY

2 0 11 - 1 2 S E A S O N

SCOT T A LTM A N, G EN ER A L D I REC TO R

Dear Friends,Welcome to Arizona Opera’s 2011-12 Season! Last year the company celebrated its 40th anniversary, a year filled with exhilarating performances indicative of our four decades as Arizona’s premier opera company. It is my distinct pleasure to lead the company into its next decade, and we are so proud of this new season—a year filled with phenomenal blockbusters, artistic debuts and new productions.

This season is comprised of the most breathtaking line-up ever assembled, including two enduring favorites: the monumental Aida of Giuseppe Verdi and the heartbreakingly beautiful story of Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini. We will also showcase the power of the greatest DOUBLE-BILL, Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana with its lush Intermezzo paired with Leoncavallo’s iconic Pagliacci—sure to be an edge-of-your-seat thrill.

After a long wait of more than 22 years, Gounod’s glorious Faust will be brought to life, this time with a new evocative concept from renowned Stage Director Bernard Uzan and the formidable Greer Grimsley portraying Mephistopheles. Our season concludes with the company premiere of Gluck’s magnificent trip to the underworld with Orfeo ed Euridice. Truly this is a season that can’t be missed!

One of the greatest pleasures I enjoy as General Director is the opportunity to meet our Arizona Opera family. Throughout the year we have a calendar full of exciting events including free musical presentations, invitations to working rehearsals, and Curtain Dinners. I invite you to join me and get to know our wonderful artists, designers, production team and staff and immerse yourself in the fun and beauty of our incredible art form.

I look forward to seeing you at the Opera!

Scott Altman, General Director

2 0 1 1 - 1 2 S E A S O N

ORFEO ED EURIDICE

AIDA

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

FAUST

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA& PAGLIACCI

“…uncannily perfect realization of

Leoncavallo’s clown with a broken heart…

a performance to remember.”

ARIZONA REPUBLIC

“…provocative and persuasive…Uzan

delineates character and situation with

a sure hand.”SEATTLE POST

“…a passion that slices into the soul.”

SUN SENTINEL

“…a miracle of melodic beauty and imaginative orchestration…The most

intimate of “grand” operas…a triumph of the

creative imagination.”CHARLES OSBORN

“…beautiful stage images, and

impressive living tableaus…”

POST STANDARD

DOUBLE BILL

Love making. Wine drinking. Ear biting. Welcome to Sicily.

A clown betrayed is no laughing matter.

T U C S O N

OCT 1–2P H O E N I X

OCT 7–9

Pietro Mascagni

Ruggero Leoncavallo

In 19th century Sicily, four lovers double-cross each other more often than a gang of thieves. When Turiddu returns from the army, he discovers that his fiancee, Lola, has married the prosperous Alfio. In revenge, he seduces an innocent girl, Santuzza, igniting a chain reaction that leads to an affair with Lola and vows of revenge by her husband. Will their passions cool? Or will jealousy lead to its ultimate end: an act of reckless, hot-blooded violence?

Life and art collide in this tale of a jealous man forced to play the fool. For Canio the clown and his theatrical troupe, the trouble begins when he learns that his wife, Nedda, has a lover. That night, the tormented Canio must act the role of Pagliacci, a betrayed husband, for the amusement of the local village. When the play begins, art and reality overlap as the enraged clown threatens to have the last laugh.

This Double-Bill, featuring a new production of Mascagni’s earthy tale by Arizona Opera, brings the charm of an Italian village to life. In Pagliacci, Metropolitan Opera tenor Allan Glassman brings heartbreaking conviction and sublime skill to the role of Canio. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Allan Glassmanas Canio

Kelly Kaduceas Nedda

Lori Phillipsas Santuzza

Joseph Wolvertonas Turridu

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA

PAGLIACCI

Pietro Mascagni

FAU S T

P H O E N I X

NOV 11–13T U C S O N

NOV 19–20

Charles Gounod

Love and lust bring out the devil in everyone.

Did the devil make him do it? In this case, an aging scientist willingly calls on Satan to help him realize his unfulfilled dreams of youthful passion. When Mephistopheles conjures up visions of a beautiful girl, Marguerite, Dr. Faust agrees to forfeit his soul for a second chance. Transformed into a handsome young man, Faust seduces, then abandons Marguerite. What will be their fate? Heaven only knows.

In this thrilling new production designed by Director Bernard Uzan, state-of-the-art scenic projections and stark, dramatic sets re-imagine Faust in modern times. Bass-baritone Greer Grimsley, who has earned international acclaim, is a towering presence as Mephistopheles. Sung in French with English surtitles.

Emily Pulleyas Marguerite

Mark Waltersas Valentin

Raul Meloas Faust

Greer Grimsleyas Mephistopheles

“Grimsley’s big, resplendent voice is the right size and color… a singer who has found his true home…unflagging intensity.”THE SEATTLE TIMES

Giacomo Puccini

P H O E N I X

JAN 27–29T U C S O N

FEB 4–5

Will love clip a girl’s fragile wings?

A lovely geisha’s heart flutters for Pinkerton, the American sailor she weds. Even after three years without a word from him, Cio-Cio San faithfully awaits his return, holding onto her dreams of love and their child she named Sorrow. When at last he arrives, Butterfly discovers he has married someone else. Her fragile heart shattered, she must find a way to soar above disgrace and restore her honor.

With sets that evoke the charm of a Japanese village, this Arizona Opera production features the most sought-after interpreter of Madama Butterfly in North America, Shu-Ying Li. Li brings joy, heartbreak and full-throated passion to one of Puccini’s most iconic parts. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

“Li is convincing and vocally impressive. Her strong, clear, expressive voice easily penetrates Puccini’s lush orchestration.”

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Adam Diegelas Pinkerton

Jake Gardneras Sharpless

Shu-Ying Li as Cio-Cio San

Jill Gardneras Cio-Cio San

M A DA M A B U T T ER F LY

A I DA

T U C S O N

MAR 3–4P H O E N I X

MAR 9–11

Giuseppe Verdi

In war-torn Egypt, love may outlast the tomb.

Ancient Egypt is the setting for a fierce war between love and loyalty. Aida, a slave, and Radames, a young Egyptian commander, are secretly in love. But Aida is also the daughter of the King of Ethiopia, Egypt’s enemy. When Radames defeats Ethiopia, Aida is confronted with an agonizing choice: she must betray her love for Radames or her love for her country. In the end, Radames will face punishment as a traitor. But will he face it alone? Or will Aida defy death and join him?

This season marks the first performance of Aida at Arizona Opera in more than a decade. A musical and visual feast, this production features massive sets that evoke the temples and tombs of ancient Egypt. The legendary Triumphal March provides an eye-popping spectacle, as scores of soldiers and their captives march across the stage. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Play a role in Aida’s legendary Triumphal Scene as scores of victorious Egyptian soldiers and their Ethiopian captives march right in front of you on stage! This exclusive opportunity puts you on stage in costume for the epic Triumphal March for ACT II and includes a commemorative photo with the cast and a “Nectar of the Nile” toast at intermission.

EGYPTIAN PHARAOH UPGRADE $100 per person Added to your season subscription cost.

ON-STAGE LIKE AN EGYPTIAN!

Kevin Shortas Amonasro

Arnold Rawlsas Radames

Lisa Daltriusas Aida

Jill Grove as Amneris

Christoph Willibald

Gluck

P H O E N I X

APR 13–15T U C S O N

APR 21–22

When boy meets girl, everything goes to Hell.

Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Boy goes to Hell and back to get girl. That, in a nutshell, is the story of Orfeo, the musician who curses the gods when his young wife, Euridice, dies. Moved by his despair, Amor, the god of love, gives Orfeo permission to reclaim her from Hades—on one condition: he must not look at her until they return from the underworld. Their journey will test the power of devotion and prove whether love is indeed stronger than death.

Never before performed by Arizona Opera, Orfeo ed Euridice features glorious, otherworldly sets designed by New York’s John Conklin, one of the foremost scenic designers in the country and is directed by Lillian Groag. In keeping with this re-telling of a Greek myth, the sets are inspired by the harmony and beauty of Grecian temples. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

“[Christine Brandes’] every word in both aria and recitative was infused with meaning, musical intelligence and vocal beauty.”

OPERA NEWS

Christine Brandesas Euridice

Katharine Goeldneras Orfeo

O R FE O ED EU R I D I C E

Experience the drama, passion and intrigue of Arizona Opera’s

2011-12 season like never before! Become a member today and

enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes activities. Whether it’s dress

rehearsal passes, invitations to exclusive staging rehearsals or

complimentary parking, members of the Arizona Opera family

enjoy a variety of privileges and benefits that enhance the

opera-going experience. Additionally, members enable Arizona

Opera to offer world-class opera productions, first-rate artists

on and off the stage, acclaimed education opportunities to

enrich the community and many other countless moments of joy!

D I S COV ER

THE JOYOF GIVING

ONLINE: www.azopera.org/donate

E-MAIL: [email protected]

PHONE: 602.266.7464

Join us in this incredible enterprise! With ticket sales covering only 38 percent of our budget, your contribution is essential to our success on stage and in the community. Memberships start at only $50!

In gratitude for your support, Arizona Opera will provide you with these exclusive

MEMBERSH I P BENEFI TSMEMBER$50 and above•Notes from the Opera—semi-

annual Membership eNewsletter

•Advance notice for purchasing tickets to special events, including pre-performance Curtain Dinners

PATRON $125 and above •Exclusive AZO Thank You gift

•Advance notice for purchasing single tickets before the general public

Plus all benefits listed above

FRIEND $250 and above • Invitation to the annual

Opera Ball

• Invitation for two to attend a concert featuring participants from the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio Artist Program


BENEFACTOR $500 and above•Two passes to attend a dress

rehearsal, with a pre-opera lecture presented by Opera staff

•Recognition in the Program Book


CRESCENDO$1,000 and above•Personalized assistance from

Priority Patron Ticketing Services

•Personalized AZO Membership Card

•Access to intermission receptions with AZO Membership Card


CRESCENDO FORTE$2,000 and above• Invitation to a backstage

tour of the theater

•10 percent discount at the Opera Shop with AZO Membership Card

• Invitation for two to attend a private master class with participants from the Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio Artist Program


BRAVO! SOCIETY$2,500 and above •Complimentary parking

at the theater

• Invitation for two to the Bravo! Salon – a private reception and concert with artists and Opera leadership

• Invitation to a designated music rehearsal with principal singers, full orchestra, and conductor


BRONZE BRAVO! SOCIETY$5,000 and above•Two passes to attend a second

dress rehearsal, with a pre-opera lecture presented by Opera staff

•Exclusive tour of the wardrobe, wig & make-up shop with the Costume Mistress


SILVER BRAVO! SOCIETY$7,500 and above• Invitation for two to A Day in

the Life of an Artist—a working rehearsal with principal artists, director and conductor

•Autographed Program Book from an opera of your choice


GOLD BRAVO! SOCIETY$10,000 and above• Invitation for two to the

exclusive Director’s Lecture, for a behind-the-scenes look at an AZO production

• Increased Ticketing Priority


PLATINUM BRAVO! SOCIETY$15,000 and above• Invitation to Meet the Artists—an

up-close and personal interaction with cast and crew members

•Special seating consideration for events, such as the Opera Ball and pre-performance Curtain Dinners


PREMIER BRAVO! SOCIETY$25,000 or above•Significantly increased ticket

and seating priority for all opera performances and special events

•Personalized Concierge Service

•Prominent donor recognition in surtitles, Program Book, and other Arizona Opera publications


Membership benefits begin upon receipt of your gift. Contributions are deductible for state and federal income tax purposes to the extent allowed by law. Arizona Opera is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Opening Night Cast PartyOpening night of Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci OCTOBER 1 (TUC), OCTOBER 7 (PHX)

Join Arizona Opera and the cast of Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci to celebrate the opening of the 2011-12 season! The special champagne toast will take place following the conclusion of the opening night performance ON STAGE! Don’t miss this exclusive chance to meet and mingle with the cast, director and conductor, all while supporting the Opera. Space is limited so reserve your spot on stage today! Tickets: $75 per person

Dine By DesignSATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2011

Arizona Opera’s newest fundraising event, Dine by Design, will give guests the opportunity to enjoy a unique evening of culinary indulgence. Dine by Design will feature a cocktail reception where all guests will convene to enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres and marvelous opera entertainment. Following the reception, guests will travel to a pre-determined dinner party at one of more than 10 restaurants and private homes to delight in a gourmet meal with fellow opera lovers. Tickets: $200 per person

Enhance your Opera Experience with these exciting events!

A Night at the Cabaret Opera Ball 2012SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2012

Arizona Opera’s signature fundraising event, A Night at the Cabaret, Opera Ball 2012, will be a fabulous night at The Ritz-Carlton with a delicious dinner, dancing and superb cabaret entertainment.

Curtain Dinners & Sunday Curtain BrunchPrior to evening performances & Sunday matinees

Dine in the company of friends and opera lovers, with a few surprise appearances by members of the cast and crew, all while supporting Arizona Opera and beating the traffic at Curtain Dinners and Sunday Curtain Brunch! These tantalizing feasts are held prior to each of the performances.

For pricing and reservations, please contact us: [email protected] or 602.218.7334

Season Ticket holders receive:

Best seats guaranteed!

Best price!

Exclusive Special Events

Behind-the-scenes sneak peeks

Discounts and upgrades to the city’s top restaurants, salons and events.

row E-P

row A-D

row X-AA

row BB-EE

row T-Wrow R-S

row A-G

row H-T

TUCSO N

Tucson Music Hall

SATURDAY NIGHTS(7:30 PM)

October 1November 19February 4March 3April 21

SUNDAY MATINEES(2:00 PM)

October 2November 20February 5March 4April 22

* Please note that full season packages are given priority seating, therefore some sections may be unavailable for mini packages. Due to the flexibility of this package, you may not have the exact same seats for all your performance choices.

** Discount for those 65 years or older or valid student ID

PRIME GREEN BLUE PURPLE PINK PURPLESATURDAY NIGHTS & SUNDAY MATINEES

FULL Season (all 5 operas) $445 $345 $265 $205 $110 $1855 OPERAS for the price of 4!

MINI Season* (3 operas) $297 $246 $192 $147 $87

SENIOR/ STUDENT**

PACKAGES AS LOW AS $84!

SUBSCRIBE TODAY TO

THIS INCREDIBLESEASON OF OPERA

row 7-10row 4-6

row 3row 1-2

row 1-3

row 30-33

row 26-29

row 20-25row 18-19

row 15-16

row 4-14

row 17PH OEN IX

Symphony Hall

OPENING NIGHTS(7:30 PM)

October 7November 11January 27March 9April 13

SATURDAY NIGHTS(7:30 PM)


SUNDAY MATINEES(2:00 PM)


* Please note that full season packages are given priority seating, therefore some sections may be unavailable for mini packages. Due to the flexibility of this package, you may not have the exact same seats for all your performance choices.

** Discount for those 65 years or older or valid student ID

PRIME GREEN BLUE PURPLE PINK BLUE PURPLEFRIDAY NIGHTS (OPENING NIGHTS)

FULL Season (all 5 operas) $480 $370 $285 $215 $105 $265 $1955 OPERAS for the price of 4!


SATURDAY NIGHTS & SUNDAY MATINEES

FULL Season (all 5 operas) $530 $405 $340 $230 $130 $320 $2105 OPERAS for the price of 4!


SENIOR/ STUDENT**

SENIOR/ STUDENT**

Order the Full Season and receive 5 operas for the price of 4!

TUCSO N

520-293-4336PH OEN IX

602-266-7464www.azopera.org

PACKAGES AS LOW AS $84

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2 0 1 1 - 1 2 S E A S O N

ORFEO ED EURIDICEAIDA

MADAMA BUTTERFLYFAUST

CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA& PAGLIACCI

“With this striking season, Arizona Opera is clearly a leading American opera company.”KBAQ/NPR Classical Radio

arizona opera 2011-12 season brochure

Documents

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