Pgh Opera Director Hahn Contract Extended, New Season Schedule Announced

Embargo date/time: October 20, 2011, 6:30 PM


Contact:

Debra L. Bell, Director of Marketing and Communications
Office: (412) 281-0912 ext 214
dbell@pittsburghopera.org


Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn’s contract extended through 2015-16 season

Pittsburgh, PA… Pittsburgh Opera’s Board of Directors today announced that General Director Christopher Hahn’s contract has been extended through June 30, 2016. Board Chair Michele Fabrizi, President and CEO of MARC USA, said, “We are delighted that we will continue to have Christopher’s leadership at the helm of Pittsburgh Opera. Under his tenure as both Artistic and General Director, the company has flourished and grown exponentially. His vision and flair have put an indelible stamp on the company, and the future looks bright. We especially look forward to our 75th anniversary season [2013-14].”

Mr. Hahn’s tenure as General Director began in 2008, when he was unanimously approved by the Board after serving as Artistic Director since 2000. Mr. Hahn’s artistic and administrative leadership at Pittsburgh Opera has been marked by an expansion of the repertoire to include landmark productions of contemporary operas such Dead Man Walking (2004), Billy Budd (2007), The Grapes of Wrath (2008), and lauded productions of Madama Butterfly (2007) and Turandot (2011), among others. He has developed important partnerships with Carnegie Mellon’s School of Drama for the Company’s annual Resident Artist production, and with Chatham Baroque and Attack Theatre.

Under Mr. Hahn’s guidance, the Company moved to its new headquarters in the former Westinghouse Air Brake factory with administrative, rehearsal, and performance space all on site. The building subsequently received LEED® Silver certification in Operations and Maintenance by the U.S. Green Building Council, making Pittsburgh Opera the first U.S. opera company to achieve certification in that category. Mr. Hahn has also led an expansion of audience development initiatives, including the popular Brown Bag Concerts.

“The Board of Directors has been impressed by the way in which Christopher has led the company in these difficult economic times, and we are so pleased that he has agreed to extend his contract. We have stayed true to our mission of producing excellent opera even as budgets became tighter and resources became slimmer. More than ever, we need strong leadership and continuity, and now we have ensured that,” said Pittsburgh Opera Board President John E. Traina.

Pittsburgh Opera’s 2011-2012 season continues a 73-year tradition of excellence in opera and is the first green opera company in the U.S.* As part of the Company’s continued efforts to make opera accessible to all members of the community, single tickets for the 2011-2012 season will again start at $10, with subscriptions starting at just $43 for four mainstage operas.

*U.S. Green Building Council awarded LEED® Silver certification in June 2011 in the Operations and Maintenance category.

2011-2012 Season

La traviata October 15, 18, 21, 23

The Pearl Fishers November 12, 15, 18, 20

Hansel & Gretel January 28, 31; February 3, 5

Tosca March 24, 27, 30; April 1, 3

The Abduction from the Seraglio April 28; May 1, 4, 6

For ticket information visit our website www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912
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