Toledo Opera Announces 2007 – 2008 Season

Toledo Opera will present Georges Bizet’s masterpiece, Carmen on November 3, 9, at 7:30 pm and November 11, 2007, at 2:00 pm to open their 2007-2008 season. Carmen has bewitched audiences since its premiere with its colorful, passionate score, pulsating with Gypsy rhythms, its shocking denouement, and its sexually powerful title character – opera’s ultimate femme fatal. Marianna Kulikova, a phenomenal young mezzo-soprano from Ukraine will make her Toledo Opera debut in the title role of the woman who can be embraced – but not possessed. International renowned tenor Adam Klein will return to Toledo Opera to sing the demanding role of Don José, the soldier whose obsession with Carmen changes his life forever.

Carmen will be sung in French with English translations projected above the stage, making it easy to follow every moment of the action. This production, created for Virginia Opera, was designed by Eduardo Sicangco. The lighting designer is Donald Thomas. Wigs and make-up are by Christopher Diamantides and costumes are designed by John Lehmeyer. Toledo Opera principal conductor Thomas Conlin will conduct all three performances.   

One of the most anticipated musical events in Toledo, this year’s Gala theme is The Last Great Romantic on Saturday, February 9 at 7:30 pm in the Peristyle Theater at the Toledo Museum of Art. Three luminous sopranos perform music by Richard Strauss, the ultimate romantic composer. A thrilling evening of the most elegant and sumptuous music from Salome, Der Rosenkavalier, Ariadne auf Naxos and others. You’ll want to be there as Strauss’ lyrical melodies soar, brought to life by his brilliant orchestrations. Goosebumps guaranteed.

March 1, 7, 2008 at 7:30 and March 9, 2008, at 2 pm will bring Giuseppe Verdi’s romantic drama Il trovatore (The Troubadour). This “blood and thunder” Italian opera keeps the action hurtling along, fueled by one operatic hit after another, including the famous Anvil Chorus! The story involves two men who love the same woman. One will murder the other, learning too late that he has killed his own brother.  

Toledo Opera’s general and artistic director Renay Conlin says that “an all-star cast has been hand-picked for this production. With passions running deep, prepare to be swept up by the unabashed emotional power of Verdi’s masterful human drama. It’s sure to take your breath away.”  

The season will close with performances of Pietro Mascagni’s opera Cavalleria Rusticana, an intense drama about the power of love – and jealousy – in rural Sicily. Two exciting artists will be featured in this production: Soprano Amy Johnson, who possesses an extraordinary combination of vocal brilliance and power along with versatility and stage magnetism, will star opposite American tenor Richard Crawley, who has established himself as one of today’s most exciting and innovative interpreters of the Italian tenor repertoire. Among his recent triumphs was his debut with San Francisco Opera singing Cavaradossi in Tosca. He was immediately engaged to return to San Francisco Opera for Eugene Onegin and Norma.

A festive audience reception will be paired with this opera. Mingle with fellow opera lovers, as you enjoy entertainment, food and good cheer. This will also be a special opportunity to meet the stars of the opera. Molto bene!

Cavalleria Rusticana will be sung in Italian with English translations projected above the stage. Performances are May 2, 3, 2008 at 7:30 pm, and May 4 2008 at 2:00 PM.

Season subscription renewals for 2007-2008 will begin March 15. New subscriptions will be accepted after the company’s production of Tosca on April 28, May 4 and May 6. For information, call (419) 255-7464 or visit www.ToledoOpera.org. Single tickets for the 2007-2008 season go on sale September 12 and can be purchased through the website or by calling the Opera office.