2020 / 2021 SEASON
Photo by Cory Weaver, Portland Opera
TOSCA
Photo by Cory Weaver, Portland Opera
BIG NIGHT
Photo by Keith Polakoff, Long Beach Opera
FRIDA
FRIDA
Robert Xavier RodrÃguez
TOSCA
Giacomo Puccini
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK / FOR A LOOK OR A TOUCH Grigori Frid | Jake Heggie
BIG NIGHT A special concert
IL TROVATORE Giuseppe Verdi
Yo u r OPERA C O M PA N Y Yo u r COMMUNITY “Welcome to Portland Opera’s 20/21 season! This year we celebrate stories and songs of resistance, power, remembrance, and love. We are inspired by the hearts of heroes who change their worlds; and we honor the legacy of opera from three different centuries. The origins of opera were forged in community celebrations of story and song, and our opera season is far more than the beautiful and meaningful productions on our stage: it is a living and vibrant invitation to connect, to listen, and to provide context to our shared experience. We hope you’ll join us for community events, performances and programs throughout the year, throughout the region, and gather with neighbors and friends in celebration of opera. We can’t wait to share every moment and beautiful note with you.”
Sue Dixon, General Director
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.
LIBRARY PREVIEWS
We break the rule 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. Enjoy the best of Broadway throughout the season, right here in Portland.
PORTLAND OPERA RESIDENT ARTIST SERIES
Join us for this free recital 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 2020, we are proud to present Hansel and Gretel. For information about POGO in your community, contact Alexis Hamilton at ahamilton@portlandopera.org.
FRIDA ENCORE/ OPEN HOUSE
Join us for a special concert performance of Frida with Catalina Cuervo, as part of a community celebration and open house event at Portland Opera’s Hampton Opera Center on Saturday, October 3.
THE HAMPTON OPERA CENTER
There’s always something happening at our artistic home. Our event spaces include private terraces, performance and rehearsal spaces, meeting rooms, parking, and more. For more information about rates and options email Avery Lemons at alemons@portlandopera.org.
OPEN CHORUS REHEARSAL
Join Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor Nicholas Fox as he works with our incredible chorus to prepare for upcoming productions. Stay tuned for the date and location.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION Follow these events and more at portlandopera.org and follow our social media channels for behind-the-scenes updates: @portlandopera #PDXOpera
Visit portlandopera.org/calendar to learn more about what is happening next.
“Viva la vida!” R O B E R T X AV I E R R O D R Í G U E Z
FRIDA A celebration of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Frida is vibrant, colorful, and infused with artistic imagery—all brought to life by the beautiful music of Mexican American composer Robert Xavier Rodríguez. In two poetic acts, we follow moments from Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s life—the traffic accident that changes her physical abilities, her turbulent relationship with Diego Rivera, the men and women that she loves, and the art that she makes. We enter the imagination of an iconic artist and heroine as she changes the world with her story and legacy. Music: Robert Xavier Rodríguez Book: Hilary Blecher Lyrics and monologues: Migdalia Cruz Conducted by Andrés Cladera Directed by Andreas Mitisek Sung in English and Spanish with captions. September 11, 13m, 17, 19 and October 3m*, 2020 7:30 PM | 2 PM matinee (m) Newmark Theatre 1111 SW Broadway, Portland
ABOUT OUR PRODUCTION: Colombian American soprano Catalina Cuervo makes her Portland Opera debut in her signature role as Frida, with a score that celebrates the beauty of Mexican folk and art song. The libretto shines with lyrics written by award-winning playwright Migdalia Cruz and book by Hilary Blecher, in this hauntingly beautiful production from Long Beach Opera, directed by Andreas Mitisek (As One, 2018/19).
*Frida Encore event. Join us for a special concert performance of Frida as part of a community celebration and open house. Learn more at portlandopera.org.
Laura Virella as Frida. Photo by Keith Polakoff, Long Beach Opera.
Fall Classic G I AC O M O P U C C I N I
TOSCA This passionate and unstoppable drama tells the story of Tosca—a renowned diva in Rome in 1800. A revolutionary painter has won her heart, and his political sympathies provoke the wrath of a corrupt chief of police, Scarpia. Her moral resistance in the face of abuses of power, attempted rape, torture, and violence may not be enough to save their lives. Composed by Giacomo Puccini Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa Conducted by Antonello Allemandi Directed by Linda Brovsky Sung in Italian with English captions. October 30, November 1m, 5, and 7, 2020 7:30 PM | 2 PM matinee (m) Keller Auditorium 222 SW Clay Street, Portland
Photo by Cory Weaver, Portland Opera’s Tosca, 2013
LISTEN FOR: The radiant melodies and majestic music of Puccini; featuring some of the world’s most beloved arias “Vissi d’arte,” “E lucevan le stelle,” and “Recondita armonia.” ABOUT OUR PRODUCTION: Classic sets and costumes honor tradition on the grandest scale in our season. Soprano Alexandra LoBianco (Tosca) and baritone Gordon Hawkins (Scarpia) both make their Portland Opera debut.
GRIGORI FRID
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK JAKE HEGGIE
FOR A LOOK OR A TOUCH Two pieces honor the lives of Jewish victims of the Holocaust by illuminating their stories with song. What does it mean to leave a record? What does it mean to remember atrocities, and what are the consequences of forgetting them? In The Diary of Anne Frank, days in the life of thirteen-year-old Anne unfold in a series of moments sung from the pages of her diary, as she and her family go into hiding in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation. For a Look or a Touch is a love story threatened by the persecution of gay men during the Holocaust, with text based on historic records—including the journal of Manfred Lewin, before his murder at Auschwitz-Birkenau. The Diary of Anne Frank Music & libretto by Grigori Frid Conducted by Nicholas Fox Directed by Tara Faircloth
For a Look or a Touch An opera in one act Music by Jake Heggie Libretto by Gene Scheer
Sung in English with English captions. Presented with an intermission. Jan 22, 24m, 26, 28, 30, Feb 2, 4, and 6, 2021 7:30 PM | 2 PM matinee (m)
The Gregory K. and Mary Chomenko Hinckley Studio Theatre
Portland Opera, The Hampton Opera Center 211 SE Caruthers St, Portland
Photo by Cory Weaver, San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Songs of remembrance.
YOUR PORTLAND OPERA EXPERIENCE
Th e Ar t of ATTENDING OPERA. Treat yourself, get fancy with friends, or enjoy date night—this beautiful music will move you! Celebrate your perfect trip to the opera with the assistance of our complimentary concierge services. Looking for opera etiquette, history, dining recommendations, or directions? We can help make sure that your visit to Portland Opera is an enjoyable one. concierge@portlandopera.org | 503-241-1802 Stop by the concierge booth in the main lobby to say hello.
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 you will attend wearing whatever makes you feel ready to be inspired.
projected English captions above the stage, so you don’t have to miss a word.
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.
You may bring drinks into the theatre— as long as they are covered with lids and purchased at the theatre. Cheers!
AFTER THE PERFORMANCE
We recommend that you arrive at the theatre at least a half-hour before the performance. Out of respect for our artists and the patrons who are seated, latecomers may not be seated in their ticketed seats until intermission.
GROUPS AND EVENTS
CAPTIONS
This season our operas are sung in English, Italian, and Spanish, and we always share
Join our artists and company members for a post-show conversation.
Groups ordering ten or more tickets to an opera qualify for savings of up to 20% and the opportunity to host a special pre or post-show event. Also, we’d be happy to work with your company or professional association to offer discounted group tickets as a benefit of supporting Portland Opera. For more info please email concierge@portlandopera.org.
Photos by Trace Downen
GOOD TO KNOW
One Night Only A SPECIAL CONCERT
BIG NIGHT Join us for our annual Big Night concert to celebrate the art of opera! Portland Opera Resident Artists and featured guest soloists join our orchestra and chorus in an evening of operatic favorites—spanning centuries and composers in one unforgettable evening. Conducted by Portland Opera Music Director George Manahan Hosted by General Director Sue Dixon and Interim Artistic Director Daniel Biaggi Sung in numerous languages with English captions. March 13, 2021 7:30 PM Keller Auditorium 222 SW Clay Street, Portland
Photo by Cory Weaver, Portland Opera.
ABOUT OUR CONCERT: Listen for the celebrated Portland Opera Chorus and Orchestra, who take center stage for this evening of operatic gems.
A tour de force GIUSEPPE VERDI
IL TR OVATORE A mother is burned at the stake as a witch. A horrifying act of revenge by her daughter is made worse by mistaken identity. Vengeance festers in cold blood for years—until a duel, a curse, a love triangle, and an execution reveal the terrible truth. Composed by Giuseppe Verdi Libretto by Salvadore Cammarano Conducted by Portland Opera Music Director George Manahan Sung in Italian with English captions. May 7, 9m, and 15, 2021 7:30 PM | 2 PM matinee (m) Keller Auditorium 222 SW Clay Street, Portland
LISTEN FOR: Show-stopping music defines this unrelenting drama, which debuted between Rigoletto and La Traviata. Italian soprano Selene Zanetti makes her U.S. debut as part of an all-star cast featuring Daryl Freedman, Weston Hurt, and Wei Wu. Listen for beloved arias “Di quella pira,” and “Stride la vampa,” and experience the Anvil Chorus brought to life by the celebrated Portland Opera Chorus and Orchestra. ABOUT OUR PRODUCTION: In a newly envisioned format, Portland Opera puts the intensity of the music and the dexterity of artists’ voices at the heart of the experience—utilizing projection design and minimalism on stage to expose the pure drama at the core of Verdi’s work. At once timeless and modern, this nod to a traditional opera staging technique of the early 17th century is updated with today’s technology—resulting in potent and pure operatic intensity.
Soprano Selene Zanetti makes her U.S. debut. Photo by Luciano Doria.
T H E S U BSCRIB ER Exp e r i e nce 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 you will 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. • Purchase additional single tickets at a special rate with exclusive pre-sales. • 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 and concierge needs. • Enjoy invitations to exclusive events, like our annual Subscriber Open House, and special offers from our community partners.
SUBSCRIBE TO SAVE
Last year subscribers saved an average of 15% or more off of regular ticket prices!
T H E M E MBER Ex p e r i e nce
Photo by Trace Downen
Choose two or more operas to build your flexible membership today!
MEMBER BENEFITS: • Choose two or more operas. • 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 will 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!
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES Give us a call to learn more about the benefits of becoming a subscriber. 503-241-1802 | Monday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM | concierge@portlandopera.org
S u p p o r t O p e ra IN YOUR COMMUNITY E n h a n c e Yo u r OPERA EXPERIENCE The sale of opera tickets accounts for approximately 20% of Portland Opera’s operations. We rely on the generosity of our donors to help make all of our programs possible, and every gift matters. Our donors also support K–12 arts education and free public programs that bring the art of opera to communities and schools throughout the region. Join the dedicated group of individuals who bring the grand art of opera to life! There are many ways to give, with rewards and benefits at every level. Contribute online at portlandopera.org or contact our Development department at 503-417-0581 or giving@portlandopera.org for information about making a gift.
THE BENEFITS OF GIVING
In addition to providing the support that makes the magic you see on stage and in the community happen, a few benefits of being a Portland Opera donor include:
$2,500+
Invitation to the Bel Canto Society Lounge for you and your guests at intermission and special invitations to Bel Canto Society events all season long.
$1,000+
Invitations to behind-the-scenes production and Resident Artist showcases.
$500+
Complimentary coat check and opportunities to meet and greet the Resident Artists.
$100+
Donor recognition in Portland Opera’s annual Toi Toi Toi season magazine, an invitation to the annual holiday sing-along, and numerous other special events!
THE YOUNG PATRON SOCIETY
Portland Opera’s social club for the performing arts is the perfect fit for arts advocates between the ages 21–40 who share a passion for opera! A $100 annual donation helps support opera in your community, and unlocks access to $25 tickets for Thursday night performances. YPS hosts a special intermission lounge, pre-show happy hours, and special events throughout the year! Learn more: www.portlandopera.org/yps
Portland Opera is a 503(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations to Portland Opera are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Au d i e n ce SERVICES Portland Opera ticket prices range from $35 to $250. Tickets will go on sale on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
You can purchase tickets online, over the phone, or at the Hampton Opera Center during our regular business hours. We 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 give us a call to purchase tickets, so that we can access our full inventory of ADA seats and ensure your visit to the opera is an excellent one.
STUDENT TICKETS
Student tickets are $10, and are made available for every performance. Please call us to purchase 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 purchase tickets, and show your Oregon Trail Card at Will Call.
MY DISCOVERY PASS
We 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 work with the Veteran Tickets Foundation (vettix.org) to share event tickets with U.S. Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families. Subscriptions and memberships are available now. PATRON SERVICES
503-241-1802 M–F, 10 AM–5 PM patronservices@portlandopera.org
Photo by Silja Tobin Photo by Trace Downen
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.
7:30 PM | 2 PM matinee (m)
Keller Auditorium | May 7, 9m, and 15, 2021
Giuseppe Verdi
IL TROVATORE
Keller Auditorium | March 13, 2021
A special concert
BIG NIGHT
The Gregory K. & Mary Chomenko Hinckley Studio Theatre at Portland Opera’s Hampton Opera Center January 22, 24m, 26, 28, 30, February 2, 4, and 6, 2021
Grigori Frid | Jake Heggie
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK / FOR A LOOK OR A TOUCH
Keller Auditorium | Oct 30, Nov 1m, 5, and 7, 2020
Giacomo Puccini
TOSCA
*Frida Encore event.
Newmark Theatre | Sep 11, 13m, 17, 19, and Oct 3m*, 2020
Robert Xavier Rodríguez
FRIDA The Hampton Opera Center 211 SE Caruthers St. Portland, OR 97214
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #21 Portland, OR