Portland Opera's 2019/20 Season Brochure

2019 / 2020 SEASON

Christopher Mattaliano General Director

Giacomo Puccini | Keller Auditorium | Oct–Nov 2019

AN AMERICAN QUARTET

Gian Carlo Menotti The Telephone Samuel Barber A Hand of Bridge Douglas Moore Gallantry Lee Hoiby Bon Appetit!

The Gregory K. & Mary Chomenko Hinckley Studio Theatre at the Hampton Opera Center | February 2020

BAJAZET

Antonio Vivaldi | Newmark Theatre | March 2020

BIG NIGHT

A special concert | Keller Auditorium | May 9, 2020

PAGLIACCI

Ruggero Leoncavallo | Keller Auditorium | June 2020

THREE DECEMBERS Jake Heggie | Newmark Theatre | July 2020

Photo by Colin Hovde, UrbanArias

THREE DECEMBERS

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

Photo by Cory Weaver, Portland Opera

Hiromi Omura as Cio-Cio-San

PAGLIACCI

Photo by Caroline Laberge, Opéra de Montréal

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

THE ART OF OPERA IS BREATHTAKING. The art of opera is breathtaking. It is breathtaking in the way it can let us into other times, places, and worlds. It can give us pause, and enliven us. It can fill our eyes with unexpected tears and our hearts with profound joy.

The art of singing opera is also breathtaking (pun intended). To be an opera singer means dedicating your life to the training and use of the human body and voice unlike any other discipline. To support the height of the human voice takes breath, power, decades of training, and (I would argue) quite a bit of magic. And to be an audience member is breathtaking! These unamplified sound waves move physically from the singer, converge with the music of the orchestra, and travel through our hearts, expanding into every corner of the theatre. They carry with them emotions and storytelling that we can feel, and see, and hear, and witness.

The art of making opera is truly collaborative, and encompasses many disciplines. From the scenic, costume, and lighting designers to the musicians, technicians, ushers, managers, and staff: each moment you see on stage is a combination of hours of expertise, dedication, technique, and artistry coinciding.

This season we witness the art of opera from four different centuries. We can’t wait to take your breath away with each of them.

Christopher Mattaliano

General Director, Portland Opera

GIACOMO PUCCINI

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

This unforgettable drama tells the story of a young wife and mother named Cio-Cio-San, in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1904.

She waits for the return of her beloved B.F. Pinkerton, a lieutenant in the United States Navy. When his ship comes in, her dreams for the future meet his—with tragic and heartbreaking results.

One of the most powerful operas of all time.

Listen for: The famous aria “Un Bel Di Vedremo” and The Humming Chorus: one of the most beautiful aural landscapes in the world of opera.

About our production: Classic sets and costumes honor tradition on the grandest scale in our season. Internationally acclaimed Japanese soprano Hiromi Omura makes her U.S. debut as our heroine.

Oct 25, 27m, 31, Nov 2, 2019 Keller Auditorium Conductor George Manahan Director E. Loren Meeker Performed in Italian with English captions

Fall Classic

AN AMERICAN QUARTET GIAN CARLO MENOTTI THE TELEPHONE SAMUEL BARBER A HAND OF BRIDGE DOUGLAS MOORE GALLANTRY LEE HOIBY BON APPETIT!

Visit our black box theatre for an intimate evening of four American one-act operas. In The Telephone, constant calling interrupts a young man’s intentions. In A Hand of Bridge, four card players share their fears, hopes, and frustrations. In Gallantry we witness a television soap-opera opera (complete with a live soap commercial); and in Bon Appetit! we’ll savor the words of Julia Child in a transcript of how to bake the perfect French chocolate cake.

Four American one-act operas—and cake!

Listen for: The expertly compact composition of each piece—filled with character, expression, and wit.

About our production: Join us for these slices of life at the Hampton Opera Center, and enjoy complimentary chocolate cake after the performance.

February 7, 9m, 11, 13, 15, 2020 The Gregory K. and Mary Chomenko Hinckley Studio Theatre

The Hampton Opera Center Conductor Nicholas Fox Director Allison Narver Performed in English with English captions

Charming & Delectable

A N T O N I O V I VA L D I

BAJAZET

Bajazet, Emperor of the Turks, has been captured.

His daughter, Asteria, plans to kill her father’s captor, Tamerlano, who also wishes to marry her. Irene, a princess who loves Tamerlano, discovers the murder plot and intervenes. Adronico, an ally of Tamerlano, is in love with Asteria. Honor, forgiveness, and duty shine brightly in this muscular tale of conflict, love, and conquerors.

A collaboration with Portland Baroque Orchestra Listen for: Vivaldi’s seamless score, which offers glorious melodies and dazzling vocal fireworks. Australian conductor Erin Helyard, known for his superb musical direction, makes his U.S. debut with a cast featuring contralto Avery Amereau and countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen.

About our production: We are thrilled to collaborate with Portland Baroque Orchestra to present this new production of Vivaldi’s rarely performed Baroque masterpiece from 1735.

March 20, 22m, 24, 26, 28, 2020 Newmark Theatre Conductor Erin Helyard Director Chas Rader-Shieber Performed in Italian with English captions

A rarely performed gem!

A SPECIAL CONCERT

BIG NIGHT

For the annual Big Night concert, our chorus and orchestra are joined by international guest soloists and the Portland Opera Resident Artists for an evening of extraordinarily beautiful music. We’ll celebrate the art of opera with a program that spans centuries, languages, and composers—all in one unforgettable evening!

Celebrate opera’s masterpieces.

Listen for: The talented and dedicated local artists who comprise Portland Opera’s Chorus and Orchestra and take center stage for this evening of operatic gems.

They are joined by brilliant voices of special guest soloists and the Portland Opera Resident Artists. You won’t want to miss a moment!

May 9, 2020 Keller Auditorium Conductor George Manahan Host Christopher Mattaliano Performed in numerous languages with English captions

One Night Only

THE ART OF ATTENDING OPERA. Celebrate your perfect trip to the opera with the complimentary assistance of our concierge services. Looking for opera etiquette, history, dining recommendations, or directions? We’ll help answer questions about everything from “attire” to “Zeffirelli” to make sure that your visit to Portland Opera is an excellent one. concierge@portlandopera.org | 503-241-1802 Stop by the concierge booth in the main lobby to say hello.

Photos by Trace Downen & Greg Kozawa

YOUR PORTLAND OPERA EXPERIENCE

GOOD TO KNOW

Some people attend Portland Opera in full gowns or tuxedos, and others in jeans and hoodies. We love being Portland’s opera, and that means that we hope that you will attend wearing whatever makes you feel ready to be inspired.

You may bring drinks into the theatre— as long as they are covered with lids and purchased at the theatre. Cheers!

We recommend that you arrive at the theatre at least a half-hour before the performance. Latecomers may only enter the theatre at the discretion of house management.

CAPTIONS

This season our operas are presented in Italian and English, and we always project English captions above the stage, so you don’t have to miss a word or moment.

BEFORE THE FIRST ACT

Join us for a free lecture one hour before the performance. Experts and artists provide context and unique insights into the world of the opera.

AFTER THE PERFORMANCE Join Christopher Mattaliano, Portland Opera’s General Director, along with cast members or collaborators for a post-show conversation about our work.

R U G G E R O L E O N C AVA L L O

PAGLIACCI

Based on a real story from a newspaper clipping in the late nineteenth century, Leoncavallo’s “Clowns” tells the story of a travelling troupe of entertainers who perform for an Italian village. They present a show that becomes increasingly parallel to their actual tumultuous lives—resulting in blurred lines between comedy, tragedy, reality, and performance.

The enduring classic drama Listen for: The famous tenor aria “Vesti la giubba” (“Put on the costume”), and a cinematic score that is packed with colorful and evocative music.

About our production: Maestro George Manahan and General Director Christopher Mattaliano team up to bring Portland Opera’s nostalgic production, set in the 1940s, back to the stage. Renowned Italian tenor Fabio Armiliato makes his Portland Opera debut, joined by soprano Vanessa Isiguen and baritones Will Liverman and Michael Chioldi.

June 5, 7m, 11, 13, 2020 Keller Auditorium Conductor George Manahan Director Christopher Mattaliano Performed in Italian with English captions

A perfect first opera

JAKE HEGGIE

THREE DECEMBERS

A heartwarming and bittersweet family portrait comes into focus over the course of three Decembers in 1986, 1996, and 2006. Madeline (a Broadway actress) and her adult children face the challenges of secrets, resentment, and reconciliation in this illuminating story about the very real complexities of being a family.

The Portland Opera premiere of composer Jake Heggie.

Listen for: A strong libretto and score that has been described as luminous, tuneful, delicate, and tender.

About our production: Susannah Mars returns to Portland Opera in this new production directed by Alan Paul, Associate Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theater Company in Washington, D.C.

July 17, 19m, 22, 23, 25, 2020 Newmark Theatre Conductor Nicholas Fox Director Alan Paul Performed in English with English captions

New Work

SUPPORT OPERA IN YOUR COMMUNITY! Join a dedicated group of individuals who bring the grand art of opera to life! Make the most of your opera experience, while ensuring the artistic vitality and financial sustainability of Portland Opera for years to come. You can enjoy behind-the-scenes access to special events, VIP ticket service, intermission lounges at performances, free parking, and more.

Contributed dollars make up more than half of the cost of every opera you see on stage. We rely on the generosity of our donors to ensure a bright future for the art form.

Contact our Development Department at 503-417-0581 or giving@portlandopera.org for information about making a gift.

There are many ways to give, with rewards and benefits at every level. Portland Opera is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations to Portland Opera are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.

OUR MISSION

Portland Opera has been part of Portland’s vibrant arts community since our founding in 1964. Our mission is to inspire, challenge, and uplift our audiences by creating productions of high artistic quality that celebrate the beauty and breadth of opera.

Photos by Garrick Antikajian

Photos by Jonathan Ley

OPERA A LA CART

You can find our award-winning opera truck all around town at street festivals, pop-up performances, farmers markets, and wineries. Order your favorite aria off of our opera menu, and enjoy Portland’s food truck culture in the best sense of the word.

FREE SIMULCAST

July 22, 2020. Join us outside of the Newmark Theatre for a special simulcast performance of Three Decembers, starting at 7:30 PM.

LIBRARY PREVIEWS

We break the rules of staying quiet in the library with free previews of our performances throughout the season. Hear from opera singers and artistic staff members and learn more about our work.

BROADWAY IN PORTLAND

Broadway in Portland is a partnership between Broadway Across America and Portland Opera.

PORTLAND OPERA RESIDENT ARTIST SERIES

Join us for this free series throughout the season, and celebrate our next generation of opera singers. Enjoy an evening of song featuring Portland Opera’s talented Resident Artists.

PORTLAND OPERA TO GO

Each year, Portland Opera to Go (POGO) travels throughout the region with a 50-minute, English-language adaptation of a popular opera. Since its inception, we’ve shared the art of opera with more than 254k students and teachers!

For fall 2019, we are proud to present La Bohème. For information about POGO in your community, contact Alexis Hamilton, ahamilton@portlandopera.org.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Follow these events and more at portlandopera.org and follow our social media channels for behind-the-scenes updates: @portlandopera #PDXOpera

ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES & SPECIAL TICKET TYPES Regular ticket prices start at $35 for all performances.

We are proud to be able to offer many ways for community members to experience Portland Opera. Our Patron Services team is standing by to help with your ticketing and accessibility needs!

AUDIO DESCRIPTION SERVICES Sunday performances throughout our season will include audio description services of the visual and physical events on stage, for patrons who are blind or have low vision. Listening devices are also available at the Newmark Theatre and Keller Auditorium for all performances.

CAPTIONS

For patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing, each performance is visually translated with live English captions projected above the stage.

WHEELCHAIR & COMPANION SEATING

If you require wheelchair, ADA, or companion seating, please let us know when you purchase tickets, so that we can ensure your visit to the opera is an excellent one.

PATRON SERVICES 503-241-1802

M–F, 10 AM–5 PM concierge@portlandopera.org

STUDENT TICKETS

Student tickets are $10, and are made available for every performance. Please call us to reserve tickets, and show your valid student ID at Will Call. Student tickets can be purchased up to two weeks prior to each performance.

ARTS FOR ALL | OREGON TRAIL CARD

Portland Opera is a proud participant in Arts for All, offering $5 tickets to audience members with Oregon Trail Cards. These tickets can be purchased two weeks prior to each performance.

Please call us to reserve tickets, and show your Oregon Trail Card at Will Call.

MY DISCOVERY PASS

We are proud to offer a limited amount of free tickets to Multnomah County Library cardholders through the library’s Discovery Pass program. Visit multcolib.org for more information.

U.S. ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL - VETTIX.ORG

We are proud to work with the Veteran Tickets Foundation (vettix.org) to share event tickets with U.S. Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families.

PLAN YOUR NEXT EVENT AT THE HAMPTON OPERA CENTER! The Hampton Opera Center, located south of OMSI along the Willamette River, is the perfect spot for your next corporate or special event!

Our event spaces include private terraces, performance spaces, meeting rooms, parking, and more. Contact us for more information about rates and options.

GROUP DISCOUNTS

Groups ordering ten or more tickets to Portland Opera performances qualify for savings of up to 20%. Our team will help craft the perfect outing for your group!

Photo by Silja Tobin

events@portlandopera.org

We’re also happy to work with your company or professional association to offer discounted group tickets as a benefit of supporting Portland Opera.

For more information about group discounts and partnerships please contact concierge@portlandopera.org.

THE SUBSCRIBER EXPERIENCE Don’t miss a single note or moment. Celebrate a full year of opera as part of our vibrant family of subscribers!

SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS:

• Select your seats and dates, and relax knowing that you’ll enjoy our best pricing, and free ticket exchanges if your plans change.

• Access the best seats at a discount, before single tickets go on sale. 25% down secures your subscription for the season, and we will create a payment plan that works for you.

• If you’ve found your perfect seats, keep them with priority renewal, season after season.

• Our team offers personalized subscriber services with a dedicated patron services representative to assist with your ticketing or concierge needs.

• Enjoy invitations to exclusive events, like our annual Subscriber Open House, and special offers from our community partners.

THE YOUNG PATRON SOCIETY Portland Opera’s social club

$100 or more helps support

exclusive Intermission lounge,

perfect fit for arts advocates

unlocks access to $25 tickets

and special events throughout

for the performing arts is the between ages 21–40 who share a passion for opera! A gift of

opera in your community, and for Thursday night performances all season long.YPS hosts an

pre-show events on Thursdays, the year! Learn more:

www.portlandopera.org/yps

Big Night (2018) Photo by Cory Weaver/Portland Opera.

THE MEMBER EXPERIENCE Choose two or more operas to build your flexible membership today!

MEMBER BENEFITS: • Select your dates, price level, and operas, and our team will work with you to create your unique plan that includes built-in savings and perks.

• You’ll have early access to build your next membership before tickets go on sale to the public. Plus, you can add more tickets or additional operas throughout the season at discounted rates.

• Enjoy access to special events, member offers, and more!

THE SOLOIST Looking to purchase single

on sale December 6th. You can

PATRON SERVICES

An American Quartet go on sale

ing us a call, or in-person at the

M–F, 10 AM–5 PM

the rest of the season will be

our regular business hours.

tickets? Madama Butterfly and

on Friday, August 16, 2019; and

purchase tickets online, by giv-

503-241-1802

Hampton Opera Center during

concierge@portlandopera.org

Tickets available from $35.

Contact: Patron Services, M–F, 10 AM–5 PM

503-241-1802 | concierge@portlandopera.org | PORTLANDOPERA.ORG

Photo by Jason Quigley

Portland Opera appreciates the continuing support of:

Portland Opera is a proud member of OPERA America

503-241-1802 | M-F, 10 AM - 5 PM

PORTLANDOPERA.ORG

Prices, shows, artists, dates, venue, and times are subject to change.

July 17–25 | Newmark Theatre

THREE DECEMBERS

June 5–13 | Keller Auditorium

PAGLIACCI

May 9 | Keller Auditorium

BIG NIGHT

March 20–28 | Newmark Theatre

BAJAZET

Feb 7–15 | The Hampton Opera Center

The Telephone / A Hand of Bridge / Gallantry / Bon Appetit!

AN AMERICAN QUARTET

Oct 25–Nov 2 | Keller Auditorium

MADAMA BUTTERFLY The Hampton Opera Center 211 SE Caruthers St. Portland, OR 97214

Christopher Mattaliano General Director

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #21 Portland, OR