PUCCINI’S

ToscaMOZART’S

The Marriage of Figaro

BIZET’S

CarmenPREVIN’S

A Streetcar Named Desire

2015-16 SeasonFour Masterpieces of Triumphant Theatre!

WELCOME

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THE OPERAS

We hope you’ll be enticed to join us for a season of tremendous theatre, brilliant singing, superior orchestral playing, and four of the most compelling operas ever conceived.

Tosca will be conducted by OSJ Music Director Joseph Marcheso, with Brad Dalton directing. Puccini created one of the most memorable women in theatrical history in Floria Tosca. Spine-chilling suspense will keep everyone riveted to their seats in this searing, life-and-death drama.

Mozart specialist George Cleve will lead The Marriage of Figaro and Lillian Groag will direct. Thought by many to be Mozart’s greatest, this opera brings you into the lives of truly wonderful characters who are put through a maddening, rollercoaster of a day. But by evening, love is restored.

Ming Luke will conduct Carmen and Layna Chianakas will direct. Among the most beguiling heroines, Carmen won’t be dominated or dictated to, and she keeps her freedom to make her own decisions, even in the face of death.

Brad Dalton and Joe Marcheso will team up again to bring A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams’ most revered play, as set by André Previn, for its first performance in San José. Compelling from start to finish, Dalton has distilled this opera to its most essential and brilliant essence.

So, join us for four of the most effective dramas conceived for the stage. You’ll be thankful for these memorable evenings in the theatre!

LARRY HANCOCK, GENERAL DIRECTOR

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LARRY HANCOCK GENERAL DIRECTOR / JOSEPH MARCHESO MUSIC DIRECTOR

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Floria Tosca is a superstar—brilliant, beautiful, and spoiled. Yet, despite her talent and privilege, she is forced to play a role she never imagined when she becomes trapped between an allegiance to her

rebel lover and a psychotic, treacherous chief of police. She is a beauty pursued by a beast determined to have her, and killing her stalker —Baron Scarpia—doesn’t end her nightmare. Puccini is right on the mark with his famously soaring score and rich, sumptuous

orchestral coloration. SUNG IN ITALIAN WITH ENGLISH SUPERTITLES.

“Floria is downright ferocious, particularly in the dark, foreboding passages as Scarpia lures her into the trap of jealousy.”

MICHAEL J. VAUGHN THE OPERA CRITIC

GIACOMO PUCCINI COMPOSER / GIUSEPPE GIACOSA AND LUIGI ILLICA LIBRETTISTS

JOSEPH MARCHESO CONDUCTOR / BRAD DALTON STAGE DIRECTOR

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September 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 27 / 2015

by Giacomo Puccini

ToscaJoin us for the searing drama of

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Change is in the air and Figaro’s world is turning upside down. On the eve of Figaro’s marriage to Susanna, Count Almaviva’s wandering eye has landed on the lovely bride-to-be. Servant and master go head-to-head, and even the Countess herself springs into battle when she learns of her husband’s plans. Through Figaro, Susanna, and the Countess’ clever manipulations,

the wedding takes place and the Count’s love for his wife is finally restored. One of the most cherished and celebrated operas of all time, this is perhaps

Mozart’s most perfect opera. SUNG IN ITALIAN WITH ENGLISH SUPERTITLES.

“Of course, we can thank Mozart for the hit tunes, the sparkling ensemble numbers and the opera’s built-in acceleration toward its famously

heartwarming finish. But rarely is it all pulled off with this sort of devilish élan, such uniformly great singing, pacing, the whole shebang.”

RICHARD SCHEININ SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART COMPOSER / LORENZO DA PONTE LIBRETTISTGEORGE CLEVE CONDUCTOR / LILLIAN GROAG STAGE DIRECTOR

November 14, 15, 19, 22, 24, 29 / 2015

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The Marriage of Figaro

Join us for the charming comedy of

by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Carmen

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No man can resist Carmen’s charms, though few men can tempt this fiercely independent woman. Don José, a naive soldier who is seduced by the wiles of this fiery gypsy, abandons his childhood

sweetheart and deserts his military duties to have her, but his jealous possessiveness only sends Carmen into the arms of a glamorous

toreador. The sunny and beguiling music of Bizet has made Carmen the most loved opera in America.

SUNG IN FRENCH WITH ENGLISH SUPERTITLES.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever sat through a Carmen finale filled with so much tension, or a more fortuitous match of a singer’s talents

with a role’s requirements.”

MICHAEL J. VAUGHN THE OPERA CRITIC

GEORGES BIZET COMPOSER / HENRI HEILHAC AND LUDOVIC HALÉVY LIBRETTISTSMING LUKE CONDUCTOR / LAYNA CHIANAKAS STAGE DIRECTOR

February 13, 14, 18, 21, 26, 28 / 2016

by Georges Bizet

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Join us for the passion of

A Streetcar Named Desire

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Clinging desperately to a masquerade of Southern grace, Blanche DuBois moves into her sister’s cramped apartment, creating a disastrous

confrontation with her amoral brother-in-law. Dark truths about Blanche’s past collide with the stark reality of the present leading to a downward spiral of

domestic violence and betrayal. With music that appeals to the ear, Previn’s score soars magically through the New Orleans sky.

SUNG IN ENGLISH WITH ENGLISH SUPERTITLES.

“Opera San José has become my artistic home, and it is the touchstone for my creative life and aspirations. The company’s approach to producing

opera is without exception passionately dedicated to opera as a relevant art form that is an important part of our lives…”

BRAD DALTON STAGE DIRECTOR

ANDRÉ PREVIN COMPOSER / PHILIP LITTELL LIBRETTISTJOSEPH MARCHESO CONDUCTOR / BRAD DALTON STAGE DIRECTOR

April 16, 17, 21, 24, 29 & May 1 / 2016

Join us for the stunning drama of

by André PrevinBASED ON THE IMMORTAL PLAY BY TENNESSEE WILLIAMS

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A Streetcar Named Desire

“I don’t want realism. I want magic! Yes, yes, magic. I try to give that to people. I do misrepresent things. I don’t tell truths. I tell what

ought to be truth.”

BLANCHE DUBOISE

“…you sprinkle the place with powder and you spray perfume and you stick a paper lantern over the light bulb–and, lo and behold, the place

has turned to Egypt and you are the Queen of the Nile.”

STANLEY KOWALSKI

ToscaJOSEPH MARCHESO CONDUCTOR

Music Director and Principal Conductor of Opera San José: Rigoletto, Where Angels Fear to Tread, Hansel and Gretel, Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi, La traviata, Faust, La bohéme, La Cenerentola, Manon, Carmen, The Elixir of Love, Lucia di Lammermoor; San Francisco Opera; Opera Theater of St. Louis; Festival Opera; San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

BRAD DALTON STAGE DIRECTOR

Opera San José: Rigoletto, Madama Butterfly, Il trovatore, Faust, Idomeneo, Anna Karenina, Cosi fan tutte; Metropolitan Opera; San Francisco Opera; State Opera of South Australia; Pittsburg Opera; Opera Boston; Washington Opera; San Diego Opera; Austin Lyric Opera; Barbican Centre (London); Houston Grand Opera; National Shakespeare Conservatory.

The Marriage of FigaroGEORGE CLEVE CONDUCTOR

Opera San José: The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni, Idomeneo, Carmen, Cavelleria rusticana, Pagliacci; San Francisco Opera; Boston Symphony; Singapore Symphony; ABC Symphonies of Australia; New Zealand Symphony; Mozarteum Orchestra; Vienna Symphony; Royal Philharmonic; Philharmonia Orchestra; English Chamber Orchestra; the Swedish Radio Orchestra.

LILLIAN GROAG STAGE DIRECTOR

Opera San José: Where Angels Fear to Tread, Of Mice and Men, Pagliacci; Oregon Shakespeare Festival; the Old Globe Theatre; Actors Theatre of Louisville; Mark Taper Forum’s Taper Too; New York City Opera; Berkeley Repertory; Milwaukee Repertory; Missouri Repertory; Seattle Repertory; Glimmerglass Opera; The Juilliard School of Music; Virginia Opera.

CarmenMING LUKE CONDUCTOR

Opera San José: The Italian Girl in Algiers, Falstaff, La voix humaine, Pagliacci, The Barber of Seville, Eugene Onegin; Symphony Napa Valley; Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra; Birmingham Royal; Bolshoi Orchestra; San Francisco Ballet; Godoll Symphony Orchestra; Sacramento Opera; Napa Regional Dance Company; Sacramento Philharmonic.

LAYNA CHIANAKAS STAGE DIRECTOR

Opera San José: La voix humaine, Hansel and Gretel, Mozart Magic; San Jose State Opera Theatre; Opera Roles: Dayton Opera, Sarasota Opera, Cleveland Opera, Intermountain Opera, Nashville Opera, Opera San Jose, Nevada Opera, Sacramento Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, Des Moines Metro Opera, Virginia Opera.

A Streetcar Named DesireJOSEPH MARCHESO CONDUCTOR

Music Director and Principal Conductor of Opera San José: Rigoletto, Where Angels Fear to Tread, Hansel and Gretel, Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi, La traviata, Faust, La bohéme, La Cenerentola, Manon, Carmen, The Elixir of Love, Lucia di Lammermoor; San Francisco Opera; Opera Theater of St. Louis; Festival Opera; San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

BRAD DALTON STAGE DIRECTOR

Opera San José: Rigoletto, Madama Butterfly, Il trovatore, Faust, Idomeneo, Anna Karenina, Cosi fan tutte; Metropolitan Opera; San Francisco Opera; State Opera of South Australia; Pittsburg Opera; Opera Boston; Washington Opera; San Diego Opera; Austin Lyric Opera; Barbican Centre (London); Houston Grand Opera; National Shakespeare Conservatory.

Conductors & Stage Directors Join Us for the Magic & MeaningSupertitles at Every Performance

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“We love Opera San José and especially appreciate the supertitles. When we come to performances here, we really understand what is going on.

And, of course, the quality of the performers and music add to the wonderful experience.”

CLINTON & MARY GILLALAND SUBSCRIBERS

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“I have been a subscriber for about three years now… The quality of the

performers is excellent and I love the theatre. It is just a wonderful

experience and I suggest everyone come and see it.”

JAMES G. BRENNOCK SUBSCRIBER

“I love watching the performers make each role they play different and unique. They obviously have the

singing ability, but they also have the acting ability to accompany

their voices.”

ALICE SKURKO SUBSCRIBER

“I moved to San José a year ago and, when looking for an opera house, was drawn to the gorgeousness of The California Theatre. It’s fun to experience Opera San José and to

have a bit of that culture that seems to be disappearing in other places.”

DAVID ERHART SUBSCRIBER

Opening Night ReceptionSEPTEMBER 12, 2015

Don’t miss the season opening reception following the opening performance of Tosca. Join members of the cast and fellow opera fans as they close out the evening in style. $50 per person. To purchase tickets, call 408.437.4450.

The Opera GalaMARCH 30, 2016

This exclusive, signature, black-tie event was such a success we had to bring it back! Dine on the stage of the California Theatre and enjoy a five course, white glove-service dinner. $1,000 per plate, $800 of your ticket is a donation to Opera San José. This event sold out quickly last year so be sure to get your tickets today. Call 408.437.4450.

Free PreviewsSEPTEMBER 1, 2015 / ToscaNOVEMBER 3, 2015 / The Marriage of FigaroFEBRUARY 2, 2016 / CarmenAPRIL 5, 2016 / A Streetcar Named Desire

Opera San José will host FREE previews of each opera production at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in downtown San José from noon to 1:00pm at the 5th Floor Beethoven Center, on the Tuesday, one week prior to the opening of each opera.

Introduction to OperaPRIOR TO EVERY PERFORMANCE

Before each performance in the California Theatre (except Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015), General Director Larry Hancock will share his thoughts on the opera, discuss the plot, characters, the composer, and answer your questions, greatly enriching your opera experience. Each 45-minute Introduction to Opera is FREE with performance ticket. 6:30pm prior to evening performances; 1:30pm prior to Sunday matinees.

Enrich Your Experience Subscriber Advantages

Save Up to 50%You’ll receive significant savings over individual ticket prices by purchasing the entire season at once. Choose a series and save up to 50%. See the savings on page 18!

Bring Your FriendsAs a subscriber, you’ll get exclusive access to private sales when you may purchase additional single tickets, at a 20% discount, before they go on sale to the general public.

Free, Easy ExchangesWe make it simple for you. If your schedule changes, it’s easy to exchange your seats for another date of the same opera. We will do our best to find you comparable seats. 48-hour notice is required.

Free ReplacementsHave you ever lost your tickets or left them at home? No problem. As a subscriber, the Box Office will reprint your tickets the day of the performance at no additional cost to you.

Free UpdatesStay informed via our website, operasj.org, which includes blogs, videos, calendar, news and events. In addition, subscribers will be sent up-to-the-minute eNews with information about the productions, creative teams, cast changes, best available seating, special offers and more.

The Best SeatsSubscribers receive priority when it comes to seating upgrades.

Guaranteed SeatsYou select your seat location, based on availability, and those seats are yours for the whole season! Subscribers may renew their seats for all seasons to come.

Opera San José has been the genesis of hundreds of artists’ careers. Keep the footlights on, and sustain this wonderful company by supporting our upcoming season! You can sponsor a production, artist, guest artist, designer, or conductor. For more information, please contact the Development Department at 408.836.8701 or calve@operasj.org. Here are just a few examples of available opportunities:

Sponsor a ProductionFollow the process of creating a production, get to know the creative team, attend rehearsals and be Guest of Honor on opening night of your sponsored show. See your name on the supertitles and in the program, as our gesture of gratitude. Available to individuals and groups.

Sponsor an Artist’s FellowshipEach season’s resident and guest artists, conductors, stage directors, set, costume and lighting designers flavor the productions with unique excitement. Establish a connection with our creative team and follow their careers throughout the opera world. Available to individuals and groups.

Support Our SeasonSingle ticket sales cover only 33% of the cost to present the wonderful operas that Opera San José presents. The remainder is made up through gifts of support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and grants. Support our season with your gift, easily made when you subscribe for season tickets.

Monthly Sustainer GivingGiving monthly through your credit or debit card is a simple and “green” way to support Opera San José, saving time, paper and check writing. Contact the Development Department to set up this easy way to support the music and company that you love.

Many Ways to Support Us So Glad They Joined Us

California Theatre SeatingSECTION

1 Grand Tier

2 Orchestra

3 Orchestra Ring

4 Mezzanine

5 Mezzanine Ring

The California Theatre LocationThe California Theatre is at 345 South First Street between San Carlos and San Salvador in

downtown San José. The theatre is equipped with wheelchair access and assistance for the

hearing impaired.

Series, Days, Times & DatesSERIES A B C D E F

DAY Sat Sun Thu Sun Fri Sun

TIME 8pm 3pm 8pm 3pm 8pm 3pm

Tosca Sep 12 Sep 13 Sep 17 Sep 20 Sep 25 Sep 27

The Marriage of Figaro Nov 14 Nov 15 Nov 19 Nov 22 Nov 24* Nov 29

Carmen Feb 13 Feb 14 Feb 18 Feb 21 Feb 26 Feb 28

A Streetcar Named Desire Apr 16 Apr 17 Apr 21 Apr 24 Apr 29 May 1

*November 24TH performance falls on a Tuesday

Seat Location and Four-Opera Series PricesSERIES A B C D E F

SECTION

1 Grand Tier $452 $452 $452 $452 $452 $452

2 Orchestra $376 $376 $376 $376 $376 $376

3 Orchestra Ring $300 $300 $300 $300 $300 $300

4 Mezzanine $224 $224 $224 $224 $224 $224

5 Mezzanine Ring $100 $100 $100 $100 $100 $100

Here you will find everything you need to join us for a season of compelling dramas!

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Four Ways to OrderONLINE operasj.org

PHONE 408.437.4450 (box office phone lines are open M-F, 9am to 5pm)

FAX 408.437.4455 anytime

MAIL Opera San José / 2149 Paragon Drive / San José, CA 95131-1312

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Season Tickets for a Series of All Four Operas

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If you do not receive confirmation that we have your season ticket order within two weeks of placing the order,

please email boxoffice@operasj.org to confirm that your request has been received. All sales are final. When you return

your tickets as a donation, the IRS considers the full price of the returned tickets a charitable contribution. For ticket

exchanges please email ticketexchange@operasj.org or call the box office for instructions. Ticket exchanges are based

on seating availability. If you upgrade your seat to a more expensive area additional fees will be required. Please allow

48 business hours for any exchange. Event dates, times, prices, fees and artists are subject to change without notice.

Tickets to individual operas will go on sale August 10, 2015.

* This citywide fee of $1.00 per ticket ($4.00 for a season subscription) is to help ensure that the California Theatre

and all city theatres are maintained to a proper standard. This fee does not go to Opera San José.

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