News

March 27, 2008

Calgary Opera Closes its Season with Puccini’s Tragic Masterpiece Tosca

Calgary Opera closes its season with a heartbreaking tale of love and loss, and one of the most treasured tragic operas of all time – Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca, taking place April 19, 23, 25, and 27 at the Jubilee Auditorium.

“We’re closing the season with a masterpiece that we’re confident will move our audiences,” says W.R. (Bob) McPhee, Director & CEO of Calgary Opera. “Tosca’s dramatic storyline, set to a beautiful musical score by Giacomo Puccini, and performed by an incredible cast, makes this season-closer a must-see production.”

The Calgary Opera production features an all-star cast including Soprano Michele Capalbo making her company debut in the title role, Tenor Marc Hervieux (Frobisher 2007) as Cavaradossi, and Baritone Gaétan Laperrière (Filumena 2003) as the evil Scarpia. Rounding out the cast are Baritone Phillip Addis in his Calgary Opera debut, Bass-Baritone Brian McIntosh (Cinderella 2007), Tenor Stephen Bell (alumnus of the Calgary Opera Emerging Artist Development Program 2006-2007), and Baritone Steven Pitkanen (The Tales of Hoffmann 2004). Robert Dean conducts, Michael Cavanagh directs.

Set in 1800 Rome, Tosca was first presented to a Roman audience in 1900, and tells the story of one woman’s willingness to do what it takes to save the love of her life, Mario, from the plans set before him by the deceitful Chief of Police, Scarpia. Tosca brings audiences on a passionate and heart-wrenching journey through Puccini’s grand opera tragedy, leading to one of opera’s most stunning conclusions.

Tosca is sponsored by Nexen, and the Calgary Opera Chorus is sponsored by Petro-Canada. Tickets for Tosca range in price from $36 - $133, and are available by calling Calgary Opera at 262-7286 or online at www.calgaryopera.com.

Tosca runs at the Jubilee Auditorium on:

Saturday, April 19, 2008, 8pm

Wednesday, April 23, 2008, 7:30pm

Friday, April 25, 2008, 8pm
HELD OVER: Sunday Matinee, April 27, 2008, 2pm

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For further information, please contact: Brian O'Neill, Publicist, Calgary Opera 802-3409