2011-2012 Season Brochure

50 YEARS OF PALM BEACH OPERA2011/2012 SEASON

Dear Friend of Palm Beach Opera,

Our highly anticipated Golden Anniversary season is here – Palm Beach Opera turns 50!

It takes a special community to carry an opera company from humble beginnings to becoming a nationally recognized arts organization: a community not only full of love and passion, but of commitment and determination; a community who recognizes the value of cultural diversity, and believes in classical music and opera for its life-enriching power; a community who demands educational activities from an organization, and encourages outreach and lifelong learning; a community who knows how to combine cultural events with social importance, and knows how to engage philanthropic individuals within a socially festive group. Such is the Palm Beach Opera community, and I congratulate all of you who have carried this organization to this important anniversary!

Palm Beach Opera has consistently met the challenges of a changing world over the past half-century. We continue to present quality opera productions and bring world-class talent to the Palm Beaches. All the performances and programs outlined in this season brochure are proof of the various ways in which we engage our audiences, and I invite you to find the program best suited to your interest.

If you are already a subscriber, I thank you for your patronage. If not, I encourage you to take advantage of subscriber benefits, including savings and special privileges. Better yet, join the Palm Beach Opera family of contributors, and enjoy this season knowing that you are actively taking care of the cultural treasure of your community.

I’ll see you at the Opera!

Cari Amici, We have come to the moment of the presentation of the Celebration Season: that of the 50th Anniversary. I have experienced only a small stretch of this long history, that of the last six years, which, however, I must say have been among the most intense years of my artistic life. This is due, above all, to the warmth and enthusiasm which has grown around our work. Today, we live in an atmosphere of renewed interest and confidence and we have a “credit” with an extremely mature public, which does not ask, and rightly so, for just a pleasing entertainment, but much more: deeply felt experiences which leave their mark on all the visual and musical parameters. It is not an easy task, but it is this that we feel we can offer in the forthcoming season. It will be a festive season with four great productions: Three works from among the favorites of the world’s repertoire – Madama Butterfly, Romeo and Juliet, Lucia di Lammermoor – and a Gala which will present a “parade” of famous singers and young protagonists (but all with previous experience with the Palm Beach Opera) in the most famous scenes from many of the great operas which have made history in these 50 years. We shall also have memories of the glorious pioneers, founders and enlightened supporters, to whom will go our grateful memory – a real musical banquet in honor of those who with spirit, tenacity and passion perceived, pursued and obtained that which today we can all enjoy.

PALM BEACH OPERA

MILESTONES

2000sAfter Mo. Guadagno’s passing in 2002, the performances are led by resident and guest conductors, including Kamal Khan and Julius Rudel. In 2004, The Great Poochini introduces the newest education program, Family Opera. Gala artists include Kiri Te Kanawa, Angela Gheorghiu, Bryn Terfel, Susan Graham, and Thomas Hampson. MO. BRUNO APREA BECOMES ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR IN 2005. Palm Beach Opera adds symphonic and oratorio performances sponsored by Mary M. Montgomery and Palm Beach Opera ‘Angel’ Helen K. Persson.

1960sPALM BEACH OPERA WAS FOUNDED IN THE SUMMER OF 1961 as the Civic Opera of the Palm Beaches by Isabel Chatfield, Charlotte Miller, Rosita Franks, Princess Jane Obolensky, Octavia Could, Alberta Grant and Thelma Miller. On January 29, 1962, the first opera, La Traviata, is presented at the Palm Beach High School Auditorium to a sold-out audience of 1,200 with soloists, chorus and a 26-piece orchestra under the baton of Dr. Paul Csonka, Artistic Director & Principal Conductor. 1963 INTRODUCES THE FIRST OPERA BALL AT THE BILTMORE IN PALM BEACH. Two years later, debutantes are presented to society at the Ball, thus establishing the Debutante Cotillion. Arthur Silvester lays the foundation for future success and invites the first internationally known singers to Palm Beach, including Licia Albanese and Roberta Peters.

1980sThe Civic Opera of the Palm Beaches becomes Palm Beach Opera, Inc. After more than 20 years, Dr. Paul Csonka steps down as Principal Conductor. IN 1983, MAESTRO ANTON GUADAGNO BECOMES ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR of Palm Beach Opera and establishes a new artistic vision. In 1985, Robert M. Montgomery Jr. becomes Chairman of the Board, a position he will hold until 2005, and turns the company into a major arts organization together with General Director Herbert Benn and Mo. Guadagno.

1990sPalm Beach Opera is the talk of the town by presenting Luciano Pavarotti at the Jai-Alai Fronton. IN 1992, THE KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS OPENS and Dreyfoos Hall becomes the new “main stage” for Palm Beach Opera with Aïda. THE OPERA ORCHESTRA IS CREATED BY THE BOARD IN 1993, and includes musicians from major professional national orchestras. The 1994 Gala Evening of Splendor features the incomparable Plácido Domingo. Educational programs include Swing & Sing at M. Mac Schwebel’s Sherbrooke Golf and Country Club.

DANIEL BIAGGIGENERAL DIRECTOR

BRUNO APREAARTISTIC DIRECTOR & PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR

1970sTHE OPERA COMPANY, SUCCESSFUL WITH ITS DEFINING SOCIAL ACTIVITIES, FINDS A HOME AT THE WEST PALM BEACH AUDITORIUM, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “LEAKY TEEPEE,” where it will hold performances until 1992. The Scholarship program, later called the Annual Vocal Competition, is established, and the Junior Opera Guild starts its educational programs with Hansel & Gretel. Opera stars include Robert Merrill, Norman Treigle, Mary Costa and Beverly Sills.

I WILL FAITHFULLY WAIT FOR HIM UNTILTHE DAY HIS SHIP APPEARS OVER THEHORIZON ON THE SEA.

CIO CIO SAN Maria Luigia Borsi / Michele Capalbo LT. PINKERTON James ValentiSHARPLESS Michael ChioldiSUZUKI Irene RobertsGORO Julius AhnTHE BONZE Valentin Vasiliu

CONDUCTOR Bruno ApreaDIRECTOR Ron Daniels

PALM BEACH OPERA CHORUSPALM BEACH OPERA ORCHESTRA

Cast subject to change.

DANIELS

CHIOLDI ROBERTS

AHN VASILIU APREA

BORSI CAPALBO VALENTI

BY GIACOMO PUCCINI

An American naval officer and a young geisha fall in love. She gives up everything to be with him but only a short time later, he leaves Japan and abandons her, dishonored and alone. Experience the magic of the world’s most beloved opera in a stunning production new to Palm Beach.

DECEMBER 2011

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

Sung in Italian with English Supertitles / Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

16 7:30 / 17 7:30 / 18 2:00 / 19 2:00 single tickets start at just $20 561.833.7888 PBOPERA.ORG

single tickets start at just $20 561.833.7888 PBOPERA.ORG

GOLDEN JUBILEE50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

Look back on 50 years of grand opera in Palm Beach with scenes from La Traviata, Die Fledermaus, La Bohème, Carmen, Aïda and more! Join General Director Daniel Biaggi, special guest emcees, and a who’s who of established artists and rising stars for a celebration of the history and a look to the future of Palm Beach Opera.

CO-HOSTED BY OPERA LEGEND Sherrill Milnes

FEATURING

SOPRANO Ruth Ann Swenson, MEZZO SOPRANO Denyce Graves, ACTOR AND VOCALIST Ron Raines, DIRECTOR Dona D. Vaughn, plus many more!

CONDUCTORS

Bruno Aprea and Julius Rudel



20 7:00 / 22 2:00

JANUARY 2012

SWENSON GRAVESMILNES RAINES VAUGHN

WINE AND SINGING

BEAUTIFY THE NIGHT AND LAUGHTER

MAKES US MERRY.

CHEERS!

Celebrate 50 years of grand opera in Palm Beach by joining us for a fundraising gala evening featuring red carpet arrival, pre-performance cocktails, VIP tickets to the Anniversary Concert, and an elegant post-performance dinner dance with the artists at the Cohen Pavilion.

JANUARY 20 TICKETS FOR THIS UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT ARE AVAILABLE BY CALLING PALM BEACH OPERA AT:

561.835.7558

GALA EVENING PACKAGE

HONORARY CHAIR

Mrs. Helen K. Persson

ANNIVERSARY GALA COUNCIL

Ronnie Isenberg, Frayda B. Lindemann, Mary M. Montgomery, Patrick Park, Thomas C. Quick, M. Mac Schwebel

JULIETTE Nicole Cabell / Janai Brugger-OrmanROMÉO Arturo Chacón-Cruz / Bruno RibeiroMERCUTIO Lucas MeachemFERE LAURENT Alexander Vinogradov

CONDUCTOR Peter FeranecDIRECTOR Kevin Newbury



Romeo and Juliet are star-crossed lovers stuck in the middle of an ancient family rivalry. Based on Shakespeare’s timeless play, this most famous love story of all time is filled with love, passion, and tragedy.

24 7:30 / 25 7:30 / 25 1:00 / 26 2:00 / 27 2:00 FEBRUARY 2012

FAMILY PERFORMANCE

NEWBURYMEACHEM

BRUGGER-ORMAN

VINOGRADOV FERANEC

CABELL RIBEIROCHACÓN-CRUZ


BY CHARLES GOUNOD

I WANT TO LIVE IN THIS DREAM WHICH INTOXICATES ME STILL. SWEET FLAME OF LOVE, I KEEP

YOU IN MY SOUL LIKE A TREASURE. ROMEO ANDJULIETSung in French with English Supertitles / Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

LUCIA DILAMMERMOOR Sung in Italian with English Supertitles / Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

BY GAETANO DONIZETTI

Unable to be with the man she loves and forced to marry someone she detests, Lucia slowly becomes unhinged and is driven to murder. Culminating in opera’s most famous mad scene, this psychological thriller is not to be missed!

LUCIA Patrizia Ciofi / Valentina FarcasEDGARDO Roberto De Biasio / Georgy VasilievENRICO Roman BurdenkoRAIMONDO Alfred Walker

CONDUCTOR Bruno ApreaDIRECTOR Massimo Gasparon



23 7:30 / 24 7:30 / 25 2:00 / 26 2:00 M ARCH 2012

CIOFI FARCAS BIASIO VASILIEV

BURDENKO APREA GASPARON


WALKER

SILENCE REIGNED IN THE DARKNESS OF NIGHT. THE WATER,

WHICH WAS SO GLASSY AND CLEAR, BECAME AS RED AS BLOOD.

43RD ANNUAL PALM BEACH OPERA VOCAL COMPETITION

KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Witness the drama and excitement of the Palm Beach Opera Vocal Competition! After a rigorous elimination process in the competition semifinals, watch selected finalists compete live before an expert jury, singing some of the most popular opera arias.

APRIL 29, 2012 / 3:00

Experience Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet with live orchestra, lavish scenery, chorus, and Palm Beach Opera’s talented Young Artists in an abridged 90-minute version, featuring all musical highlights of the opera as well as narration to complete the story. Set changes take place with an open curtain, giving children an exclusive glimpse into how the magic happens on the opera stage!

Palm Beach Opera invites all ticket purchasers to join us pre-performance in the Lobby beginning at 11:30am, visit our “education stations” featuring musicians, singers, makeup artists, costume designers, and more…

$5 Children 12 and under$12 Students with ID$25 Adults

FEBRUARY 25, 2012 / 1:00

CHAIRS

Eugene, Victoria & Marguerite Elise Pollingue

Hans Krása’s Brundibár tells of a brother and sister who seek money through singing in the street to buy milk for their ailing mother, only to have the quest thwarted by the evil organ grinder Brundibár. In their struggle to overcome their nemesis, they are joined by an array of other children and talking animals.

Performed by children during the Holocaust, Brundibár was used by the Nazi regime as a propaganda tool to delude the outside world into thinking the Jewish detainees were being treated humanely.

Recommended for ages 10 and up.

OCTOBER 22, 2011 / 7:00

BRUNDIBÁR

ROMEO AND JULIET FAMILY OPERA

PRESENTED BY

Palm Beach Opera, InSIGHT Through Education,

Young Singers of the Palm Beaches, Lynn University Conservatory of Music

and the Kravis Center


Tickets: 561.832.7469 OR KRAVIS.ORG

GRAND FINALS CONCERT

ABOUT THE YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM

The Palm Beach Opera Young Artist Program is a steppingstone to a

successful career as an opera singer for post-graduate and emerging singers. During their five-month residency in

Palm Beach they develop and polish essential stagecraft and performance skills, aided by musical and career guidance from Palm Beach Opera’s

experienced artistic staff.

VISIT WWW.PBOPERA.ORG/YOUNGARTISTS FOR ADDITIONAL CONCERT INFORMATION AND DATES.

ARIAS AN EVENING WITH PALM BEACH OPERA

Maltz Jupiter Theatre

A taste of opera’s most beloved arias, duets, and ensembles, including excerpts from Palm Beach Opera’s current season, plus musical theater favorites and standard American songs.

MARCH 1, 2012 / 7:30

Tickets: 561.575.2223 OR JUPITERTHEATRE.ORG

SEASON PREVIEW CONCERTThe Society of the Four Arts

Join us as we kick off a yearlong celebrationof our 50th Anniversary! This entertaining season preview concert will feature arias by your favorite opera composers including Puccini, Verdi, and Donizetti.

NOVEMBER 20, 2011 / 3:00

Tickets are $15:561.655.7226 OR FOURARTS.ORG

YOUNG ARTIST PROGRAM PERFORMANCES

HEAR THE NEXT

GENERATION OF OPERA

STARS PERFORM

LIVE!

Harriet Himmel Theater

Experience the magic of opera with one-hour abridged versions of operatic works featuring musical highlights with piano accompaniment. Watch as Palm Beach Opera’s talented Young Artists deliver superb singing and intense drama in the intimate Harriet Himmel Theater. It is the perfect addition to a great night out at CityPlace!

Free admission.Check www.pbopera.org for exact repertoire.

JANUARY 6, 2012 / 8:00

FEBRUARY 3, 2012 / 8:00

MARCH 2, 2012 / 8:00

The Palm Beach Steakhouse

Lunch begins at 12 noon, followed by a program presented by Palm Beach Opera’s Young Artists and artistic staff. Tickets are available on our website at www.pbopera.org or at Palm Beach Opera’s Box Office at 561.833.7888.

$135 Series$50 Individual programs

Dates subject to change.

DECEMBER 8, 2011 / MADAMA BUTTERFLY

FEBRUARY 16, 2012 / ROMEO AND JULIET

MARCH 15, 2012 / LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR

ONE OPERA IN ONE HOUR

FREE OPERA @ CITYPLACE!

LUNCH & LEARNCOME ENJOY AN INFORMATIVE

AND INSIGHTFUL LOOK INTO OUR UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS!

BECOME A MEMBER Contribute $100 or more and become a member today to experience benefits including invitations to exclusive events, priority seating, advance ticket purchasing, and free ticket exchanges.

For additional information on becoming a member, please contact us at:561.835.7558 OR [email protected]

NEW!

BRAVISSIMOCIRCLEBravissimo Circle is a member group for men and women of all ages who are dedicated to supporting Palm Beach Opera through dynamic fundraising events and unique educational and social experiences. If you enjoy opera, or have always wanted to learn more, Bravissimo Circle offers you the chance to explore Palm Beach Opera with other arts lovers!

$250 Individual$350 Couple

Members are encouraged to be season subscribers and take advantage of all the special benefits offered. To join, contact:561.835.7554 OR [email protected]

NEW!

PBO YOUNG FRIENDSPBO Young Friends is a member group for people between 21 and 39 who want to meet new friends, have fun, and experience opera. Members receive FREE and discounted tickets to the opera, invitations to behind-the-scenes events, and super-fun social and networking opportunities.

Join today for $25 by contacting us at: 561.835.7554 OR [email protected]

The Palm Beach Opera Guild is made up of members who are dedicated to promoting awareness for opera and the arts in our community. The board of directors of the Palm Beach Opera Guild meets monthly during the season to plan and implement fundraising events. Proceeds from the Guild’s Annual Luncheon, Afternoon Tea, and special events support the Opera’s education and outreach programs and our Young Artist Program. In addition, the Palm Beach Opera Guild Encouragement Awards were established in 2006 to assist young singers who take part in the annual Vocal Competition. Finalists who do not win a major award are presented with an honorarium to offset their expenses, thanks to the efforts of the Guild.

PALM BEACH OPERA GUILD ANNUAL LUNCHEONAt The Breakers

MARCH 13, 2012 / 11:00

CHAIR

Carla Mann HONORARY CHAIRS

Claire Chasanoff and Arlette Gordon

For more information contact:561.835.7569 OR [email protected]

GET INVOLVED IN PALM BEACH OPERA! PALM BEACH OPERA GUILD

SUBSCRIBE TODAY FOR AS LITTLE AS $76!

SINGLE TICKETSSTARTING AT $20!

SECTIONS& PRICING

FRIDAY Opening night

FRi. Dec 16 FRi. Jan 20 FRi. Feb 24 FRi. MaR 23

SATURDAY chOOse seRies a OR b

SUNDAY

sUn. Dec 18 sUn. Jan 22 sUn. Feb 26 sUn. MaR 25

MONDAY chOOse seRies a OR b

seRies a sat. Dec 17 FRi. Jan 20 sat. Feb 25 sat. MaR 24

seRies b sat. Dec 17 sUn. Jan 22 sat. Feb 25 sat. MaR 24

seRies a MOn. Dec 19 FRi. Jan 20 MOn. Feb 27 MOn. MaR 26

seRies b MOn. Dec 19 sUn. Jan 22 MOn. Feb 27 MOn. MaR 26

sectiOn ROW(s) pRice

gOlD ciRcle* ORchestRa a-h $560 — — — gOlD ciRcle* gRanD tieR a-bOx 5-8 $560 — — — ORch centeR + aisle siDes (2) J-O $512 — — — ORchestRa centeR a-O — $360 $388 $336 ORch centeR aisle siDes (4) c-O — $360 $388 $336 gRanD tieR b-c $512 — — — gRanD tieR & bOxes a-c — $360 $388 $336 gRanD tieR a siDes/bOxes a/bOx 1-4 $512 — — — ORchestRa centeR p-R $352 $312 $332 $300 ORchestRa siDes c-R $352 $312 $332 $300 gRanD tieR centeR D-g $352 $312 $332 $300 ORchestRa ReaR s-y $272 $256 $272 $240 lOge a-e $224 $224 $240 $224 ORchestRa ReaR ValUe siDes p-y $160 $160 $176 $160 ORchestRa pit DD-FF $160 $160 $176 $160 Mezzanine a-e $160 $160 $176 — Mezzanine (+ lOge e) a-b — — — $160 Mezzanine MiDDle c-D — — — $104 Mezzanine ReaR e — — — $76 balcOny FROnt F-J $104 $104 $108 — balcOny ReaR k-l $76 $76 $76 —

*gold circle seats require a minimum donation

BEST VALUE: MONDAY!Saturday and Monday subscribers choose either SERIES A: Friday, January 20, at 7:00pm or SERIES B: Sunday, January 22, at 2:00pm performance of Golden Jubilee 50th Anniversary Concert. Same section (or better) guaranteed.

All performances are at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Programs and dates subject to change.

WHY SUBSCRIBE?· Save up to 30% on single tickets· Ensure you get the best seats for each performance

· Ticket exchanges (fee may apply)· Easy Payment Plan option· Receive advanced notice of events· Purchase additional single tickets prior to the general public

· Lost ticket insurance

HOW TO SUBSCRIBEOpera subscriptions are available through December 15, 2011.

Call Palm Beach Opera’s Box Office at: 561.833.7888 ORFill out the form at PBOPERA.ORG

ALL PERFORMANCES ARE ON SALE NOW!

GROUP SALESBUYING 10 OR MORE TICKETS? Groups save BIG on subscriptions and single tickets and enjoy flexible payment plans, priority seating, and more! Ask about our Monday Super Specials!

Contact Group Sales today at 561.835.7567 OR [email protected]

CURTAIN WARMERSJoin us one hour prior to the performance for a 30-minute behind-the-scenes look at the opera you are about to see. Members of Palm Beach Opera’s artistic staff will give you an in-depth look at the music and characters that will help you get the most out of your opera experience.

ON THE PHONE:PALM BEACH OPERA BOX OFFICE: 561.833.7888Mon-Fri 10am-4pm

KRAVIS CENTER BOX OFFICE: 561.832.7469 Mon-Sat 10am-6pm; Sunday 11am-3pm

IN PERSON:PALM BEACH OPERA BOX OFFICE415 S. Olive AvenueWest Palm Beach, FL 33401

KRAVIS CENTER BOX OFFICE701 Okeechobee BoulevardWest Palm Beach, FL 33401

ONLINE:Ticket buying is easy atPBOPERA.ORG OR KRAVIS.ORG

THREE EASY WAYS

TO BUY!


balcOny ReaR

balcOny FROnt

Mezzanine

lODge

gRanD tieR

ORchestRa

stage

DEC 2011 / 16, 17, 18 & 19 MADAMA BUTTERFLYBY GIACOMO PUCCINI

JAN 2012 / 20 & 22 GOLDEN JUBILEE50TH ANNIVERSARY GALA CONCERT

FEB 2012 / 24, 25, 26 & 27 ROMEO AND JULIETBY CHARLES GOUNOD

MAR 2012 / 23, 24, 25 & 26 LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR BY GAETANO DONIZETTI

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDWEST PALM BEACH, FL

PERMIT 1804415 S. OLIVE AVENUEWEST PALM BEACH, FL 33401

PBOPERA.ORG2011-2012 SEASON

scan QR cODe FOR MORe inFORMatiOn

Documents

2011-2012 Season Brochure