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O P E R A

SEATTLE OPERA’S 2008/09 SEASON AIDA • ELEKTRA • THE PEARL FISHERS • BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE • ERWARTUNG • THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

Photos, cover and this page: Š 2007 Ken Howard, San Diego Opera.

2008-2009 SEASON

Aida VERDI

Elektra R. STRAUSS

The Pearl Fishers BIZET

Bluebeard’s Castle/Erwartung BARTÓK / SCHOENBERG

The Marriage Of Figaro MOZART

Photo Š Kelly and Massa Photography, Opera Company of Philadelphia, 2004.

The World Awaits You next season at Seattle Opera.

William Burden as Nadir, Mary Dunleavy as Leïla The Pearlfishers

The Marriage of Figaro

John Relyea Bluebeard’s Castle

Journey on sensuous melodies from the golden temples of Egypt to the shimmering shores of Sri Lanka. Powerful performances take you from the palace of Agamemnon into the shadowy forest of the subconscious mind. Superb voices guide you through a suspenseful night inside a lonely Duke’s Hungarian castle, and a lusty Count’s Spanish country estate is made marvelous by Mozart’s magic.

The six operas in the 2008/09 season will saturate your senses and deliver a total art experience like never before. Triumphant spectacle, heated confrontation, moonlit romance, an unforgettably theatrical double-bill, and one madcap midsummer day.

Experience the full spectrum of human expression at Seattle Opera. Renew your subscription today.

Photos l-r: © Kelly and Massa Photography; © Rozarii Lynch, Seattle Opera, 2005; © Ken Howard, San Diego Opera; © Clive Barta.

Aida

Photos: Foreground, Lisa Daltirus as Aida, Philip Groshong, Cincinatti Opera. Background, © 2007 Ken Howard, San Diego Opera.

Aida

POPULAR FAVORITE AUGUST 2, 3m, 6, 8, 9, 10m, 13, 15, 17m, 22 & 23, 2008 MUSIC BY GIUSEPPE VERDI LIBRETTO: ANTONIO GHISLANZONI SUNG IN ITALIAN WITH ENGLISH CAPTIONS PERFORMANCE RUNS 3 HOURS, WITH 1 INTERMISSION EVENINGS: 7:30 P.M. MATINEES: 2:00 P.M.

Photos © 2007 Ken Howard, San Diego Opera.

AW E SOM E

S P EC TAC LE

AIDA

MESSENGER

Andrea Gruber Lisa Daltirus† Antonello Palombi Rosario La Spina† Stephanie Blythe Luretta Bybee† Charles Taylor* Richard Paul Fink† Luiz-Ottavio Faria Carsten Wittmoser† ‡ Priti Gandhi Joseph Rawley§ Karl Reyes

Conductor Stage Director Set Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer Choreographer English Captions Sets by Costumes by

Riccardo Frizza* Robin Guarino Michael Yeargan Peter Hall Robert Wierzel Donald Byrd Jonathan Dean San Diego Opera Dallas Opera

RADAMÈS

Glorious pageantry, rousing choruses, and a basketful of great tunes

AMNERIS

accomplished Seattle-based choreographer Donald Byrd, and the

elevate the moving tale of forbidden love between general and slave

“swift and witty” (Classics Today) conducting of brilliant Italian maestro

AMONASRO

girl in ancient Egypt. The grandest of all grand operas, Aida is also an

Riccardo Frizza.

RAMFIS

ABOUT THE CAST Amazing performers are showcased in both casts.

PRIESTESS KING

intensely personal love story overflowing with passions as up to the minute as our own. Verdi’s power to translate human emotion into magnificent music was at its zenith when he created this enjoyable masterwork, arguably the best evening’s entertainment he ever devised.

Andrea Gruber brings her “clarion, brilliant” (The Chicago Sun-Times) soprano back to Seattle, perfectly paired with Antonello Palombi’s “emotion-stirring, head-turning Italianate tenor” (The Seattle Times). Lisa

PRODUCTION NOTES Presented in full classic Egyptian style, this

Daltirus (Tosca) and Rosario La Spina, (La Bohème), heat things up in

spectacular production will feature lavish sets by Michael Yeargan (The

the alternate cast. Stephanie Blythe, acclaimed at London’s Royal Opera

Light In the Piazza), sumptuous costumes by Peter Hall, expert staging

as Azucena in Il Trovatore, shares the role of Amneris with Luretta Bybee.

by Met veteran Robin Guarino (Julius Caesar), evocative ballets by the

The exciting American baritone Charles Taylor makes his local debut as Amonasro, alternating with Ring veteran Richard Paul Fink.

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* Company debut † Performing August 3, 8, 10, 15 and 22 ‡ 2006 International Wagner Competition Finalist § Former Seattle Opera Young Artist

Photos: Foreground Janice Baird as Elektra, © Patrice Nim, Toulouse. Background © Gary Smith, Seattle Opera 1996

Elektra

SEATTLE OPERA REVIVAL OCTOBER 18, 19m, 22, 25, 26m, 29, 31 & NOVEMBER 1, 2008 MUSIC BY RICHARD STRAUSS LIBRETTO BY HUGO VON HOFMANNSTAHL SUNG IN GERMAN WITH ENGLISH CAPTIONS PERFORMANCE RUNS 1 HOUR, 40 MINUTES, WITH NO INTERMISSION EVENINGS: 7:30 P.M. MATINEES: 2:00 P.M.

Photos: Left, Janice Baird as Elektra, © Patrice Nim, Toulouse, Right © Gary Smith, Seattle Opera, 1996

R I V E T I NG

R E V E NG E

ELEKTRA

Janice Baird* Jayne Casselman†

CHRYSOTHEMIS

Irmgard Vilsmaier* Carolyn Betty†

KLYTEMNESTRA

Rosalind Plowright* Luretta Bybee†

AEGISTHUS

Richard Margison Thomas Harper†

Sophocles’ ancient tragedy is pushed to monumental extremes in this

theatrical touch to the tightly constructed series of scenes. The

elemental drama pulsing with heated currents of Richard Strauss’ most

“admirable” (Opera Today) Lawrence Renes oversees an immense

voluptuous music. This great work depicts Agamemnon’s daughter

orchestra.

Elektra’s manic obsession with avenging his murder, unfolding as one huge crescendo from brooding resolve to bloody climax. The magnificent score, an enormous stream of orchestral sound, features unearthly effects and lush harmonies throughout, including the outstanding Recognition Scene. Relentless, absorbing and hugely effective, Elektra will have you in its grip from beginning to end.

ORESTES

Alfred Walker*

ABOUT THE CAST The title role is a soprano tour-de-force; a ball of fire

YOUNG SEVANT

Simeon Esper

who never leaves the stage, ultimately dancing herself to death. Seattle

OVERSEER

Mary McLaughlin

Conductor Stage Director Set Designer Lighting Designer English Captions Sets and costumes built by

Lawrence Renes* Chris Alexander‡ Wolfram Skalicki Marcus Doshi Jonathan Dean Seattle Opera

audiences will get a preview of their new Brünnhilde: Janice Baird, whose recent London turn as Elektra “brought a new level of thrill to an already exciting evening” (The Financial Times). The “excellent” (Opernwelt) Jayne Casselman shares the role. The “enthralling, splendidly indignant”

PRODUCTION NOTES This revival of Seattle Opera’s 1996 production,

(The Daily Telegraph) UK superstar Rosalind Plowright portrays her

“guaranteed to shiver the timbers of opera-goers” (The Seattle Times),

monstrous mother with wicked aplomb. Richard Margison brings his

mixes conventional courtyard stonework with striking new costumes.

“stentorian” (Opera Canada) tenor to the role of Aegisthus.

Two-time Artist of the Year recipient Chris Alexander brings his deft W W W.SEAT TLEOPER A .ORG

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PAGE 9

* Company debut † Performing October 19, 26, and 31 ‡ Artist of the Year Recipient

Photos: Foreground, Mary Dunleavy as Leïla, © Carol Rosegg, New York City Opera, 2005. Background, © Kelly and Massa Photography, Opera Company of Philadelphia, 2004.

The Pearl Fishers

SEATTLE OPERA FAVORITE JANUARY 10, 11m, 14, 17, 18m, 21, 23 & 24, 2009 MUSIC BY GEORGES BIZET LIBRETTO BY MICHEL CARRÉ AND EUGÈNE CORMON SUNG IN FRENCH WITH ENGLISH CAPTIONS PERFORMANCE RUNS 2 HOURS, 50 MINUTES, WITH 2 INTERMISSIONS EVENINGS: 7:30 P.M. MATINEES: 2:00 P.M.

Photos: Left, Boyd Ostroff. Center and right, Kelly and Massa Photography, Opera Company of Philadelphia, 2004.

William Burden as Nadir

H Y P N OT IC

M E LO DY

LEÏLA

Mary Dunleavy * Larissa Yudina*†

NADIR

William Burden John Osborn†

ZURGA

Christopher Feigum David Adam Moore†‡

NOURABAD

Patrick Carfizzi

Conductor Stage Director Set Designer Costume Designer Lighting Designer Choreographer English Captions Sets and costumes by

Gerard Schwarz Kay Walker Castaldo* Boyd Ostroff* Richard St. Clair* Neil Peter Jampolis Peggy Hickey Jonathan Dean Philadelphia Opera

Sail away to the island of Sri Lanka for a sweet and sonorous romance

PRODUCTION NOTES Kay Walker Castaldo directs her own lush and

from the great Georges Bizet (Carmen). A beautiful priestess with a

lovely production that “sizzles with sensuality” (Philadelphia Inquirer).

mysterious past is pursued by a pair of strapping fishermen who happen

Peggy Hickey’s “effervescent” (Talkin’ Broadway) choreography adds to

to be the best of friends. Honor, jealousy, and communal duty jeopardize

the exotic feel. Seattle’s own Gerard Schwarz makes the most of the

the lovers’ burgeoning bond with the threat of death at dawn; but they

score’s exotic harmonies and rich colors.

are freed from their fate by the revelation of a long-buried secret. This tuneful treat is a simple love story decorated with delicious melodies, vivid nocturnes, rhythmic dances, and a plethora of lusty choruses. Bizet, a wizard of orchestration, created some of the sweetest songs in French opera, including the men’s “friendship duet.” Don’t miss this stunningly beautiful creation.

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ABOUT THE CAST Mary Dunleavy brings a “rare naturalness” (The New

York Sun) to her portrayal of the exotic priestess Leïla, sharing the role with the “yummy” (Andante) Larissa Yudina, a Russian singer making her U.S. debut. The “handsome and effective” (The Seattle Times) tenor William Burden is her rugged love interest, and the “suave, robust” (Opera News) baritone Christopher Feigum completes the triangle.

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P A G E 11

* Company debut † Performing January 11, 18 and 23 ‡ Former Seattle Opera Young Artist

Photos: Foreground, John Relyea, © Clive Barda. Background © Michael Cooper, Canadian Opera, 2001

Bluebeard’s Castle Erwartung WITH

SEATTLE OPERA PREMIERES FEBRUARY 21, 22m, 25, 28, MARCH 1m, 4, 6 & 7, 2009 BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE MUSIC BY BÉLA BARTÓK – LIBRETTO BY BÉLA BALÁZS IN HUNGARIAN WITH ENGLISH CAPTIONS

ERWARTUNG MUSIC BY ARNOLD SCHOENBERG – LIBRETTO BY MARIE PAPPENHEIM IN GERMAN WITH ENGLISH CAPTIONS PERFORMANCE RUNS 2 HOURS WITH 1 INTERMISSION EVENINGS: 7:30 P.M. MATINEES: 2:00 P.M.

Photos: Left © Rozarii Lynch, Seattle Opera, 2003. Center © Michael Cooper, Canadian Opera, 2001. Right © Juliusz Multarzynski, National Opera Warsaw

Susan Pierson will sing The Woman (Erwartung).

R E M A R K A B LE This one-of-a-kind double-bill, created by Robert Lepage (Cirque du Soleil’s Kà, the Met’s new Ring), has been hailed around the world for its stunning innovations in stagecraft. Already seen on four continents,

Malgorzata Walewska will sing Judith (Bluebeard’s Castle).

T H E AT R IC A LI T Y • “One of those rare evenings in which opera fully realizes its potential as an art form.” –Opera magazine • “A once in a lifetime experience.” –CBC Radio

the most widely celebrated production in the history of Canadian

ABOUT THE CAST Artist of the Year recipient John Relyea brings his

Opera Company will now amaze Seattle audiences for this exclusive

“riveting, eerily menacing stage presence and commanding vocal

engagement. Three superb singers. Two psychological thrillers.

resonance” (The Seattle Times) to the brooding Duke Bluebeard.

One unforgettable evening.

The striking Małgorzata Walewska, a “fine singing actress with a stunning

PRODUCTION NOTES The production combines the enigmatic Hungarian

fairy tale of Bluebeard’s Castle with the dream-like monodrama Erwartung for a haunting journey into the mysteries of the subconscious.

• “Both operas are stunning in every way.” –The Toronto Star • “One of the most exciting artistic creations of this century anywhere in the world.” –The Globe and Mail W W W.SEAT TLEOPER A .ORG

mezzo” (Andante) is his overly curious wife. In Erwartung, Susan Pierson is “sensational and captivatingly psychotic, demonstrating a subtle (La Bohème) will bring out the full spectrum of colors from Bartok’s huge, scintillating score; and highlight the white-hot intensity of Schoenberg’s pre-12-tone composition.

OR

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John Relyea†

Judith

Małgorzata Walewska*

The Narrator

Arthur Woodley

ERWARTUNG The Woman

Susan Pierson

Conductor Production Stage Director Set and Costume Designer Lighting Design Media Effects Designer English Captions Sets and costumes by

Vjekoslav Sutej Robert Lepage* François Racine* Michael Levine* Robert Thomson* Laurie-Shawn Borzovoy* Canadian Opera Company Canadian Opera Company

* Company debut † Artist of the Year Recipient

dynamic control.” (Edmonton Journal). Conductor Vjekoslav Sutej

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BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE Bluebeard

PA G E 13

Photos: Foreground © Marty Sohl, Metropolitan Opera, 2005. Background © Rozarii Lynch, Seattle Opera, 2005

The Marriage of Figaro NEW PRODUCTION MAY 2, 3m, 6, 8, 9, 10m, 13, 15 & 16, 2009 MUSIC BY WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART LIBRETTO BY LORENZO DA PONTE IN ITALIAN WITH ENGLISH CAPTIONS PERFORMANCE RUNS 3 HOURS, 15 MINUTES, WITH 1 INTERMISSION EVENINGS: 7:30 P.M. MATINEES: 2:00 P.M.

Photos: Left, © Rozarii Lynch, 2005. Right, © P. Switzer, Opera Colorado, 2005.

Mariusz Kwiecien as Count Almavivia and Norah Amsallem as his wife

D E LIG H T F U L

P E R F EC T IO N

FIGARO

Charming, lighthearted and endlessly enjoyable, Mozart’s most popular

Susanna participate in the scene changes just as they would tend to their

opera sparkles with genius. There’s never a dull moment for a lascivious

domestic duties.

Count and his hodge-podge entourage as they navigate the ups and downs of “the crazy day” preparing a wedding—or two! Vivid characters, glowing wit, dizzying ensembles, mistaken identities, and carefully constructed intrigue make for a miraculous marriage of music and drama.

A sublime comedy of manners, Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro is as touching as it is funny.

ABOUT THE CAST Artist of the Year recipient Mariusz Kwiecien, whose

Don Giovanni gave Seattle goose bumps, injects Mozart’s other lusty nobleman with his “magnetic stage presence.” (Opera News). He shares the role with the “excellent and effective” (The New York Times) Johannes Mannov. As Figaro, 2002 Aria awardee Oren Gradus “is the perfect foil to Kwiecien, singing with plenty of character and color.” (San

PRODUCTION NOTES This new production from Peter Kazaras, inspired

Francisco Classical Voice). Opera magazine ranks the “vivacious, wholly

by his “robust, funny, and effective” (The Seattle P-I) 2005 Seattle Opera

natural Susanna of Christine Brandes among the very best.” 2002

Young Artists staging, keeps the action swift and nimble. Experience

MacAllister awardee Twyla Robinson sings the Countess with a “bright,

an ingenious set design by Curtis Wallin that lets servants Figaro and

silvery voice that draws you right to her.” (Boston Herald). Returning favorites Joyce Castle and Arthur Woodley round out an all-star cast.

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Oren Gradus* Nicolas Cavallier† COUNT ALMAVIVA Mariusz Kwiecien‡

Johannes Mannov† COUNTESS ALMAVIVA Twyla Robinson*

Jessica Jones† SUSANNA Christine Brandes

Elizabeth Caballero† CHERUBINO Daniela Sindram*

Sarah Castle† MARCELLINA Joyce Castle DR. BARTOLO Arthur Woodley§ DON BASILIO/DON CURZIO Ted Schmitz

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ANTONIO

Barry Johnson

Conductor Director Set Designer Lighting Designer Sets and costumes built by

Dean Williamson Peter Kazaras Curtis Wallin Connie Yun Seattle Opera

* Company debut † Perfoming May 3, 8, 10, and 15 ‡ Artist-Of-The-Year Recipient § Former Young Artist

See The Full Spectrum Enjoy The Best Benefits Subscribe Today!

A subscription to Seattle Opera guarantees you access to the lavish 2008/09 season. It’s also your ticket to topnotch benefits, including several new perks for 5-opera subscribers designed to provide our most loyal patrons with maximum flexibility, convenience, and priority service. It’s our way of saying “Thank you for your support.”

New Benefits In addition to receiving the biggest discount of the year, (up to 20% off the cost of single tickets – essentially a free opera!), only renewing 5-opera subscribers will enjoy five new benefits in 2008/09: • Premium Ticketing Services, including 2 bonus “Subscriber Pre-sale Days” and Day-Of-Show Ticket Exchange (until 4 pm or Sat. 4 pm for Sunday performances).

• One-time 50% “Bring a friend” discount for Elektra or Bluebeard/Erwartung.

• Courtesy Standby Seating Service for missed performances.

• Exclusive access to the Seattle Opera Blog, including suggested reading lists.

• One time complimentary seating upgrade, allowing you to move into the best

Photos: Left, Janice Baird as Elektra, © Patrice Nim, Toulouse.

Right, © P. Switzer, Opera Colorado, 2005.

Photo © Lara Swimmer

available seating area free of charge at the opera of your choice.

Aida

Mariusz Kwiecien as Count Almavivia The Marriage of Figaro

PREFERRED SEATING

Seattle Opera Donors Enjoy More Benefits Subscriptions to select seating areas include a tax-deductible preferred seating donation in the ticket price which entitles you to special donor benefits, carefully planned to enhance your opera experience. To increase your contribution and move up to a higher donor level, combine your Preferred Seating donation with a gift to the Annual Fund. To increase your contribution, or get more detailed information on your donor services, please contact donor.services@seattleopera.org or call 206.676.5593.

Donor Benefits

Plus These Additional Benefits

Partial list. Some restrictions apply on tickets and discounts.

• 10% discount on additional single tickets • Ability to exchange/purchase tickets during “Subscriber Pre-sale Days” • Free ticket exchange up to 24-hours in advance* • Subscription to Seattle Opera Magazine, published quarterly through the year Photo left, McCaw Hall, © Bill Mohn. Photo above © Michael Cooper, Canadian Opera, 2001.

• Hassle-free Lost Ticket Insurance • Spotlight Guides: Informal and informative booklets to prep you for every opera • Flexible Payment Plans *upgrade fees may apply

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Bluebeard’s Castle

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RUBY $1,750-$2,749 • Voting privileges for Artists of the Year • Invitation for 2 to Insiders’ Series – Technical Elements • Invitation for 2 to the Meet-theArtists reception • Invitation for 2 to Insiders’ Series – Scenic Elements • Redeemable coupon for one designated libretto • Recognition in all programs, plus...

AMETHYST PREMIER $1,000$1,749 • Invitation for 2 to Insiders’ Series – Backstage Tour • 1 pass for 2 to the Crown Donor Suite for 1 performance • 20% discount on single ticket purchase (up to 8 tickets total), plus...

AMETHYST $800-$999 • Invitation for 2 to Insiders’ Series – Production Elements • Invitation for 2 to a Piano Technical Rehearsal with remarks by Speight Jenkins • Recognition in 1 program, plus...

PA G E 17

TOPAZ PREMIER $600-$799 • Ticket upgrade for up to 4 tickets for 1 opera • 20% discount on single ticket purchase (up to 6 tickets total), plus...

TOPAZ $400-$599 • Invitation for 2 to 1 final Dress Rehearsal.

• 2 complimentary admissions to Overtures to the Opera • 10% discount at Amusements • 20% discount on single ticket purchase (up to 4 tickets), plus...

PEARL PREMIER $200-$399 • Donors only pre-season reading and listening list prepared by Perry Lorenzo • Ovation Program – discounts to area restaurants and businesses, plus...

PEARL $75-$199 • Subscription to Seattle Opera Magazine • Recognition in Seattle Opera’s Annual Report • Invitation to the Annual Meeting and Reception • Opportunity for advance singleticket purchase

2008 SPECIAL EVENTS Subscribers Get Tickets First

Seating is extremely limited for these exciting one-night-only events. Admission to either or both is available as an add-on to your season subscription.

Ben Heppner and Asher Fisch Recital August 14, 2008 Recognized worldwide as the finest dramatic tenor before the public today, Canadian Ben Heppner, accompanied by Maestro Asher Fisch on piano, will give an exclusive recital at McCaw Hall while in Seattle for the International Wagner Competition. Heppner will perform opera arias and

SPECIAL EVENTS PRICES

Ben Heppner Recital

Int’l Wagner Competition

August 14

August 16

OCP + Reception*

250

150

Dress Circle + Reception*

265

165

50

50

OCP ORP ORF OCB GLL

45

45

DCP DCC DSC

65

65

GLU

45 45

Special Events are in McCaw Hall and begin at 7:30 p.m. *Enjoy prime reserved seating for event, plus a private reception following performance (see right for details).

Left, Ben Heppner as Tristan in Seattle Opera’s 1998 Tristan und Isolde, photo © Gary Smith, Seattle Opera, 1998.

Right, 2006 Int’l Wagner Competition, photo © Rozarii Lynch, Seattle Opera, 2006. Far right, Asher Fisch, photo xxx xxxxxxx.

other works from composers such as Tchaikovsky, Sibelius and Tosti.

International Wagner Competition August 16, 2008

BEN HEPPNER & ASHER FISCH RECITAL PACKAGE Enjoy prime reserved seating in Orchestra Preferred or Dress Circle and join Ben Heppner, Asher Fisch, Speight Jenkins, other artists and fellow donors in an exclusive reception following the recital.

$250 FOR

ORCHESTRA PREFERRED AND $265 FOR DRESS CIRCLE ($100 DEDUCTIBLE).

The world will be watching as an elite group of up-and-coming vocalists perform selections from the Wagner canon, accompanied by full orchestra in hopes of winning one of two $15,000 cash prizes.

“The house was packed with an enthusiastic audience, eager to hear a hit parade of Wagner arias and young singers, dressed to the nines, presenting their best wares.” –Seattle Post-Intelligencer “Letting the orchestra and audience vote – as well as the official judges – was an inspired idea, giving everyone in the house a personal investment in the competition.” –The Seattle Times

INTERNATIONAL WAGNER COMPETITION PACKAGE Enjoy prime reserved seating in Orchestra Preferred or Dress Circle during the competition, plus have an opportunity to meet the IWC finalists during a private celebratory reception following the award ceremony.

$150 FOR

The 2008 International Wagner Competition is sponsored by the Charles

ORCHESTRA PREFERRED AND $165 FOR

Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences.

DRESS CIRCLE ($25 DEDUCTIBLE).

2008/09 FEATURED ARTISTS Notes by General Director Speight Jenkins

JANICE BAIRD

STEPHANIE BLYTHE

CHRISTINE BRANDES

WILLIAM BURDEN

LISA DALTIRUS

AMNERIS, AIDA Last at Seattle Opera: The Italian Girl in Algiers, 2006 “A new role for one of the world’s very greatest singers”

SUSANNA, THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Last at Seattle Opera: Julius Caesar, 2007 “The favorite part for one of the most musical and elegant singers extant”

NADIR, THE PEARL FISHERS Last at Seattle Opera: Iphigenia in Tauris, 2007 “No tenor conveys better the virility and elegance necessary for French repertory”

MARY DUNLEAVY

ELEKTRA, ELEKTRA Seattle Opera Debut “Powerful soprano with brilliant high register, great voice”

AIDA, AIDA Last at Seattle Opera: Tosca, 2008 “A really rich, full lyric soprano”

LEÏLA, THE PEARL FISHERS Seattle Opera Debut “Brilliant, beautiful, and effervescent”

RICCARDO FRIZZA

ANDREA GRUBER

PETER KAZARAS

MARIUSZ KWIECIEN

ROBERT LEPAGE

AIDA, AIDA Last at Seattle Opera: Macbeth, 2006 “Returning to Aida in Seattle after singing the role in all the opera capitals of the world”

STAGE DIRECTOR, THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Last at Seattle Opera (as stage director): Norma, 2003 (mainstage) / Falstaff, 2007 (Young Artists’ Program) “Inventive, clever, knows exactly how far to go, intensely musical”

ANTONELLO PALOMBI

CONDUCTOR, AIDA Seattle Opera Debut “An exciting, acclaimed new Italian baton”

COUNT ALMAVIVA, THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Last at Seattle Opera: Don Giovanni, 2007 “The best Count in the world”

PRODUCTION/ORIGINAL STAGING, BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE/ERWARTUNG Seattle Opera Debut “A director whom I have wanted for Seattle for a long time”

RADAMÈS, AIDA Last at Seattle Opera: Pagliacci, 2008 “A true heroic Italian tenor”

ROSALIND PLOWRIGHT

JOHN RELYEA

LAWRENCE RENES

TWYLA ROBINSON

IRMGARD VILSMAIER

MAŁGORZATA WALEWSKA

DUKE BLUEBEARD, BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE Last at Seattle Opera: The Tales Of Hoffmann, 2005 “The most exciting American bass”

CONDUCTOR, ELEKTRA Seattle Opera Debut “A favorite of Seattle Symphony audiences, a Strauss expert”

CRYSTOTHEMIS, ELEKTRA Seattle Opera Debut “Extraordinary dramatic soprano”

JUDITH, BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE Seattle Opera Debut “Rich-voiced, gorgeous Polish mezzo”

KLYTEMNESTRA, ELEKTRA Seattle Opera Debut “An acclaimed, extraordinary actress and singer”

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COUNTESS ALMAVIVA, THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Seattle Opera Debut “Silken tone, remarkable line, a great soprano” OR

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Renew today and get the biggest discount of the year, (up to 20% off the cost of single tickets – essentially a free opera)! Plus new benefits including: • Day-Of-Show Ticket Exchange (until 4pm)

See the Full Spectrum– Enjoy the Best Benefits Renew Your Subscription Today!

www.seattleopera.org 206.389.7676 or 800.426.1619

Mariusz Kwiecien as The Count and Andrea Rost as Susanna (The Marriage of Figaro), © Marty Sohl, Metropolitan Opera, 2007

• Courtesy Standby Seating Service for missed performances