2012 Season Brochure

Subscriptions On Sale Now. Make Plans Today!

(Don’t miss the Opera’s last season in Music Hall before a major renovation.)

cincinnati opera 2012 season

PASSIONATE SINGING

Ailyn Pérez and Stephen Costello star in La Traviata

FRESH

NEW OPERA Alain Gauthier directs an Italian Double Bill

The Gershwins’

Porgy and Bess P e r f o r m e d i n t h e Gl o r i o u s O r i g i n a l opera Version with the cso

New Zealander bass-baritone Jonathan Lemalu brings his “dark, deep, almost other-worldly voice” (The Washington Post ) to the role of Porgy.

Lithuanian Edgaras Montvidas, who makes his company debut with a “sumptuously lyric tenor” (Le Figaro, Paris), is Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi.

Vivacious American soprano Kelly Kaduce, who “sings with bell-like purity and silvery sweetness” (Opera News), debuts as Nedda in Pagliacci.

Possessing “a superb voice capable of just about everything” (Miami Herald ), Canadian superstar soprano and recording artist Measha Brueggergosman will sing her first Bess.

You’re invited.

Join us for Cincinnati Opera’s 2012 Summer Festival and you’ll hear internationally renowned singers in the impeccable acoustics of Music Hall, with the award-winning Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

You’ll see stories that will touch your heart, conveyed through beautiful sets, dramatic lighting, and exquisitely crafted costumes.

Experience the magic of live, grand opera!

June 14–July 28, 2012

PAGLIACCI

June 14 & 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Gianni schicchi

Tragedy and Comedy A clever new production Thrilling melodies World-renowned singers

New Production

Make ’em laugh.

The show must go on. His heart was pounding, and his hands were trembling.

He tried to catch his breath. He tried to shake away the image. It kept returning, and it was poison. His wife in another man’s arms. Had he become a joke? Was he a clown or a man?

The 2012 season opens with a double bill of Italian operas, pairing the tragic passion of Pagliacci with Puccini’s charming and hilarious Gianni Schicchi.

It’s a brilliant new production from Opéra de Montréal. Musical highlights include the famous tenor aria “Vesti la giubba” as Canio the clown applies his make-up, and the sparkling soprano showstopper “O mio babbino caro” in Gianni Schicchi. the OPERAs

the cast American tenor Frank Porretta leads the Pagliacci cast in the role of the anguished Canio. And Italian soprano Maria Luigia Borsi returns as Lauretta after her heartbreaking Desdemona in our 2010 Otello.

PAGLIACCI

Music and libretto

by Ruggero Leoncavallo Canio Frank Porretta Nedda Kelly Kaduce Tonio Roberto de Candia Silvio Ljubomir Puskaric Beppe Thomas Glenn

Gianni Schicchi

Music by Giacomo Puccini Libretto by Giovacchino Forzano Gianni Schicchi Roberto de Candia Lauretta Maria Luigia Borsi Rinuccio Edgaras Montvidas Zita Catherine Keen Nella Alexandra Schoeny Gherardo Thomas Glenn Simone Thomas Hammons La Ciesca Stacey Rishoi Betto di Signa Kenneth Shaw Marco William McGraw Conductor Richard Buckley Stage Director Alain Gauthier Scenic Designer Olivier Landreville Costume Designer Joyce Gauthier Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Hair & Make-up Designer James D. Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi

Sung in Italian with projected translation.

Thursday, June 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m.

Frank Porretta Canio

Kelly Kaduce Nedda

Maria Luigia Borsi Lauretta

Edgaras Montvidas Rinuccio

S e n d i n y o u r o r d e r, a n d w e ’ l l s e n d i n t h e c l o w n .

(513) 241-2742

The Full Operatic Version World-renowned singers Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra An amazing 50-voice chorus

The Gershwins’

Porgy and Bess Classic Verdi in Paris A passionate love story

June 28 & 30, July 6 at 7:30 p.m.

July 8 at 3:00 p.m.

Soaring melodies

Gorgeous sets and costumes

Company Premiere

Rise up singing.

It was the biggest decision she’d ever made. She was coming clean. No more binges, no more waking up who-knowswhere. He would be her happiness, now and always. Morning time and evening time, he would be her strength. the OPERA Cincinnati Opera is proud to present the great American opera Porgy and Bess in all its original glory. This is the full operatic version with internationally acclaimed opera singers and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. No microphones.

No rewrites. No reduction of orchestral forces. This is George Gershwin’s gritty and glorious masterpiece Porgy and Bess for the first time on the Cincinnati Opera stage. the cast Canadian superstar soprano Measha Brueggergosman will portray the conflicted Bess. The powerful bassbaritone Jonathan Lemalu returns to sing the role of Porgy. Their soaring duet, “Bess, You Is My Woman Now,” is a guaranteed goosebumps moment. Other musical highlights include “Summertime” and “It Ain’t Necessarily So,” among many others.

Porgy and Bess

Music by George Gershwin Libretto by DuBose Heyward and Ira Gershwin Porgy Jonathan Lemalu Bess Measha Brueggergosman Crown Gordon Hawkins Sporting Life Steven Cole Clara Jacqueline Echols Serena Adrienne Danrich Maria Brandi Samuel Jake Michael Preacely Mingo Luther Lewis Robbins Larry Hylton Annie Chabrelle Williams Strawberry Woman Taylor Johnson Peter Everett McCorvey Jim Keith Dean Frazier Reginald Smith, Jr. Undertaker David Michael Nelson Cameo Humes Conductor David Charles Abell Stage Director Lemuel Wade Scenic Designer Kenneth Foy Costume Designer Judy Dearing Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Hair & Make-up Designer James D. Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi

Sung in English with projected translation.

Thursday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 8 at 3:00 p.m.

Measha Brueggergosman Bess

Jonathan Lemalu Porgy

Gordon Hawkins Crown

Steven Cole Sporting Life

S u m m e r t i m e a n d t h e s i n g i n ’s f a n t a s t i c ! S u b s c r i b e t o d a y.

(513) 241-2742

Classic Verdi in Paris A passionate love story Soaring melodies Gorgeous sets and costumes

La Traviata July 26 & 28 at 7:30 p.m.

By Popular Demand!

Sometimes it lasts in love. . .

How silly he was, boldly declaring his love like that. Surely, he understood her position. He had to know that none of this was really hers—the apartment in Paris, the latest fashions, the jewelry. But, before she knew it, his words had pierced her heart, and she dared to hope. Perhaps he loved her. Perhaps it wasn’t too late.

La Traviata

the OPERA

Verdi’s heartrending tragedy La Traviata is one of the best-loved operas of all time. We’re pleased to present this 1853 masterpiece in a “lavish, colorful, and romantic” production from Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Conductor Carlo Montanaro Stage Director Jose Maria Condemi Scenic & Costume Designer Desmond Heeley Lighting Designer Thomas C. Hase Hair & Make-up Designer James D. Geier Chorus Master Henri Venanzi

The world-renowned husbandand-wife team of Ailyn Pérez and Stephen Costello, whose performance in Cincinnati Opera’s 2010 production of La Bohème was described as “overwhelming… in its unexpected dramatic power,” will return to Music Hall as lovebirds Violetta and Alfredo. Sardinian baritone Marco Caria, who made his Cincinnati Opera debut in 2009 as Don Carlo’s Rodrigo, will sing the role of Germont.

Sung in Italian with projected translation.

the cast

Music by Giuseppe Verdi Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave Violetta Ailyn Pérez Alfredo Stephen Costello Germont Marco Caria Flora Stacey Rishoi Marquis d’Obigny Kenneth Shaw Baron Douphol Jonathan Stinson Doctor Grenvil Claude Cassion

Please note: We are offering only two performances of La Traviata. Subscribe now to secure your seats.

Thursday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Ailyn Pérez Violetta

Stephen Costello Alfredo

Marco Caria Germont

S u b s c r i b i n g — i t ’s s o Ve r d i Ve r d i n i c e .

(513) 241-2742

5 1.

Here are the five big reasons you’ve got to be at Cincinnati Opera this summer.

The company premiere of Porgy and Bess. It’s an enormous event, and we’re anticipating a completely sold-out run. Buy tickets early!

2. New parking! That’s right—a state-of-the- art underground parking garage with 450 spaces directly across from Music Hall.

3. Gorgeous playing by the CSO—the Opera’s official orchestra since 1920.

4. A new park! Washington Park will unveil a dramatic renovation just before the opera season. Highlights will include a sweeping green space and interactive water features.

5. The 2012 season is your last chance to see opera in Music Hall until renovation is completed in time for the 2015 season.

Don’t miss it!

María Special event!

María de buenos aires by Ástor Piazzolla

July 25 & 27

at 7:30 p.m. in the Music Hall Ballroom

Along with the acclaimed ensemble concert:nova and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera is pleased to co-present Ástor Piazzolla’s 1968 María de Buenos Aires.

This “tango operita” tells a dark and surreal tale through seductive tango-style singing and Argentinian dance.

This collaborative production will be directed by Jose Maria Condemi, the acclaimed opera director and native of Buenos Aires. He returns to Cincinnati after his spellbinding Ainadamar of 2009.

de Buenos Aires Tickets $35. Not included in Opera subscription.

For more information visit www.cincinnatiopera.org.

María de Buenos Aires is presented by

I

f you’re an opera lover, consider subscribing. Not only will you be supporting grand opera in Cincinnati, you’ll also enjoy a number of cool benefits. Here’s a quick run-down. Money sense: Save up to 10% on your seats, and get a 15% discount plus early access to additional single tickets. Best seats: Subscribers get crème-de-la-crème seats and priority seating year after year. Ticket privileges: Lost your tix? We’ll reprint. Need to switch to a different performance?

Just give us a call.

Evans Mirageas The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director

“

Opera offers the most all-consuming, life-changing, emotionally fulfilling theatrical experience imaginable. Nowhere else do music, theater, dance, and visual spectacle combine at such a consistently high level of aspiration and achievement.

Photo by Philip Groshong at Coffee Emporium in Over-the-Rhine.

”

Subscriptions 1. choose your dates Select the Weekday Subscription (June 14, June 28, and July 26) or Weekend Subscription (June 16, June 30, and July 28).

Where should I sit?

For the best blend of Music Hall’s famous GALLERY acoustics: the Gallery. Best visuals and leg room: the Orchestra level. Most intense experience: the front row of the Orchestra.

Best overall value: Balcony Sides at $193.

2. Select a seating location

BALCONY

All prices include 3 tickets: one to each opera.

Orchestra LEVEL 1. Boxes & Premium Aisles .... $490 2. Premium .......................... $392 3. Preferred ......................... $337 4. Mid ................................ $235 5. Side ................................ $193

6 ________

____ 5

4

3 ___________ _______ 3

2

1 __________

GALLERY

6. Back ............................... $136

ORCHESTRA

Balcony LEVEL

9

7. Dress Circle ..................... $392

7

_______ 8

8. Dress Circle Sides ............. $337 9. Center ............................. $235 10. Side ................................ $193

10 ________

BALCONY

Gallery LEVEL

______ 12

11

11. Center ............................. $193 12. Mid ................................. $136 13. Side ................................ $ 80

13 ________

ORCHESTRA

3. PLACE YOUR ORDER Phone (513) 241-2742

GALLERY

Mail Use the form on the right.

Box Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

In Person Cincinnati Opera 1243 Elm Street BALCONYOH 45202 Cincinnati,

Please note: Subscriptions are not available online.

Single Tickets

The Flex-Pack

Not ready to become a subscriber? You may purchase tickets for individual shows beginning on Thursday, March 15 at 9:30 a.m. Prices start at $25.

Buy a pack of 4 vouchers and redeem them however you like: 2 ticketsORCHESTRA for 2 operas, 4 tickets for one opera—the options and flexibility are amazing! You’ll enjoy subscription savings and access to tickets before they go on sale to the general public. $240-$440.

5 Available Thursday, March 15

Call (513) 241-2742 or purchase online at www.cincinnatiopera.org.

Available for a limited time.

Call (513) 241-2742 for info or to order.

Subscription Order Form

For single tickets, call (513) 241-2742 starting March 15.

Phone Orders (513) 241-2742

_____________________________________________________________________ Name _____________________________________________________________________ Address

Box Office Hours Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

_____________________________________________________________________ City / State / Zip _____________________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone / Evening Phone _____________________________________________________________________ E-Mail Address

ITEM QTY. LEVEL Section PRICE Subtotal

L Weekday Subs $ $

L Weekend subs

L MAría

$

$

$

35.00

$

Join us on June 14 for the Opening Night Celebration Dinner in Corbett Tower. $ 85.00

$

subtotal

$

+ Please consider a $50 contribution to support Cincinnati Opera.

$

+ HaNdling fee

$

=Total Due

$

Opening Night L Celebration

Please circle: July 25

July 27

8.00

Method of Payment

L Please charge my L L L

L Check enclosed. (Please make

payable to Cincinnati Opera.)

L

_________________________________________________ ___________ ACCOUNT NUMBER EXP. DATE _________________________________________________ SIGNATURe

A Cincinnati Opera ticketing specialist will call to confirm your order. Questions or special seating needs?

Please call (513) 241-2742.

Season Presenting Sponsor

2012 SPonsors

Mailing Address Cincinnati Opera Attn: Box Office 1243 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202

2012 Season

The 2012 season is also made possible with support from

ArtsWave, Ohio Arts Council, The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund,

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and many generous foundations, corporations, and individual donors. Supertitles are sponsored by Macy’s. Seta Music is the Official Piano Supplier of the 2012 Season.

Art Direction and Copy Katie Syroney and Christopher Milligan Illustrations and design Aimee Sposito Martini Photos Kelly Kaduce: Devon Cass; Jonathan Lemalu: Sussie Ahlburg; Edgaras Montvidas: Lina Fisheye; Measha Brueggergosman: Paul Elledge; María de Buenos Aires: Susana Mulé. All other photos by Philip Groshong.

Season Presenting Sponsor:

Stephen Costello and Ailyn Pérez in Cincinnati Opera’s 2010 production of La Bohème.

They return this summer in La Traviata.

www.cincinnatiopera.org

(513) 241-2742

Subscriptions on sale now!

Music Hall • 1243 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202

Patricia K. Beggs, General Director & CEO Evans Mirageas, The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director

The Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund

July 26 & 28

La Traviata

June 28 & 30, July 6 & 8

Porgy and Bess

June 14 & 16

Pagliacci Gianni Schicchi

2012 SEASON

NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID CINCINNATI, OH PERMIT #6737