Moving its simulcasts from Cowboys Stadium to Klyde Warren Park, the Dallas Opera will present Bizet’s popular Carmen Oct. 25 — as part of its next season’s opening night. For this live simulcast, there will be no online registration beforehand. Klyde Warren is an open park, so people will be able to show up with their blankets and picnic baskets. Before the curtain time of 7:30, they’ll get to sing along with the “Toreador Song,” buy nibbles from the food trucks and watch live footage from the nearby Winspear Opera House’s goings-on.

Carmen will feature the American debut of French mezzo-soprano Clementine Margaine in the title role as well as Emmanuel Villaume’s debut with the DO as its new music director (he’s conducted with them before).

Presumably, because this will be outdoors, you’ll also be able to smoke cigarettes along with Bizet’s doomed heroine.

The full release:

THE DALLAS OPERA, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH KLYDE WARREN PARK, PROUDLY ANNOUNCES AN EVENING OF OPEN-AIR OPERA ON THE LAWN:

THE DALLAS OPERA’S

2013 OPENING NIGHT

“SIMULCAST IN THE PARK!”

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BIZET’S “CARMEN” LIVE!

 

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2013

 

THE LINDA AND MITCH HART

 

SEASON OPENING NIGHT PERFORMANCE

 

Big Screen Action Begins at 6:00 PM

 

Special Features at 6:30 PM

 

Live Opera Performance at 7:30 PM

 

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WITH SUPPORT FROM THE DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT

DALLAS, TX, JUNE 28, 2013 – The Dallas Opera, in partnership with Klyde Warren Park and with support from The Dallas Arts District, is delighted to announce our first-ever artistic collaboration: a live simulcast of one of the most popular operas in the repertoire, Georges Bizet’s 1875 masterpiece, CARMEN, starring the gorgeous and gifted French mezzo-soprano Clémentine Margaine in her American debut!

The Klyde Warren Park Simulcast, the sixth simulcast presented by the Dallas Opera since 2010, will enable music lovers (as well as those who just want to be part of a fun-filled major event) to bring blankets and picnics—or take advantage of the variety of available dining options ranging from an on-site restaurant to nearby eateries and food trucks (beer and wine will be available for purchase as well)—and enjoy an evening of spectacular entertainment, live, from the Margaret McDermott Performance Hall of the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center!

 

Attendees will, in fact, be asked to become participants in the evening as the Dallas Opera stages a “Toreador Song Sing-a-long,” and other ways to keep things lively in the hour-and-a-half prior to curtain. For those who prefer people-watching in the park, you will have twice the opportunity, as the action in the park will be supplemented by glamorous live shots from FIRST NIGHT and interviews conducted backstage at the Winspear.

 

 

 

“Klyde Warren Park was conceived and designed for these types of activities—activities that bring the performing and visual arts to everyone. These programs help provide a way to promote and showcase art to those who may not otherwise experience these performances,” remarked Jody Grant, Chairman, Woodall Rogers Park Foundation.

 

 

 

“It has been clear from the day Klyde Warren Park officially opened,” commented Dallas Opera General Director and CEO Keith Cerny, “that it was attracting huge and impressively diverse crowds to the Arts District; people seeking a community oriented green-space capable of serving as a much-needed Central Park. However, it answers other needs as well: the layout is perfect to accommodate hundreds (even thousands) for the Dallas Opera’s Opening Night Simulcast of Carmen, being performed live in the Winspear—just around the corner.”

 

“With enthusiastic support from The Dallas Arts District and the park’s management team,” he adds, “we hope to draw an exciting mix of Klyde Warren Park fans and dedicated opera lovers that Friday night, to thrill to the music and drama of one of the world’s best-loved operas in this extraordinary open-air setting.”

 

 

 

 

 

“All are welcome in the Dallas Arts District, which works to be inclusive and collaborative at every opportunity and continues to set new attendance records each year,” notes Dallas Arts District Executive Director Catherine Cuellar.

 

“Through this partnership with our stakeholders at The Dallas Opera and Klyde Warren Park, we are helping to cultivate the next generation of opera fans,” she added, “and what better way to do it than with Carmen? It’s got many of opera’s greatest hits. Even people who don’t yet know they like opera will recognize these songs from ‘Looney Tunes’ cartoons and have fun singing along.”

 

 

 

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The 2013-2014 “By Love Transformed” Season officially opens with our first CARMEN to be performed in the critically acclaimed acoustic of the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.

 

Renowned mezzo-soprano Clémentine Margaine, hailed as “Best Newcomer” in the 2011 French Classical Music Awards, Margaine will have her hands full with two head-turning, heart-melting Don Josés: tenors Brandon Jovanovich, who last captivated us as Pinkerton, and Bruno Ribeiro (making his company debut).

 

This truly phenomenal cast, from Mary Dunleavy in the role of Micaëla to Dwayne Croft as Escamillo the Toreador, will bring on the sizzle—as well as the steak!

 

Featuring classic Jean-Pierre Ponnelle scenery from the San Francisco Opera, this production conducted by Maestro Emmanuel Villaume, the Dallas Opera’s highly acclaimed new music director, will make all the other good/bad girls of opera seem tame, if not lame, in comparison.

 

Georges Bizet’s colorful, sensual and passionate nineteenth-century masterpiece will be staged by veteran American director Bliss Hebert, who last directed our critically acclaimed 2012 production of La traviata, the notable U.S. debut of Greek soprano Myrtò Paptanasiu, our “Maria Callas Debut Artist of the Year.”

 

 

 

American tenor Brandon Jovanovich will sing the role of Don José on Oct. 25 (the evening of the Klyde Warren Park Simulcast), Oct. 27, and 30, while TDO newcomer, Portuguese tenor Bruno Ribeiro will portray the obsessed lover on Nov. 2, 8 and 10, 2013.

 

This outstanding international cast includes soprano Danielle Pastin in her company debut as Frasquita; mezzo Audrey Babcock in her Dallas Opera debut as Mercédès; bass Kyle Albertson (another company debut) as Zuniga; baritone Stephen LaBrie as the smuggler, La Dancaire; tenor Victor Ryan Robertson as Remendado and baritone John David Boehr in his TDO debut as Moralès.

 

 

Mr. Jovanovich, who enthralled Dallas audiences in our 2010 production of Madame Butterfly (described by Huffington Post’s Rodney Punt as the definitive Pinkerton of our time), has been dazzling critics recently in the title role of Wagner’s Lohengrin. San Francisco Chronicle Classical Music Critic Joshua Kosman wrote: “Jovanovich combined sweet-toned lyricism and ardent heroism in just the proportions required for this tricky role. His singing was thrillingly pure and tireless, his stage presence simultaneously tender and aloof.”

 

Portuguese tenor Bruno Ribeiro, on the other hand, “gives rich voice to soulful pleadings” and has been praised for allowing “vulnerability to color his expressive tenor” (examiner.com).

 

Soprano Mary Dunleavy “melds outstanding acting ability with a flexible and gorgeous voice” (William Thomas Walker, cvnc.org), characteristics on display in her tour de force portrayal of all four love interests in the Dallas Opera’s 2005 production of Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann, earning rave reviews and that season’s “Maria Callas Debut Artist of the Year Award.”

 

Bass-baritone Dwayne Croft swept Dallas Opera goers off their feet as Marcello in our 2009 production of La bohème. A singer praised by The Classical Review for his “musical intelligence” and an onstage presence that is both “dashing and ardent.”

 

Soprano Danielle Pastin impressed reviewer James O. Welsch with her “stunning lyrical beauty and tone.” And Catherine Reese Newton of The St. Louis Tribune praised mezzo-soprano Audrey Babcock as “a vocal and dramatic knockout.” Bass Kyle Albertson, on the other hand, was applauded by ConcertoNet for his “splendid interpretation” of the role of Henry Kissinger in Long Beach Opera’s production of Nixon in China; while baritone Steven LaBrie caught the ear of The Opera Critic “with his rich yet flexible voice, good looks and charismatic personality” and tenor Victor Ryan Robertson “made a fine impression” on Opera News. Baritone John David Boehr earned the praise of Michael Anthony of MinnPost.com for his “welcome energy and adroit singing” at Minnesota Opera.

 

 

 

As for Maestro Villaume, Lawrence A. Johnson recently wrote that “he displayed his considerable bona fides in French repertoire once again, conducting a performance that conveyed the melodic richness of Bizet’s music with elegance, delicacy and dramatic point as needed.”

 

Costume design is by Werner Iverke in his company debut, with lighting design by Thomas C. Hase.

 

The Dallas Opera Chorus will be prepared by Chorus Master Alexander Rom and the children’s chorus by Children’s Chorus Master Melinda Cotten.

 

CARMEN will be sung in French, with English language translations projected above the stage and on the simulcast screen at Klyde Warren Park.

 

This will be the Dallas Opera’s sixth production of CARMEN in our 56-year-history.

 

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Subscriptions for the Dallas Opera’s 2013-2014 “By Love Transformed” Season are on sale now, starting at just $76 for all four mainstage productions, through the Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or online at www.dallasopera.org.

 

Single tickets will go on sale July 8th, starting at just $19. Student Rush best-available tickets can be purchased at the lobby box office for $25 to $50, depending on the section, (one per valid Student I.D.) ninety minutes prior to each performance.

 

 

 

About The Dallas Arts District:

 

 

 

The Dallas Arts District is the largest arts district in the nation, spanning more than 73 acres and 19 contiguous blocks in the heart of downtown. With stunning architecture, including four buildings designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects, world-class exhibits and exemplary cultural programming, the Dallas Arts District has become the landmark that defines the heart of the city of Dallas.

 

Established in 2009 as a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization as the AT&T Performing Arts Center neared completion, today’s Dallas Arts District serves residents and patrons of the district, increasing awareness of and access to arts and the District. Operating under the umbrella of Downtown Dallas, Inc. as advocate, steward and representative, The Dallas Arts District serves stakeholders including the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Crow Collection of Asian Art, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Theater Center, Klyde Warren Park, Nasher Sculpture Center, The Dallas Opera, The Perot Museum of Nature & Science, Hall Financial, MetroArts Corporation and One Arts Plaza, among others.

 

The Dallas Arts District is funded by grants, voluntary membership dues, sponsorships and donations. To learn more about how you can help support your Dallas Arts District, visit www.dallasartsdistrict.org.

 

About Klyde Warren Park

 

Klyde Warren Park serves as a central gathering space for Dallas and its visitors to enjoy in the heart of the city. The 5.2-acre deck park, designed by the Office of James Burnett, creates an urban green space over the existing Woodall Rodgers Freeway between Pearl and St. Paul Streets in Downtown Dallas. The park includes a performance pavilion, restaurant, shaded walking paths, a dog park, a children’s park, great lawn, water features, and an area for games, providing year-round activities to all citizens of Dallas. Klyde Warren Park is privately operated and managed by the Woodall Rodgers Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

 

For more information on volunteering or donations, please visit www.KlydeWarrenPark.org or call 214-716-4500.

 

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EVENTS, GUESTS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT “JUNE AT THE DALLAS OPERA”

 

IS CONVENIENTLY AVAILABLE ONLINE, 24/7

 

VISIT WWW.DALLASOPERA.ORG AND CHECK THE CALENDAR LISTINGS

 

 

 

For high-resolution, digital photographs suitable for print

 

To arrange an interview

 

Or for additional information

 

Please contact Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media & PR

 

214.443.1014 or [email protected]

 

 

 

The Dallas Opera’s 2013-2014 “By Love Transformed” Season

 

Is Coming Soon to an Opera House Near You!

 

 

 

THE DALLAS OPERA WISHES TO EXPRESS ITS GRATITUDE TO OUR EXCLUSIVE PARTNERS:

 

 

 

AMERICAN AIRLINES – OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF THE DALLAS OPERA

 

LEXUS – OFFICIAL VEHICLE OF THE DALLAS OPERA

 

 

 

Ticket Information for the 2013-2014 Dallas Opera Season

 

 

All performances are in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Subscriptions are now on sale to the general public, starting at just $76. Single Tickets starting at $19 and Flex Subscriptions will be going on sale Monday, July 8. Family performances are $5 (Family Performance Subs are $12 for three family performances) and are on sale now. For more information or to make your purchase, contact The Dallas Opera Ticket Services Office at 214.443.1000 or visit us online, 24/7, at www.dallasopera.org.

 

 

 

 

 

THE DALLAS OPERA 2013-2014 SEASON INFORMATION

 

The Dallas Opera celebrates its Fifty-Seventh International Season in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District. Evening performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees will begin at 2:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. English translations will be projected above the stage at every performance and assistance is available for the hearing impaired.

 

 

 

CARMEN by Georges Bizet

 

October 25, 27(m), 30, November 2, 8 & 10(m), 2013

 

The most irresistible bad girl in opera—How can you possibly say “non”?

 

An opera in four acts first performed in Paris on March 3, 1875

 

Text by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy based on the novella by Prosper Mérimée

 

Time: 19th century

 

Place: Seville, Spain

 

Conductor: Emmanuel Villaume

 

Stage Director: Bliss Hebert

 

Scenic Design: Jean-Pierre Ponnelle

 

Costume Design: Werner Iverke

 

Lighting Design: Thomas Hase

 

Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

 

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

 

Children’s Chorus Master: Melinda Cotten

 

Starring: Clémentine Margaine**(Carmen), Brandon Jovanovich (Don José Oct. 25, 27, 30), Bruno Ribeiro* (Don José Nov. 2, 8, 10), Mary Dunleavy (Micaëla), Dwayne Croft (Escamillo), Danielle Pastin*(Frasquita), Audrey Babcock*(Mercédès), Kyle Albertson*(Zuniga), Steven LaBrie (Le Dancaïre), Victor Ryan Robertson (Remendado), John David Boehr*(Moralès).

 

 

 

DEATH AND THE POWERS by Tod Machover

 

February 12, 14, 15 & 16(m), 2014

 

Science fiction and poignant family drama combine in a major regional premiere!

 

An opera in one act first performed in Monte Carlo, Monaco at the Salle Garnier on September 24, 2010.

 

Text by Robert Pinsky, based on a story by Pinsky and Randy Weiner

 

Time: Unknown time in the future

 

Place: Earth, the home of billionaire Simon Powers

 

Conductor: Nicole Paiement

 

Stage Director: Diane Paulus*

 

Associate Director: Andrew Eggert*

 

Scenic Design: Alex McDowell*

 

Costume Design: David Woolard*

 

Lighting Design: Don Holder

 

Choreography: Karole Armitage*

 

Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

 

Starring: Robert Orth (Simon Powers/Robot One), Joélle Harvey (Miranda/Robot Four), Patricia Risley(Evvy/Robot Three), Hal Cazalet*(Nicholas/Robot Two), Frank Kelley*(The United Way), David Kravitz*(The United Nations), Tom McNichols*(The Administration).

 

 

 

DIE TOTE STADT (“THE DEAD CITY”) by Erich Wolfgang Korngold

 

March 21, 23(m), 26, 29 and April 6(m), 2014

 

The Hitchcock-like tale of one man’s dark obsession with the woman he loved and lost.

 

An opera in three acts first performed in Hamburg & Cologne, Germany on December 4, 1920

 

Text by Erich Wolfgang Korngold and Paul Schott based on a novel by Georges Rodenbach, Bruges la morte

 

Time: End of the 19th century

 

Place: The city of Bruges in northwestern Belgium

 

Conductor: Sebastian Lang-Lessing*

 

Stage Director: Mikael Melbye

 

Scenic Design: Mikael Melbye*

 

Costume Design: Dierdre Clancy*

 

Video Design: Wendall Harrington*

 

Lighting Design: Mark McCullough

 

Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

 

Choreography: Matthew Ferraro*

 

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

 

Starring: Anne Petersen**(Marietta) , Jay Hunter Morris (Paul), Morgan Smith (Fritz), Weston Hurt (Frank), Katherine Tier*(Brigitta), Andrew Bidlack (Albert), Jan Lund**(Victorin), Jennifer Chung (Juliette), Angela Turner Wilson (Lucienne).

 

 

 

THE BARBER OF SEVILLE by Gioachino Rossini

 

March 28, 30(m), April 2, 5, 11 & 13(m), 2014

 

Figaro, a scheming barber and jack-of-all-trades plots to release a headstrong girl from her gilded cage!

 

An opera in two acts first performed in Rome on February 20, 1816

 

Text by Pierre-Augustin de Beaumarchais, from his comedy Le Barbier de Séville

 

Time: 18th century

 

Place: Seville, Spain

 

Conductor: Giuliano Carella*

 

Stage Director: Herb Kellner

 

Original Production: John Copley

 

Scenic Design: John Conklin

 

Costume Design: Michael Stennet

 

Lighting Design: TBD

 

Wig & make-up Design: David Zimmerman

 

Chorus Master: Alexander Rom

 

Starring: Nathan Gunn (Figaro), Isabel Leonard*(Rosina), Alek Shrader*(Count Almaviva), Donato DiStefano (Dr. Bartolo), Burak Bilgili*(Don Basilio), Nathan De’Shon Myers (Fiorello), Christian Teague*(Ambrogio).

 

 

 

DALLAS OPERA FAMILY PERFORMANCES

 

Jack and the Beanstalk: October 26, 2013 and April 5, 2014

 

Family Concerts: November 3, 2013 and February 1, 2014

 

The Elixir of Love: November 9, 2013 and April 12, 2014

 

 

 

* Dallas Opera Debut

 

** American Debut

 

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The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: City of Dallas, Office of Cultural Affairs; TACA; the Texas Commission on the Arts and The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera. Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera. Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News. A special thanks to Mrs. William W. Winspear and the Elsa von Seggern Foundation for their continuing support.

 

 

 

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