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A Season to Cherish

The 2014 - 2015 Season

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An evening of opera produced by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City is an experience unlike any other.

This season, we selected four emotionally contrasting and power-packed operas that will stay with you forever: Verdi’s La Traviata, Rossini’s The Italian Girl in Algiers, the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera, Silent Night, and Puccini’s Tosca.

Experience Verdi’s lavish and beloved La Traviata. Be enchanted by Rossini’s bubbly The Italian Girl in Algiers. Commemorate the 100th anniversary of WWI with the new Pulitzer Prize-winning opera, Silent Night. And, fall in love all over again with Puccini’s masterful opera, Tosca.

Take a peek behind the curtain. Learn more about these shows. Find out how the Lyric Opera of Kansas City crafts these magnificent productions and other opera-enhancing experiences. You’ll understand why this truly is “A Season to Cherish.”

A SEASON TO CHERISH

3© 2014 Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Wig and Make-Up Studio at the Michael and Ginger Frost

Production Arts Building.

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LA TRAVIATALOVE. HONOR. SACRIFICE.

VERDI’S

Composed over 150 years ago, Verdi’s La Traviata, or “The Fallen Woman,” remains an operatic classic. Set in lavish 19th-century Paris, this tragic love story follows the emotional adventure of a Parisian courtesan, Violetta, and her one true love, Alfredo. Once content with being the object of desire for many men, Violetta faces heartbreak, as she must abandon Alfredo to save his family’s honor. Making her Lyric Opera of Kansas City debut, Joyce El-Khoury, a rising star, takes on the vocally demanding role of Violetta.

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“ Opera takes us on an emotional journey .” Along with

our fellow travelers, we laugh, weep and soar. This is your

time to let yourself go .”- Deborah Sandler, General Director and CEO

© Cory Weaver for Portland Opera

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Saturday, September 27, 2014 Wednesday, October 1, 2014 Friday, October 3, 2014 Sunday, October 5, 2014

7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.2:00 p.m.

SHOWTIMES LA TRAVIATA

Sung in Italian with English and Italian titles

La Traviata is considered one of the most popular operas in the world. Not bad considering the composer, Giuseppe Verdi was rejected and thought to be

“insufficiently talented” by the Milan Conservatory.

By the time Verdi was 57, he was so popular fans could get letters to him by simply addressing the envelope to: “Maestro Verdi, Italy.”

Music Notes: Lyrical, romantic and familiar.

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Photo Credits: © Cory Weaver for Portland Opera

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THE ITALIAN GIRL IN ALGIERSFUNNY GIRL CONQUERS MAN’S WORLD

ROSSINI’S

Staged in a storybook setting and filled with a musical blend of comedy, energy, and style, Rossini’s The Italian Girl sings. This adventure takes heroine Isabella off of the ship as it was originally written and into a biplane cockpit. It’s a story about an intelligent and quick-witted woman who crash-lands in an Arabic society. Calamity ensues. In the end, she saves her boyfriend and the day as she takes on an ultra-traditional patriarchal society and wins. Any Rossini opera is like a good mystery. You watch

the characters wind themselves into improbable

situations, and all you can do is just sit back and

watch as the story unwinds.”

- Tracy Davis-Singh, Director of Production

© 2007 Michal Daniel

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Saturday, November 8, 2014 Wednesday, November 12, 2014 Friday, November 14, 2014 Sunday, November 16, 2014

SHOWTIMES THE ITLIAN GIRL

Sung in Italian with English and Italian titles

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The Italian Girl was composed in either 18 or 27 days, depending on which source one believes. Rossini, not surprisingly, pegged it at 18.

Music Notes: Light, bubbly, peppy and upbeat.

© 2007 Michal Daniel

7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.2:00 p.m.

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SILENT NIGHTPEACE DURING THE BLOODIEST OF WARS.

KEVIN PUTS’S

Enemies find friendship if only for one day. Silent Night is a story based on real events that took place during World War I, when the Scottish, French and Germans came together in agreement to a ceasefire, truce and brotherhood on Christmas Eve.

The set design is as moving as the story. Literally. The battlefield is staged on a turntable with projected imagery. This Pulitzer Prize-winning opera by Kevin Puts and Mark Campbell premiered in 2011.

13© 2011 Michal Daniel

2014 marks the 100th–year anniversary of the beginning of WWI.

Music Notes: Tender and melodic.

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Saturday, February 21, 2015 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2015 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2015 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2015 2:00 p.m.

SHOWTIMES SILENT NIGHT

Sung in English, German, French, Italian, and Latin with English titles

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“This new opera’s technical and artistic demands,

including a turntable and multiple video projections,

will fill the Kauffman stage with the tragedy and

humanity of the front-line trenches in World War I.”- R. Keith Brumley, Director of Design and Technical Production

Photo Credits: © 2011 Michal Daniel

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TOSCALOVE AND THE ULTIMATE DOUBLE CROSS

PUCCINI’S

Puccini’s emotionally charged Tosca explores the dark side of human emotion while set to some of his most passionate and memorable music. It’s a story filled with lies, lust and corruption as Floria Tosca stars in a role she never desired. When the love of her life is captured by a corrupt police chief, she is forced to make the ultimate bargain, to no avail. This is a traditional presentation of a true classic, filled with heartbreaking arias and touching love duets.“ Puccini’’s opera has been immortalized by one critic as

a “shabby little shocker”, yet the public’s appetite for its grand, dramatic and melodic gestures is never sated .”

- Ward Holmquist, Artistic Director

© Cory Weaver for San Francisco Opera

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SHOWTIMES TOSCA

Sung in Italian with English and Italian titles

During one production, the execution of Tosca’s lover was so convincing that a fellow actor ran across the stage to ensure the performer was still alive.

Music Notes: Powerful, emotional and rich.

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Photo Credits: © Cory Weaver for San Francisco Opera

Saturday, April 18, 2015 Wednesday, April 22, 2015 Friday, April 24, 2015 Sunday, April 26, 2015

7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.2:00 p.m.

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© 2014 Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Artisans craft and dress wigs specifically designed for each character in the Wig and Make-Up Studio in the Michael

and Ginger Frost Production Arts Building.

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Irene is a mezzo-soprano from northern-California. She previously made her debut in the Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD series while performing in their new production of Parsifal. She has also previously preformed at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Lyric Opera Baltimore, the Palm Beach Opera and the San Francisco Opera. This season, she is making her Lyric Opera of Kansas City debut, playing the title role.

Taylor is considered one of the most sought-after tenors of his generation. Previously, he performed at the Deutsche Oper Berlin, the Nashville Opera and the Metropolitan Opera, among others. A native of Sidney, Ohio, Taylor earned his Bachelor of Music degree at Ohio State University and is a graduate of The Academy of Vocal Arts as a student of the renowned voice teacher Bill Schuman.

This season, Patrick, a baritone who has received high accolades for his performances at the Metropolitan Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Seattle Opera, and many more, is making his Lyric Opera of Kansas City debut. A graduate of the Yale University School of Music School, Patrick has also won several prestigious awards throughout his career.

PATRICK CARFIZZIMustafa

TAYLOR STAYTONLindoro

IRENE ROBERTSIsabella

A soprano, Joyce was born in Lebanon and immigrated to Canada with her family when she was just four years old. This will be Joyce’s fifth time performing the role but her Kansas City debut. Joyce is a graduate of the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program at the Metropolitan Opera and is a First Prize winner in many competitions.

Making his Lyric Opera debut, Anthony is the first British winner of the Luciano Pavarotti Competition (1985) and has since performed in all of the world’s major opera houses. In a career spanning more than 25 years, Anthony has distinguished himself as a specialist in Verdi roles.

David, known for his vivid story telling and lively and clever productions, returns to Kansas City to direct La Traviata. Recent productions of note include L’Elisir d’Amore with Dallas Opera, Madama Butterfly with Seattle Opera, La Bohème with Florida Grand Opera as well as several others throughoutthe world.

JOYCE EL-KHOURYVioletta Valery

DAVID GATELYDirector

ANTHONY MCHAELS-MOORE Giorgio Germont

FEATURED ARTISTS – LA TRAVIATA FEATURED ARTISTS – THE ITALIAN GIRL

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Melody is known for her rich, mellow tone that is achingly intense. A consummate professional, she performed her first Tosca with the San Francisco Opera on only two hours’ notice. Melody has graced many stages worldwide, including the English National Opera, Houston Grand Opera and New York City Opera.

Making his Lyric Opera debut, the sought after 6’5″ tenor, has built a global reputation for his elegant musicianship, commanding stage presence and ardent vocal style. Valenti always tries to make time in between his rigorous performance schedule to give back to young emerging artists.

Considered the world’s leading Alberich, Gordon has appeared with the Washington National Opera, the BBC Orchestra at Royal Albert Hall in London, Deutsche Opera Berlin and Teatro Maestranza in Seville. He is a winner of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, the George London Grant, the Washington National Opera “Artist of the Year,” and the Luciano Pavarotti Competition.

MELODY MOOREFloria Tosca

GORDON HAWKINSBaron Scarpia

JAMES VALENTIMario Cavaradossi

FEATURED ARTISTS – TOSCA

This will be Erin’s first appearance on the Lyric Opera stage. Considered one of today’s most versatile sopranos, she has sung leading roles in many of the world’s great opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, the Vienna Staatsoper, Opéra National de Paris, and Lyric Opera of Chicago. Born and raised in Canada, Erin lives in Toronto with her husband, son and daughter.

Liam first debuted at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City in April 2014, as Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus. He has sung worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera, LA Opera, and English National Opera. Bonner was praised by Opera News for his “rich, versatile voice” and “beautiful instrument.”

Winner of a 2010 Grammy Award, baritone Daniel has performed in many of the world’s great opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Opera national de Paris, and New National Theatre Tokyo. He delighted Kansas City audiences as Papageno in the November 2013 Lyric Opera of Kansas City production of The Magic Flute.

DANIEL BELCHERFather Palmer

LIAM BONNERLt. Audebert

ERIN WALLAnna Sorenson

FEATURED ARTISTS – SILENT NIGHT

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© 2014 Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Racks of elaborate apparel are stored in the Gary Dickenson Family Charitable Foundation

Wardrobe Studio in the Michael and Ginger Frost Production Arts Building, where artists are custom fitted for each show.

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We are passionate about bringing world-renowned opera experiences to Kansas City. Our repertoire selections encompass original language performances of standard, as well as contemporary and American operas.

Once operas are selected, our seasoned production team brings together all of the elements to create a fantastic opera experience. From attracting talent to developing an unique and elborate stage designs, we produce exceptional performances for Kansas City audiences.

Founded in 1958, we are based in the East Crossroads area of downtown Kansas City. Our production center includes a 20,000+ sq. ft. area for rehearsals, set construction, set and prop storage, costume shop, and vocal coaching rooms.

ABOUT US

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Besides producing operas on the main stage,we also foster opera appreciation through our community outreach programs. The Opera Guild and Young Friends of the Lyric are social and networking groups of men and women who share a passion for the opera through parties and opera education events.

For those who love learning about the opera as much as they love experiencing the opera, we offer “At Ease With Opera” and “Pre Opera Talks” through the Lyric

Photo Credits: © 2014 Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Michael and Ginger Frost Production Arts Building includes a scene shop, paint floor, costume shop, rehearsal space and coaching rooms.

OPERA TALKS

EDUCATION CAMPS

OUTREACH PROGRAMS Opera Guild. These free presentations enhance the opera experience through knowledge. “At Ease With Opera” is a series of lectures in the weeks before each performance. These talks cover topics related to the upcoming show. “Pre Opera Talks” occur one hour prior to a performance and provide information about the composer, history and story of that show.

The Lyric Opera offers innovative programs designed to further music and arts education. The education staff works directly with teachers, parents and young people in a collaborative effort that leads to award-winning programs held in local schools, our production center and throughout the KC metro area. These programs include: Spring Break and Summer Opera Camps, school visits across the city and student dress-rehearsal field trips. We are thrilled about “S.T.A.G.E.S”, a new set design and production techniques summer program for teens, launching Summer 2014.

To learn more and have your very own Season to Cherish, visit kcopera.org.

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© 2014 Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Crystal adorned candelabras symbolize the elegance and opulence of Opera, photographed in the Prop Storage

Area in the Michael and Ginger Frost Production Arts Building.

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RENEW TODAY! (816) 471-7344KEEP OR UPGRADE YOUR SEAT BY MAY 12, 2014

All sales are final. Programs, dates, artists and pricing are subject to change. Seating begins on May 12, 2014. A receipt will be mailed to you when your order has been processed. Tickets will be mailed by August 10, 2014. Headphone with assistive listening devices, along with large-print and Braille programs are available. Service animals are welcome. For more information on accessibility, contact Ticketing and Patron Services at (816) 471-7344 or visit www.kcopera.org. A $2 per seat, per performance Ticketing/Facility Fee applies to each subscription.

As a Lyric Opera of Kansas City subscriber, you will have access to the best seats available. As a renewing subscriber and donor, you will have the opportunity to select new seats prior to new subscribers.

BEST VALUE See all four operas for the price of three.

You may switch performance dates as needed.*

The Lyric Opera of Kansas City Patron Services is dedicated to taking care of your needs.

REPLACED TICKETS Misplaced tickets will be replaced at no charge.

Purchase additional opera tickets at a 25% reduced price before the general public.

Receive behind-the-scenes information about upcoming performances, performers and special events in the Lyrical Notes e-newsletter.

QUESTIONS?

Hours: Monday–Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Phone: (816) 471-7344 Toll Free: 1-877-OPERAKC Email: patronservices@kcopera.org

SUBSCRIBER BENEFITSIT PAYS TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE LYRIC OPERA

* Please request exchanges at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled performance dates. Exchanges based on availability.

PRIORITY SEATING

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ZONE PRICING

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A+ $620 $465

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* New in 2014

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kcopera.org1725 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO 64108

(816) 471-7344 Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Deborah SandlerGeneral Director & CEO

Ward HolmquistArtistic Director