March 10, 2009                                                                                           
For immediate release

Calgary Opera Announces 2009-2010 Season

Calgary AB…  On March 10 at the Arrata Opera Centre, Calgary Opera announced their 2009-2010 season highlighted by two new productions, two company premieres, and a concert by one of the most renowned opera singers in the world. 

For the opening of Calgary Opera’s 2009-2010 season we unveil the company premiere of Jules Massenet’s memorable and beautifully touching opera, Manon. The story of Manon follows an innocent young woman who is seduced by wealth and the promise of an easy life, turning her back on the man she loves.  It is only then that she finds that she has destroyed the one thing that truly mattered.   Manon runs November 21, 25 & 27, 2009 and is conducted by Ty Paterson with stage direction by Edmonton Opera’s own Brian Deedrick.  Soprano Nathalie Paulin stars in the role of Manon, which she first premiered at l’Opéra de Québec to high acclaim, with Richard Troxell as Chevalier Des Grieux and Etienne Dupuis in the role of Lescaut.

Next January we present the Canadian premiere of Little Women, based on the beloved classic novel.  This heart-warming tale of sisterly love and the conflict that inevitably drives them apart runs January 30, February 3 & 5, 2010. Calgary Opera’s own Gordon Gerrard conducts, with stage direction by Kelly Robinson.  We are pleased to present a star-studded cast in this Canadian premiere with Allyson McHardy as Jo, along with Krisztina Szabó as Meg, Mariateresa Margisano as Beth and Catherine May as Amy. This new production is designed by Scott Reid.

Our 2009-2010 season draws to a close with Mozart’s dark comedy, Don Giovanni. This new production is directed by Glynis Leyshon  and will be designed by Bretta Gerecke with lighting by Harry Frehner. Set in a coldly anonymous glass and steel office tower, this opera opens with a heart-stopping murder, and ends with the destruction of an all too human man.  Singing the title role is Brett Polegato, who last sung the same role to open Canadian Opera Company’s 2008/09 season.  Alongside him will be Lyne Fortin as Anna, Laura Whalen as Elvira and Nathan Berg as Leporello. Don Giovanni runs April 24, 28 & 30, 2010.

Calgary Opera is thrilled to be presenting, for the first time in Calgary, one of the most beloved vocal stars of our time – Mezzo-Soprano Frederica von Stade – for one night only at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in a glittering recital on Feb 24, 2010.

As a season add-on, in early December, the Emerging Artists perform Beatrice and Benedict, a new production and company premiere.  This comic opera written by Hector Berlioz is loosely based on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, with two stubborn individuals who resort to verbal jousting to mask their true feelings for each other. 

Subscription renewals for next season are now on sale. New subscribers can place orders now, with seats being assigned in late June.  Single performance tickets go on sale next fall.

________________________________________

Frederica von Stade Recital                                              Feb 24, 2010
                       
Described by the New York Times as "one of America's finest artists and singers," Frederica von Stade continues to be extolled as one of the music world's most beloved figures. Known to family, friends, and fans by her nickname "Flicka," the mezzo-soprano has enriched the world of classical music for over three decades.

Miss von Stade's career has taken her to the stages of the world's great opera houses and concert halls. She began at the top, when she received a contract from Sir Rudolf Bing during the Metropolitan Opera auditions, and in January 2000, the company celebrated the 30th anniversary of her debut with a new production of The Merry Widow specifically for her. In 1995, as a celebration of her 25th anniversary, the Metropolitan Opera created for her a new production of Pelléas et Mélisande. In addition, Miss von Stade has appeared with every leading American opera company, including San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Los Angeles Opera. Her career in Europe has been no less spectacular, with new productions mounted for her at Teatro alla Scala, Royal Opera Covent Garden, the Vienna State Opera, and the Paris Opera.

With impressive versatility, she has effortlessly traversed an ever-broadening spectrum of musical styles and dramatic characterizations. A noted bel canto specialist, she excelled as the heroines of Rossini's La cenerentola and Il barbiere di Siviglia and Bellini's La sonnambula. She is an unmatched stylist in the French repertoire: a delectable Mignon or Périchole, a regal Marguerite in Berlioz' La damnation de Faust, and, in one critic's words, "the Mélisande of one's dreams." Her elegant figure and keen imagination have made her the world's favorite interpreter of the great trouser roles, from Strauss' Octavian and Composer to Mozart's Sesto, Idamante and - magically, indelibly - Cherubino. Miss von Stade's artistry has inspired the revival of neglected works such as Massenet's Cherubin, Thomas' Mignon, Rameau's Dardanus, and Monteverdi's Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria. Unparalleled in her artistry as a recitalist, Miss von Stade combines her expressive vocalism and exceptional musicianship with a rare gift for communication, enriching audiences throughout the world.

In recital - Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley
"Even if she were not one of the great singers of our day, mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade could probably draw a full house of people eager just to be in her presence and watch her be herself. She's that enchanting. Von Stade communicates something to her listeners - a startling radiance compounded of serene grace and simple delight - that few other recitalists can match.
- Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle

In recital - Pantages Theatre, Tacoma
Rich and creamy, the singer's mezzo-soprano voice wraps one in glorious sound. Von Stade's extraordinary sense of line, and her remarkable ability to shade and color the voice imbues her singing with constant variety. There is never any sense of effort in her singing. The voice just flows."
- Cary Smith, The News Tribune

- 30 -

For further information, please contact: Alex Bonyun, Calgary Opera
403-802-3403, or abonyun@calgaryopera.com.