2007 OPERA GALA – FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE – A CHORAL AND ORCHESTRAL EXTRAVAGANZA

Toledo Opera will present its much anticipated Opera Gala From Russia with Love on February 10, 2007 at 7:30 pm in the Peristyle Theater at the Toledo Museum of Art. This performance will transport you to the land of the czars, where multi-colored spires and onion domes of ancient monasteries mark the horizon. All the pomp, power and pageantry of Imperial Russia will come to life in this stirring choral and orchestral spectacular! Bells ring out from towering belfries in the majestic Coronation Scene from Mussorgsky's operatic masterpiece of political intrigue, Boris Godunov. At the other end of the spectrum are the enchanting melodies of Borodin's Polovetsian Dances, perhaps better known to us as music from the Broadway musical Kismet.

Internationally renowned bass Stefan Szkafarowksy will conjure romantic heroes in selections from the golden age of Russian opera. Featured will be music by Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Rimsky-Korsakov – the most glorious names in a grand operatic tradition.

Mr. Szkafarowsky has been praised for the beautiful quality of his bass voice as well as for his impeccable technique. He is highly sought after by opera companies and orchestras in this country and abroad. Upcoming engagements include Banquo in Macbeth with Florentine Opera, the title role in Falstaff with New Jersey Opera Theater, the King in Aida with Opera Pacific, Benoit/Alcindoro in La bohème with Fort Worth Opera, Bonze in Madame Butterfly at Opéra de Québec, Commendatore in Don Giovanni with Opera Pacific, Benoit/Alcindero in La bohème and Bartolo in Le nozze di Figaro with Metro Lyric Opera. Mr. Szkafarowsky has appeared with Washington Opera as Ferrando in Verdi's Il trovatore as well as Crespel in The Tales of Hoffman. He has performed with many other renowned opera companies such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago, New York City Opera, New Orleans Opera, Arizona Opera, San Diego Opera, Dallas Opera, and Pittsburgh Opera

Accompanied by the full Toledo Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Grammy Award-winning conductor Thomas Conlin, the magnificent Toledo Opera Chorus will contribute its burnished splendor to this evening of fantasy and romance – an emotional journey never to be forgotten!

Single ticket prices begin at $15.00 and may be purchased online at toledoopera.org or by phone at 419-255-7464. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups of 10 or more.