2012-2013 Opera Series
Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 3:00 p.m.
Carmen
Carmen, one of the most popular operas of all time, is set in 19th century Spain. The beautiful but defiant gypsy, Carmen, captures the love of two men. One, Don Jose, is a corporal on duty in Seville and the other is Escamillo, a toreador scheduled for bullfights in the city's arena. The ensuing story is one of jealousy, revenge and murder.
The familiar music of Carmen with its beloved arias, choruses and orchestral interludes continues to please audiences around the world. Colorful scenes shift from Seville's city square to Lillas Pastia's tavern. Then the drama moves to a wild mountain pass near the city and finally to the plaza outside the bullring arena. The role of Carmen makes this French opera unforgettable.
(Sung in French with English titles projected above the stage)
Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Maria De Buenos Aires
Maria de Buenos Aires, an opera by the Argentinian composer Astor Piazzolla, includes exciting set tango dance pieces that are integral to the opera. It is a true tango opera (tango operita).
The story begins with Maria as a young woman leaving a poor suburb of Buenos Aires and heading for the center of the city. There she is overwhelmed by the music of the tango and walks the streets under its influence. After her death her shadow, a new and older Maria, lives on the city's streets experiencing a surreal visit from a goblin ghost that ends in an ecstatic religious-like event and surprise ending. Piazzolla's music enhances the drama of his Maria de Buenos Aires, and the dance of the tango scenes captivates the audience as well.
(The opera is in Spanish with English titles projected above the stage)
Saturday, May 11, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Don Giovanni
Mozart's much-performed opera Don Giovanni blends comedy, melodrama and supernatural elements. It is the Don Juan story (Don Giovanni is Don Juan) of that outrageous young Spanish nobleman who thinks he must conquer many women daily with his seductive art.
Donna Elvira, whom he has formerly wooed and abandoned, and Zerlina, a country girl in the process of marrying her fiance, along with Donna Anna whose father's murder was at Don Giovanni's fault, are the three central female characters. Don Giovanni's servant Leporello is ever present and adds a comic touch to the plot. In the end Don Giovanni encounters something that he cannot overpower!
A stream of beautiful melodies and breathtaking music runs through Mozart's powerful score to elevate the listener's enjoyment.
(Sung in Italian with English titles projected above the stage)