Showing posts with label CAPA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CAPA. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Dark Sisters

For Immediate Release: January 7, 2014

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


Pittsburgh Opera presents Nico Muhly’s DARK SISTERS
Thirty-something composer; new production

What:              Nico Muhly’s opera DARK SISTERS

Where:           CAPA Theater
                        9th Street at Ft. Duquesne Blvd., Downtown Pittsburgh

When:             Saturday, January 25, 8:00 PM             Tuesday, January 28, 7:00 PM
                        Friday, January 31, 8:00 PM                 Sunday, February 2, 2:00 PM

Run Time:      1 hour and 45 minutes, including 1 intermission

Language:     Sung in English with English texts projected above the stage

Tickets:          $50 for all performances. Subscriber and group discounts available.
                  Call 412-456-6666 for more information or visit pittsburghopera.org

Of special      The Saturday, January 25 performance of DARK SISTERS
Note:              is sold out. Tickets are still available for other performances.

Related           FREE Brown Bag concert; WQED Preview; Meet the
Events:           Artists; Audio Description for those with visual impairments.
See page 5 of this release.


Pittsburgh, PA… Pittsburgh Opera continues its 75th anniversary season with Nico Muhly’s DARK SISTERS, a new production of a very new opera exploring issues ripped from the headlines and created by a thirty-something composer. The first work in Pittsburgh Opera’s American Opera Series,* DARK SISTERS stars the Resident Artists and is on stage at CAPA Theater January 25 – February 2.

Exploring issues of suppressed individuality and subservient women’s roles, the opera uses episodes from the media – most recently the 2004 raid on FLDS leader Warren Jeffs’s compound in West Texas – to tell the story of the women’s suffering, and how one woman tries to escape. Premiered in 2012, DARK SISTERS revolves around sister-wife Eliza, who has a profound self-discovery after the world comes to the gates of her family’s complex, run by The Prophet. During an appearance on national television to defend her way of life, Eliza makes a dramatic confession, and her world falls into chaos. Resolving to make her own way in the world, she faces the consequences of leaving everything she has ever known.

Pittsburgh Opera’s DARK SISTERS features Resident Artists in the roles of the sister-wives: Jasmine Muhammad is the rebellious Eliza; Meredith Lustig is the lovesick Zina; Nicole Rodin is the troubled Ruth; Samantha Korbey is Presendia; and former Resident Artist Alexandra Loutsion (Rinaldo, 2011) is Almera. Resident Artist Joseph Barron takes the dual role of The Prophet and the newscaster King. Rebecca Belczyk (The Magic Flute, 2013) portrays Eliza’s daughter Lucinda. Resident Artist George Cederquist is the stage director for DARK SISTERS. Head of Music Glenn Lewis conducts the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra. Composer Nico Muhly is expected to attend the opening night performance.

* Pittsburgh Opera’s American Opera Series is supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and includes DARK SISTERS, PAUL’S CASE (Feb. 22 – Mar. 2) and ORPHÉE (Apr. 26 – May 4).

Facts about the opera and the composer
   DARK SISTERS premiered in 2012 at Gotham Chamber Opera in New York City, and was co-produced and co-commissioned by Opera Philadelphia.

   Nico Muhly, a 32 year-old “wunderkind” (Huffington Post) who defies convention and definitions, has worked with Philip Glass, Björk, Benjamin Millepied, and Grizzly Bear. He was recently featured on the cover of Opera News, in advance of the premiere of his Two Boys at The Met. Mr. Muhly composes film scores (The Reader, Joshua, Choking Man), liturgical music (an Our Father, a Nunc Dimittis, a setting of Psalm 139), and scored the ballet From Here on Out with Millepied for American Ballet Theater. Most recently, he appeared at New York City’s Le Poisson Rouge with violinist Pekka Kuuisto; the featured piece was a Bach Partita with other pieces interspersed between the original piece’s movements.

   In October 2013, Mr. Muhly’s opera Two Boys premiered at The Metropolitan Opera, with former Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist Juan José de León in the cast. The opera revolves around a detective investigating a murder of a teenager that leads her to a trail of clues on the Internet.

   Nico Muhly has been researching the history of the Church of Latter Day Saints for many years. “I read the diaries of some of the wives of Brigham Young; you think you could be reading something from the Old Testament or from today. Similarly, once you get in the world of what constitutes marriage, it was always political, and about property, land. Marriage for love was a Victorian construct.”

   Nico Muhly has been quoted as saying that “I can’t think of one opera that isn’t political in some way. When you look at Rameau, Handel, Mozart, they were all looking at the world around them socially and politically. [Mozart’s] Cosi fan tutte is an incredibly political opera. Right now there is a flare-up of interest about Mormonism, but the politics and discussions around it aren’t new.”

The story, in brief
At a polygamist compound in the American Southwest, five mothers cry out in despair. State officials have just raided their homes and removed their children, under the suspicion that minors are being abused and forced to marry. The husband of the five women, a professed Prophet, discloses that he has received a revelation. He must journey into the desert, where he will receive guidance that will ensure the return of their children. The Prophet instructs his wives to “keep sweet” while he is away, explaining that total obedience is necessary to ensure their salvation and the safe return of their children.

Eliza, the fourth wife, has visions of her only child, Lucinda. She remembers her wedding: she was 16, afraid, an unwilling bride. Eliza does not want her daughter to suffer the same fate, but cannot imagine how they could ever leave this life. As night slowly turns to day, Eliza passes the time with her sister-wives. Almera is haunted by dreams of her mother and grandmother, while Presendia and Zina work diligently to pass the time, longing for their husband’s return. Ruth is tormented by mental illness and the memory of her two sons, both of whom died tragically.

Ruth discovers a letter in the Prophet's study and gives it to Eliza: the letter voices Lucinda’s concerns about being promised to a much older man. Eliza is shocked to learn that her daughter would be promised so soon, and resolves to leave the compound. The Prophet returns, and Eliza convinces him to spend the night with her. She needs his full trust so that she can travel with him the next day and enact a plan to share her own message with the world. Alone in their bedrooms, the other women seethe with jealousy, sadness and longing.

The next day, television personality King interviews the women via satellite. The women are careful to stay on message. Afraid and distraught, Ruth suffers a breakdown during the interview. Although paralyzed with fear, the women continue with the show.

Eliza, afraid that she may not have the courage to speak out, suddenly explodes with the announcement that she was indeed married underage. She also seizes the opportunity to speak to her daughter – she looks into the camera and begs Lucinda to have faith, and to relays her own divine message: “Don’t be afraid of what lies beyond the sharp cliffs, the red earth – blaze a trail beyond the canyons! This is my hope for you, Sisters of Zion! I promise you, kind hearts beat for all of us in the outside world!”

Chaos erupts. Eliza’s sister-wives cannot believe she would betray them. Later that night, Ruth sits atop the mesa near the compound, under a starlit sky. Praying for relief from her pain, and longing to be with her two children in heaven, she jumps to her death.

Back at the compound, a few days later, Ruth is buried. The children have been returned to the ranch. Eliza comes to the gate of the compound and is shunned by the other women. Lucinda approaches her mother, furious – she is sickened that Eliza lost her faith and will not gain eternal salvation. Lucinda refuses to leave with her mother. Eliza pledges that she will always be waiting for Lucinda, and will always love her. Heartbroken, she walks away from the compound and into the unknown.

Tickets to DARK SISTERS are $50, with all performances at CAPA Theater, 9th Street and Ft. Duquesne Blvd., Downtown Pittsburgh. For additional information, videos, photos, musical samples, cast biographies, and the full story of DARK SISTERS, visit www.pittsburghopera.org. To purchase tickets, call 412-456-6666 or visit www.pittsburghopera.org.

The 2013-14 Pittsburgh Opera season is generously supported by PNC.
American Eagle Outfitters is the Friday Night Sponsor.
Dark Sisters is generously sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Filstrup.
The National Endowment for the Arts provides project support for Pittsburgh Opera’s 2014 American Opera Series.
Giant Eagle Foundation is the Resident Artist Program Sponsor.
WQED is a media sponsor for the 2013-14 Pittsburgh Opera season.
WYEP and WESA are media sponsors for Dark Sisters.

Cast and Artistic Team (cast is listed in order of vocal appearance)

Zina                                                           Meredith Lustig *
Presendia                                                 Samantha Korbey *
Almera                                                      Alexandra Loutsion **
Ruth                                                          Nicole Rodin *
Eliza                                                          Jasmine Muhammad *
Prophet/King                                             Joseph Barron *
Lucinda                                                     Rebecca Belczyk
             
Conductor                                                 Glenn Lewis
Director                                                     George Cederquist *
Set Designer                                             Dan Daly
Costume Designer                                   Antonia West
Lighting Designer                                      Robert Figueira

Director of Musical Studies                      Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist                          James Lesniak
Hair & Makeup Designer                          James Geier

DARK SISTERS is a new production by Pittsburgh Opera.

+    Pittsburgh Opera debut
*     Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
**   Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni

Photo above  by Kelly & Massa for Opera Philadelphia.

Tickets and Group Discounts
Tickets for all performances of DARK SISTERS are $50. Group and subscriber discounts are available. For tickets, call (412) 456-6666 or visit www.pittsburghopera.org. For discounted group tickets (6 or more), contact Randy Adams at 412-281-0912, x 213.

Related Events

Brown Bag Concert
Saturday, January 11 – 12:00 p.m.
George R. White Opera Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)
These casual, one-hour concerts feature our Resident Artists in the George R. White Opera Studio at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters. January’s Brown Bag concert features an All-American program. Guests can meet the performers after the concert. Free and open to the public; no RSVP required. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. For more information, call (412) 281-0912 or visit www.pittsburghopera.org

Opera Up Close: DARK SISTERS
Sunday, January 12 – 2:00 p.m.
An in-depth look at the music and story of Nico Muhly's DARK SISTERS with singers and directors from the production, in the George R. White Opera Studio at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters. Panelists include Resident Artist Jasmine Muhammad; stage director, Resident Artist George Cederquist; conductor Glenn Lewis; and Director of Artistic Operations Bill Powers. Admission is $5; the event is free to members of FRIENDS of Pittsburgh Opera and donors at $50 and above. For more information, visit www.pittsburghopera.org.

DARK SISTERS Previews on WQED-FM 89.3 and WQED.ORG
Saturday, January 18 – 1:00 p.m.; Friday, January 24 – 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by WQED’s Stephen Baum, and broadcast over the airwaves as well as the WQED website, the DARK SISTERS preview gives listeners an engaging introduction to the singers, music and story of the opera. For more information, visit www.pittsburghopera.org.

Pre-Opera Talks
CAPA Theater Black Box
Ticketholders are invited to attend a Pre-Opera Talk on DARK SISTERS one hour before each performance’s curtain in the Black Box at CAPA Theater. Learn about the composer and the story of the opera. Free to all ticketholders.

Audio Description: DARK SISTERS
Tuesday, January 28
Ticketholders with visual impairments are invited to use Pittsburgh Opera’s Audio Description service at our Tuesday performances. Trained volunteers describe the scenery, costumes, and stage action via headphones. Those wishing to use Audio Description should reserve seats to the Tuesday, January 28 performance: call Randy Adams at 412-281-0912, ext. 213 or groups@pittsburghopera.org. Braille and large-print opera programs are also available in the lobby.

Meet the Artists of DARK SISTERS
Tuesday, January 28
Immediately following the opera, in the CAPA Theater Black Box
Ticketholders for the Tuesday, January 28 performance of DARK SISTERS are invited to gather in the Black Box immediately following the performance for interviews with General Director Christopher Hahn and the stars of the opera. This event is free to all Tuesday performance ticketholders.

 Pittsburgh Opera celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2013-14 with OPERA FOR A NEW AGE, a mix of long-beloved operas and new favorites. Established by five intrepid women in 1939, Pittsburgh Opera is viewed as one of the most vibrant opera organizations in the U.S., with a rich artistic tradition, outstanding educational programs, an acclaimed artist training program, and a progressive outlook toward the future. Its green initiative culminated in LEED® Silver certification for its Strip District headquarters, and its capacity as a true community partner has increased significantly under General Director Christopher Hahn’s leadership. Tickets for the 2013-2014 season start at just $12.
 
2013-14 Season
AIDA •• October 12 – 20, 2013
DARK SISTERS •• November 9 – 17, 2013
DARK SISTERS •• January 25 – February 2, 2014
SECOND STAGE PROJECT: PAUL’S CASE •• February 22 – March 2, 2014
LA BOHÈME •• March 26 – April 6, 2014
ORPHÉE •• April 26 – May 4, 2014
For ticket information visit our website www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912
Find us on Facebook and Twitter

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Debra L. Bell
Director of Marketing and Communications
PITTSBURGHOPERA
2425 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15222
412.281.0912 x 214
412.281.4324 fax
www.pittsburghopera.org  
         
Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Gallery Crawl Marks 10th Anniversary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Shaunda Miles, Director of Public Relations, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
(412) 471-1578, Miles@TrustArts.org
Diana Roth, Communications Manager, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
(412) 471-8717, Roth@TrustArts.org
Images available: http://TrustArts.org/press
Search Name: January 2014 Gallery Crawl


JANUARY’S GALLERY CRAWL IN THE CULTURAL DISTRICT
MARKS THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EVENT
 Friday, January 24, 2014 | 5:30 – 9 p.m.
Select venues open until 10 p.m.
Introducing CrawlAfterDark at participating venues beginning at 9 p.m.

Pittsburgh, PA—The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces the line-up for its winter Gallery Crawl that takes place Friday, January 24, 2014, from 5:30–9 p.m. The crawl showcases a wide variety of thought provoking art exhibitions in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. Live bands, DJs, dance, comedy, and participatory activities are also part of the complimentary crawl events.
 

2014 marks the 10th anniversary of Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District. To mark this special occasion, the Trust is introducing CrawlAfterDark, which features select venues with additional events beginning at 9 p.m. Each of the CrawlAfterDark activities requires admission, ranging from $5–$15.

“We are pleased to introduce CrawlAfterDark, extending hours for certain Cultural District venues participating in the Gallery Crawl and promoting the District as a late-night destination,” says Janis Burley Wilson, Vice President of Education and Community Engagement and Director of Jazz Programs for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “CrawlAfterDark highlights the transformation of the Cultural District, promoting numerous options for late night entertainment, from comedy, music, theatre, clubs, dining, and more.”


Gallery Crawl events are free and open to the public. For more information and a map of the Gallery Crawl events, visit www.TrustArts.org/Crawl or call (412) 456-6666.

Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District is a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Education and Community Engagement Department.


The following is a line-up of the January 24, 2014, Gallery Crawl events:
Venues marked with * remain open until 10 p.m.

All locations are wheelchair accessible unless marked with **.

Wood Street Galleries*
601 Wood Street
Structures of Time and Space
Artist Erwin Redl presents an investigation of reverse engineering that translates virtual reality and 3D computer modeling through large-scale light installations.

SPACE*
812 Liberty Avenue
Behind Our Scenes
Guest curated by Jen Saffron, photographers explore the relationship between two-dimensional form and space through photographic installations and constructions. Participating artists include Nancy Andrews, Leo Hsu, Dennis Marsico, Annie O’Neill, and Barbara Weissberger.

Carnegie Library Button-making
We supply the materials, and you supply the creativity!

Music by Aaron Clark of Humanaut / Honcho

Tito Way
Memento Mori by Mary Mazziotti
A set of billboards reminding the viewer that life can be short and its end unpredictable.

Cell Phone Disco by InformationLab
This surface visualizes the electromagnetic field of an active mobile phone. Several thousand lights illuminate when you make or receive a phone call in the vicinity of the installation.

Shaw Galleries*
805 Liberty Avenue
The 3rd Annual Bad Art Sale
An art show and sale of dozens of thrift store paintings and amateur art, as well as picture frames, mats, art books, and art supplies, all at rock bottom prices!

Trust Arts Education Center
805-807 Liberty Avenue

Peirce Studio
Traveling by Attack Theatre
Attack Theatre’s Traveling is a witty contemporary dance performance that tells the story of a traveling salesman, his sample case of curiosities, and the enormous potential of the little things in life. With imaginative use of props, daredevil partnering, and a touch of nostalgia, Traveling transforms small objects into big ideas and physical fun. Performances at 7 and 8 p.m.

Third Floor*
Memory Terrain
From Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014
This exhibition presents paintings by Mia Tarducci Henry; Cycle Sam by Don Jones; Pittsburgh Past and Future by Matthew Buchholz’s Alternate Histories; and Rhapsody in Steel (1959), a film with animation by John Sutherland and re-mastered by Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area.

Arcade Comedy Theater
811 Liberty Avenue
Pop in for some laughs, featuring Pittsburgh’s best sketch, improvisational, and alternative comedy year-round. Time to play!

820 Liberty Avenue*
TRANSPOSE, a project of the Bruce Gallery, Edinboro University
From Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014
The exhibition will open with CHIMERA, an installation of student works. Chimera: A Journal of Art and Literature is a student-produced journal that showcases the best art and literature created by Edinboro’s students.

Catholic Charities Susan Zubik Welcome Center
212 Ninth Street
Drawing Portraits and Figures
High school students in the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild Design Arts Studio explore portraiture and figures via graphite, Conte, and charcoal.

937 Liberty Avenue
Second Floor*
Welcoming the Future, Honoring the Present: New and Established AAP Member Works
From Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2014
Established in 1910, the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh (AAP) is an artist member organization with more than 600 members in the southwestern Pennsylvania region. This exhibition is a salon-style hanging of works by current AAP artists alongside a showcase of 21 New AAP members.

Pittsburgh Playwrights Gallery
Therapy and The Muse
An exhibition by Ernest McCarty features acrylic paintings on wood and canvas, assemblage paintings, and wire sculptures.

Toonseum
947 Liberty Avenue
Wonder Women
One of the largest exhibitions of women in comics ever presented, featuring more than 50 pieces of original art.

August Wilson Center for African American Culture
980 Liberty Avenue

I Think I Can (Harley Stumm)
I Think I Can by Terrapin Theatre (Australia)
From the 2014 International Performing Arts for Youth Conference
This interactive installation invites the public to engage and play by becoming temporary residents via a tiny puppet. The piece asks, “What would you like to be today?” engaging participants in an optimistic task of collective storytelling that deals with dynamic notions of residency and responsibility.

Paper Planet by Polyglot Theatre (Australia)
From the 2014 International Performing Arts for Youth Conference
Polyglot Theatre creates an imagined world filled with tall, strange cardboard trees, paper leaves, boulders, ponds, and other mysterious forms that transform the space. Fantastic and unusual animals hang from the branches and sit around the trunks while audience members populate the space with their own creations and rustling paper selves.

Pittsburgh: Reclaim, Renew, Remix
This modular flagship exhibition dedicated to honoring and preserving Black culture in southwestern Pennsylvania uses imagery, film, and oral history narratives to explore communities, cultures, and innovations.

Tonic**
971 Liberty Avenue, second floor gallery: NOT UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE
It Is What It Is
People. Art. Live Music. Drinks. Food.

Sonoma Grille
947 Penn Avenue
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Art Show
Enter the creative world of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. View the diverse work of design, media arts, and fashion alumni and students, and meet the talented designers.

Urban Pathways 6-12 Gallery
914 Penn Avenue
Start Anew!
Featuring a student photography and two-dimensional art exhibition, Sounds of Steel steel-pan band performances throughout the evening, and craft activities for all.

CAPA Gallery
111 Ninth Street
Places to Go and People to See
Portraits, landscapes, and ceramic works by Pittsburgh CAPA’s 11th and 12th grade visual artists are presented. Students demonstrate how to throw a bowl on the pottery wheel. The bowls will be donated to the Empty Bowl Project, which raises funds to support Just Harvest and The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Future Tenant
819 Penn Avenue
Radium Girls
Although German Dada artist Hannah Höch was active half a world away as the Radium Girls were painting watch dials, Höch was creating rebellious collages that pointed out the stark difference between reality and the media’s projected images of women. To celebrate her work, visitors are invited to “Make Your Own Radium Girl” using Hannah Höch’s collage method and materials provided.

Live music is provided by Producer Jakeisrain and the C Street Brass.

Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council
810 Penn Avenue, seventh floor
Reflective Locations
An Art on the Walls exhibition curated by D.S. Kinsel, Reflective Locations features the work of artists capturing a place that reflects their personal identity. All of the artists chosen for this exhibition are black males, giving the audience the opportunity to experience varied reflections of modern black masculinity.    

709 Penn Gallery*
709 Penn Avenue
Neverlands
Artist Terry Boyd, through mixed media drawings, presents an interpretation of life and death, with imagery originally depicted by the skies, seas, grounds, and characters described in J.M. Barrie’s stories, such as Peter Pan.

707 Penn Gallery*
707 Penn Avenue
Arena: Remembering the Igloo
The only photographer licensed by the Sports and Exhibition Authority to catalogue the Arena’s demolition process, David Aschkenas chronicles the last weeks of the Civic Arena’s operation and its demise.

131 Seventh Street*
Night Market VII
Join the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership for Night Market VII.  This indoor version of Downtown’s favorite pop-up market will feature curated vendors of unique, handcrafted arts and crafts.

Katz Plaza
Seventh Street & Penn Avenue
Steel Town Fire
Pittsburgh’s premier fire art performance wows crowds with dancing and intricate moves on poi, snakes, swords, and other burning props. Shows at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m.

Backstage Bar
655 Penn Avenue
Waves: Perceptions of Light and Sound
Artist Kara Ruth Snyder presents abstract acrylic and mixed media paintings.

Live music by Paul Tabachnek.

PNC Legacy Project
600 Liberty Avenue
The PNC Legacy Project is celebrating Black History Month. Oral histories include Tony Award winner Billy Porter, Pittsburgh Courier Publisher Rod Doss, Olympic champion Swin Cash, civil rights advocate Alma Speed Fox, and trumpet player Sean Jones.

Dream Cream Ice Cream
539 Liberty Avenue
As the sole benefiting Dreamer for the month of January, the CLO Academy performs musical selections from past and upcoming productions. Dream Cream sells ice cream, pastries, Dreamshakes, & Dreamsteam (hot chocolate and hot cider). Performances by the CLO Academy at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.

Boutique 208*
208 Sixth Street
Live music by Jon Dull of the Hoffman Road Band and Brandon Yusko.
Arthur Murray Dance Studio**
136 Sixth Street (above Melange Bistro): NOT UNIVERSALLY ACCESSIBLE
Free Dance Lessons and Demos: Bachata at 7 p.m., Rumba at 7:30 p.m., and Salsa at 8 p.m.

Renaissance Hotel
107 Sixth Street
The Lonely Robot Returns
Artist Toby Atticus Fraley brings back the Lonely Robot from his previous Cultural District installation. The robot and his friends appear in a swanky room window display at street level.

Braddock’s American Brasserie
107 Sixth Street
Chef Jason creates deconstructed plates pleasantly familiar to the taste but intriguingly disguised to the eye. Get up-close-and-personal to his mysterious creations and try to figure out what classic dish it could be. The winner who correctly solves the “plating puzzle” receives a complimentary gift card to dine at Braddock’s.

CrawlAfterDark

Wood Street Galleries, third floor, 601 Wood Street
The Freya String Quartet: Electric
10 p.m., $15 / $8 students & seniors
FSQ plugs in its instruments for an amplified concert. Work by Steve Reich, Ingram Marshall, and Sean Neukom. Special Guest: Symbiotic Collusion Orchestra.

Trust Arts Education Center, Peirce Studio, 805-807 Liberty Avenue
FRENDZ: An evening of Pittsburgh-created music
10 p.m., $5, cash bar
Avant-rock band Host Skull, The Gotobeds, and Meeting of Important People’s Josh Verbanets. Host Skull was recently included on NPR’s World Cafe.

Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue
After the Crawl Comedy Show
10 p.m., $10 / $5 for students
A mix of local stand-up comedians and some of the Arcade’s best improv comedy troupes. BYOB.

Toonseum, 947 Liberty Avenue
Kartoon Karaoke
9 p.m., $5, ages 21+
Sing along to music from classic animations in this first ever cartoon-themed karaoke party.

Enigma Lounge, 130 7th St
Global Beats
9 p.m., $5
Guest DJ Dave “7up” Sanchez spins globally influenced house and electronica with two percussionists, plus a live light show via LED screens.

CAR FREE FRIDAYS Walk, bike, bus, or carpool to the Gallery Crawl and celebrate another Car Free Friday with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Port Authority, and BikePGH.

Gallery Crawl sponsors include City Paper, WYEP 91.3 FM, and Kreider Printing.
ALL INFORMATION AND LOCATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Visit www.TrustArts.org/Crawl for updated and more detailed information.
All official Gallery Crawl locations will be marked with a Cultural District Stop sidewalk sign.
TEXT “CRAWL” TO SMASH (76274) to receive special exclusive offers and more.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

YWCA Racial Justice Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      

CONTACT:    
Laura Harwin
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
412-255-1279














YWCA Announces the 2013 Racial Justice Award Recipients
Awards presented on Wednesday, November 13

PITTSBURGH, PA (November 7, 2013):  The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is pleased to announce the 2013 Racial Justice Award recipients.  The seven awardees will be recognized at the 22nd Annual Racial Justice Awards Dinner on Wednesday, November 13.   Award recipients include:

• ARTS: janera solomon, Executive Director, Kelly Strayhorn Theater
• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Melanie R. Brown, Education Program Officer, The Heinz Endowments
• EDUCATION: Marcus Rediker, Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Atlantic History, University of Pittsburgh
• GOVERNMENT: The Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission for Gender, Racial and Ethnic Fairness
• FAITH: East Liberty Presbyterian Church
• LEGAL: Education Law Center, Western Pennsylvania Office
• YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT: Alexis K. Marie Payne, Writer/Literary Arts Student, Pittsburgh CAPA Class of 2015

“We are delighted to present the YWCA Racial Justice Award to these recipients in recognition of their efforts to promote equality and justice,” said Magdeline E. Jensen, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh.  “Their outstanding initiative, dedication to eliminating racism, and the impact they’ve had on the community clearly stood out for the 2013 award.”

The 22nd Annual Racial Justice Awards Dinner takes place on Wednesday, November 13, at the Westin Hotel, 1000 Penn Avenue, downtown Pittsburgh. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., and the dinner and award program follow at 6:30 p.m. Robert Hill is this year’s Honorary Chair, and WPXI-TV’s Vince Sims will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. To attend the 2013 Racial Justice Awards Dinner, call 412-255-1261 or go to www.ywcapgh.org.

The annual Racial Justice Awards is a signature event of the YWCA Center for Race and Gender Equity. Through its Racial Justice Awards, the Center seeks to promote a society in which all people receive equal treatment and have equal access in the workplace, public services, justice system, classroom, and throughout the Greater Pittsburgh community. Over the past two decades, the YWCA has recognized more than 100 community leaders that have made a substantial commitment to racial equality.

The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh strengthens our community by creating and advancing opportunities for all women to seek equality and self-sufficiency.  For more information about the YWCA’s programs and services, visit www.ywcapgh.org or call 412-391-5100. To learn about the YWCA Center for Race and Gender Equity, call 412-255-1270.

###


Laura Harwin
Director of Development and Marketing
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh
305 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-255-1279 (phone)
412-391-5109 (fax)

lharwin@ywcapgh.org
www.ywcapgh.org

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Therese Raquin Premieres



Contact: Erica Olden FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tel: 412-580-9267
Email: microscopicopera@gmail.com


THE MICROSCOPIC OPERA COMPANY PRESENTS:
Therese Raquin
Music by Tobias Picker
Libretto by Gene Scheer


Pittsburgh premiere of this critically acclaimed opera based on
Emile Zola’s thrilling novel.


Join us for a gripping start to Microscopic’s fourth Season, as we stage the Pittsburgh premiere of Therese Raquin (2001) by composer, Tobias Picker (Fantastic Mr. Fox, An American Tragedy) and librettist, Gene Scheer (Three Decembers, To Hell and Back). Based on the controversial masterpiece by Emile Zola, the opera was originally co-commissioned by Dallas Opera, San Diego Opera and Opera de Montreal. It is Picker’s third opera, and this chamber version, which has only been performed a few times, is scored for seven singers and an 18 piece orchestra.  Therese Raquin will be staged at the CAPA High School Theater, under the musical direction of artistic director, Andres Cladera, and stage direction of Gregory Lehane. The cast includes many outstanding Pittsburgh opera stars:  Katherine Drago, Anna Singer, Dimitrie Lazich, Sean Donaldson, Jeffrey Gross, Erica Olden and William Strom. In addition to the innovative and stunning scenic design by Britton Mauk and lighting by C. Todd Brown, Microscopic Opera is excited to collaborate with renown videographer and projection artist, Joe Seamans, who will help us create unique, interactive visual elements, which will be integrated into the story and music of the opera.

Special Nights:

Friday, Sept. 13: Join us on opening night for a special conversation with composer Tobias
Picker and Artists from The Microscopic Opera Company, following the performance.

Sunday, Sept. 15:  Starving Artists Night: A night for all Artists to attend for a special Artist
Rate of $18.
Tuesday, Sept. 17:  Ladies Night, featuring a pre-performance wine and cheese reception.

WHERE:  CAPA High School Theater
111 Ninth Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
WHEN:  September 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21
8:00 pm
TICKETS:  $25 in advance / $35 at door / $15 student / $18 Artist Night rate
Tickets available online at:  www.microscopicopera.org
FEATURING: Anna Singer, Katherine Drago, Erica Olden, Dimitrie Lazich, Jeffrey Gross,
Sean Donaldson and William Strom.

GROUP SALES ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE.  PLEASE CONTACT MICROSCOPIC OPERA.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT, OR TO SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW, PLEASE CONTACT ERICA OLDEN AT 412-580-9267.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Microscopic Opera Presents The Little Sweep


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Erica Olden
Tel: 412-580-9267
Email: microscopicopera@gmail.com

THE MICROSCOPIC OPERA COMPANY PRESENTS:
The Little Sweep
A Children’s Opera by Benjamin Britten

In celebration of Benjamin Britten’s birth centennial celebration, The Microscopic Opera Company presents The Little Sweep featuring professional singers and students from CAPA High School, and chamber orchestra (string quartet, four hand piano and percussion).


Music Director, Artistic Director, Andres Cladera
Stage Director,  Adam Pribila
Scenic Design, Richard Preffer
Lighting Design, Scott Nelson
Costume Design, Cassandra Bass

Six singers from CAPA High School are joined by Microscopic Opera Company singers:  Daphne Alderson, Jenifer Weber, Sasha Piastro, Kathryn Copland Donaldson, Sean Donaldson, Nathan Hart, William Strom, Billy Wayne Coakley, Lauren Braun and Thespina Christulides.


WHERE:  CAPA High School Theater
WHEN: March 1 (7:00PM) | March 2 (4:00 PM & 7:00PM)  | March 3 (2:00PM and 4:00PM)
TICKETS: $15 adult / $8 youth 18 and under |Available at:  www.microscopicopera.org



Produced with generous contributions from the following:
The Britten-Pears Foundation and PA Council on the Arts

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Sunday, February 3, 2013

The Little Sweep Children's Opera


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Erica Olden
Tel: 412-580-9267
Email: microscopicopera@gmail.com

THE MICROSCOPIC OPERA COMPANY PRESENTS:
The Little Sweep
A Children’s Opera by Benjamin Britten

In celebration of Benjamin Britten’s birth centennial celebration, The Microscopic Opera Company presents The Little Sweep featuring professional singers and students from CAPA High School, and chamber orchestra (string quartet, four hand piano and percussion).

Music Director, Artistic Director, Andres Cladera
Stage Director, Adam Pribila
Scenic Design, Richard Preffer
Lighting Design, Scott Nelson
Costume Design, Cassandra Bass
Six singers from CAPA High School are joined by Microscopic Opera Company singers: Daphne Alderson, Jenifer Weber, Sasha Piastro, Kathryn Copland Donaldson, Sean Donaldson, Nathan Hart, William Strom, Billy Wayne Coakley, Lauren Braun and Thespina Christulides.

WHERE: CAPA High School Theater
WHEN: March 1 (7:00PM) | March 2 (4:00 PM & 7:00PM) | March 3 (2:00PM and 4:00PM)
TICKETS: $15 adult / $8 youth 18 and under |Available at:  www.microscopicopera.org

Produced with generous contributions from the following: The Britten-Pears Foundation and PA Council on the Arts

IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT, OR TO SCHEDULE AN INTERVIEW, PLEASE CONTACT ERICA OLDEN AT 412-580-9267

The Microscopic Opera Company is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and
is registered as a charitable organization with the PA Department of State Bureau of Charitable Organizations.
Board of Directors:
Andres Cladera, Jeffrey Gross, Adriana Helbig, Ph.D., James Herald, Ph.D., Dina Law, Erica Olden, Stephen Reinsel, Esq.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  
www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh



Monday, January 21, 2013

Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion: Pavement at Byham


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Today's date: January 16, 2013
Contact:
Diana Roth
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
(412) 471-8717
roth@trustarts.org


Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion: Pavement
Saturday, February 16, 2013, 8:00 p.m., Byham Theater


 Pittsburgh, PA: The Pittsburgh Dance Council, a division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, will present Kyle Abraham/Abraham.In.Motion: Pavement on Saturday, February 16, 2013, at 8:00 p.m., at the Byham Theater.

Pittsburgh native, Kyle Abraham, brings his company home for a special evening of dance showcasing his latest work, Pavement, a choreography that expresses changes taking place in Pittsburgh’s historically black neighborhoods. Abraham’s work is influenced by growing up African American in Pittsburgh. From his beginnings at the Civic Light Opera Academy and the Creative and Performing Arts High School in Pittsburgh, Abraham moved to New York City and received his BFA from SUNY Purchase and MFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts. In 2009 Dance Magazine named Kyle Abraham one of the “25 to watch.”

Steve Sucato of City Paper wrote, “Whether he’s talking on social issues or making even bigger splashes on the local and national scenes, the sense that Abraham is on the verge of breakthrough looms primarily because his talent is just too big to ignore.”  In Pavement Abraham uses these talents to express his view of the current social stigmas of African Americans.

 Abraham’s choreography features early hip-hop musicians, like Kriss Kross,- that offer some comic relief, and challenges the progress made over the past twenty years among African American communities.Abraham.In.Motion dancers have varied backgrounds, bringing their unique styles into the composition such as ballet, hip-hop, and African dance. Pavement is performed to a diverse score of opera, rhythm & blues, soul, country, essays from W.E.B. DuBois’ The Soul of Black Folk, and excerpts from the 1991 film by John Singleton, Boyz n the Hood, all mixed with sounds of the city bringing this powerful dance to life.

Tickets ($19-$48) may be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square, online at www.trustarts.org, or by calling (412) 456-6666. Subscribe to the 2012-2013 Dance Council season by calling (412) 456-1390 or online at www.trustarts.org/dance.

Each year the Pittsburgh Dance Council, a division of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, showcases a world-class season of dance. As the largest presenter of international performances in the city, the Dance Council continues to help make our Cultural District one of the country’s leading arts and entertainment centers.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is the cultural and economic development of Pittsburgh’s 14-block Cultural District through public and private support.  The Trust presents and encourages diverse performing and visual arts programs within the District, and is an impetus for additional development in downtown Pittsburgh. www.Trustarts.org

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Pittsburgh Opera Announces 2012-2013 Season of Classics

February 12, 2012


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


Pittsburgh Opera Announces 2012-2013 Season of Classics

Three new productions among Rigoletto, Don Giovanni, Il matrimonio segreto, Madama Butterfly, and La cenerentola


Pittsburgh, PA… Pittsburgh Opera announces a season of classics in 2012-‘13, featuring three new productions. The season opens Saturday, October 6, 2012 with Verdi’s Rigoletto, featuring Mark Delavan (Falstaff, 2009) in the title role, along with Lyubov Petrova (Ariadne auf Naxos, 2006) as Gilda, in a production from Utah Opera. The fall schedule continues with a new production of Mozart’s late masterpiece, Don Giovanni, opening November 3. Starring Michael Todd Simpson (The Marriage of Figaro, 2010) as the amoral scoundrel, the ensemble cast includes Hao Jiang Tian as the Commendatore, Sari Gruber as Zerlina, former Resident Artists Sean Panikkar and Jennifer Holloway as Don Ottavio and Donna Elvira, respectively, and Erin Wall as Donna Anna.

The Resident Artists of Pittsburgh Opera will star in the Company’s annual production at CAPA Theater: Cimarosa’s charming comedy Il matrimonio segreto (The Secret Marriage), opening January 26, 2013, also a new production by Pittsburgh Opera. In another new production from Boston Lyric Opera, a Puccini favorite arrives “as the robins make their nests”: Madama Butterfly, opening March 16, 2013 with Maria Luigia Borsi and Bryan Hymel in their Pittsburgh Opera debuts as Cio-Cio San and Pinkerton, Dwayne Croft (Eugene Onegin, 2009) as Sharpless, and Mika Shigematsu as Suzuki, also in a company debut. Opening April 27, 2013, Rossini’s La cenerentola (Cinderella), that fairy tale with a message of forgiveness, brings back former Resident Artist Arthur Espiritu (Pagliacci, 2006) as Prince Ramiro in a colorful Minnesota Opera production. Pittsburgh Opera Music Director Antony Walker conducts three of the season’s operas: Rigoletto, Don Giovanni, and La cenerentola. Jean-Luc Tingaud (Dialogues of the Carmelites, 2011) returns to conduct Madama Butterfly.

SPECIAL EVENTS

No Pittsburgh Opera season would be complete without the Company’s signature gala events: Diamond Horseshoe Ball and Maecenas. The 58th annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball kicks off the 2012-‘13 season September 22, 2012 at Omni William Penn Hotel; Maecenas XXIV will carry on the tradition of Pittsburgh Top Ten parties on May 11, 2013, closing the season with panache at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters. After three unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations in 2009, 2010, and 2011, Pittsburgh Opera will again present the Auld Lang Syne New Year’s Eve Gala on December 31, 2012. In late February 2013, the annual Cabaret returns in not one, but four performances, featuring the Resident Artists in a free-wheeling, funny, and sometimes naughty revue that always holds delightful surprises.

FREE EVENTS

Pittsburgh Opera strives to bring opera to all members of the community and is pleased to continue offering free events in the 2012-‘13 season. The Company will introduce its Resident Artists to the community in Rising Stars, September 29, 2012 in the George R. White Opera Studio of Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue). Brown Bag concerts will continue monthly from October 2012 to April 2013; the insightful Opera Up Close returns five times per season on selected Sundays prior to each production’s opening. The community is also invited to Art Song Recitals in the 2012-‘13 season, starring the Resident Artists; these free recitals are generously hosted by the Pittsburgh Opera Guilds. Also, the Company continues Meet the Artists with Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn, immediately following each Tuesday opera performance at the Benedum and at CAPA Theater. Pittsburgh Opera also collaborates for a third season with Point Park University for the Pittsburgh Opera Film Series, held on Thursday evenings in the George R. White Theatre on the Point Park campus Downtown. Guests enjoy films inspired by the season’s operas and a reception hosted by Point Park University’s student film club, the John P. Harris Society.

OPERA BROADCASTS/PREVIEWS

Pittsburgh Opera partners with Classical WQED FM 89.3 to broadcast its opera performances on the airwaves and via the station’s website. Beginning September 8, 2012 with La traviata, WQED FM 89.3 will broadcast the 2011-12 operas at 1:30 PM on consecutive Saturdays, through October 6. WQED also produces half-hour previews of each upcoming opera; check the Pittsburgh Opera website for specific dates.

TICKETS/SUBSCRIPTIONS

As part of Pittsburgh Opera’s continued efforts to make opera accessible to all members of the community, single tickets for the 2012-‘13 season will again start at just $10, with subscriptions starting at just $43 for four operas. New subscription sales begin April 20, 2012 and single ticket sales begin August 27, 2012. To purchase a subscription or for additional information, call (412) 456-6666 or visit www.pittsburghopera.org.

Rigoletto
by Giuseppe Verdi

Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, after Victor Hugo’s play Le roi s’amuse
Sung in Italian with English texts projected above the stage

Four performances at the Benedum Center

Performances

Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 8:00 PM Friday, October 12, 2012 at 8:00 PM

Tuesday, October 9, 2012 at 7:00 PM Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 2:00 PM

Overview of Rigoletto

Verdi was in an ideal position to choose his own projects in 1850 when La Fenice commissioned a work from him. His selection of Victor Hugo’s Le roi s’amuse riled the authorities, though, who took offense at the characterization of King Francis I, a Restoration-era monarch. After changing the royal character from a king to a duke with no living descendants, Verdi and Piave renamed the opera (previously The Malediction), and the jester’s name changed from Triboulet to Rigoletto. The opera was a resounding success from its premiere, with “La donna e mobile” being sung and whistled in the streets: an instant classic.

Pittsburgh Opera is pleased to bring back Mark Delavan in the title role, who appeared as Falstaff in 2009, and also sings Scarpia in Tosca (March 2012). Lyubov Petrova (Ariadne auf Naxos, 2006) returns as Gilda; her most recent appearance here was as Lucia di Lammermoor (2010), stepping in for an ailing Laura Claycomb. The production, currently on stage at Utah Opera, is traditional. Music Director Antony Walker conducts.

Cast and Artistic Team: Rigoletto

Rigoletto Mark Delavan
Gilda Lyubov Petrova
Duke of Mantua TBA
Sparafucile Raymond Aceto +
Count Monterone Joseph Barron *
Maddalena Samantha Korbey *
Giovanna Nicole Rodin *
Matteo Borsa Juan José de León *
Marullo Kyle Oliver *

Conductor Antony Walker
Stage Director TBA
Set Designer John Michael Deegan and Sarah J. Conly
Costume Designer Susan Memmott Allred
Asst. Conductor Glenn Lewis
Chorus Master Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist James Lesniak
Hair & Makeup Designer James Geier
Sets and costumes from Utah Opera

+ Pittsburgh Opera debut
* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni


Il dissoluto punito, ossia il Don Giovanni
(The Rake Punished, or Don Giovanni)
By Wolfgang Mozart

Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte
Sung in Italian with English texts projected above the stage

Four performances at the Benedum Center
Performances

Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 8:00 PM Friday, November 9, 2012 at 8:00 PM
Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 7:00 PM Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 2:00 PM

Overview of Don Giovanni

Blending comedy, drama, and the supernatural, with a moral lesson at the end, Don Giovanni was nonetheless entered into Mozart’s catalog as opera buffa, and was a hit from its premiere in Prague in 1787. A popular classic, it was unabashedly admired by the likes of Kirkegaard, who wrote an essay about it, E.T.A. Hoffmann, who wrote a short story based on the opera, and Flaubert, who called it “one of the three finest things God ever made” (along with Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and the sea). Tchaikovsky’s Mozartiana and Chopin’s Variations on “Là ci darem la mano” are also homages.

Pittsburgh Opera welcomes back Michael Todd Simpson (The Marriage of Figaro, 2010) in the title role, along with Hao Jiang Tian (Turandot, 2011) and former Resident Artists Sean Panikkar (The Pearl Fishers, 2011) as Don Ottavio and Jennifer Holloway (Romeo & Juliet, 2006) as Donna Elvira. Sari Gruber (The Marriage of Figaro, 2010) joins the cast as Zerlina, while Erin Wall makes a company debut. In this new production, Justin Way debuts as Stage Director. Music Director Antony Walker conducts.


Cast and Artistic Team: Don Giovanni

Don Giovanni Michael Todd Simpson
Leporello TBA
Commendatore Hao Jiang Tian
Donna Anna Erin Wall +
Don Ottavio Sean Panikkar **
Donna Elvira Jennifer Holloway **
Zerlina Sari Gruber
Masetto Joseph Barron *

Conductor Antony Walker
Stage Director Justin Way +
Set Designer TBA
Costume Designer TBA
Lighting Designer Cindy Limauro
Asst. Conductor Glenn Lewis
Chorus Master Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist James Lesniak
Hair & Makeup Designer James Geier

New production by Pittsburgh Opera
+ Pittsburgh Opera debut
* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni


Il matrimonio segreto (The Secret Marriage)
By Domenico Cimarosa

Libretto by Giovanni Bertati, based on the play The Clandestine Marriage
by George Colman the Elder and David Garrick

Sung in Italian with English texts projected above the stage

Four performances at CAPA Theater, 111 Ninth Street, Downtown
Performances

Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 8:00 PM Friday, February 1, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 7:00 PM Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 2:00 PM

Overview of Il matrimonio segreto

In 1792 Vienna, the first performance of Cimarosa’s appealing comedy Il matrimonio segreto was followed immediately by supper for the company and an encore of the entire opera, as Emperor Leopold II was so enamored by the work: an utterly charming classic.

In this new production, Pittsburgh Opera once again features its Resident Artists in major roles: Meredith Lustig is the secret bride Carolina; Samantha Korbey will appear as the lovestruck aunt Fidalma, Juan José de León portrays the young clerk Paolino, and Kyle Oliver takes the role of Count Robinson. The sets and costumes for this new production will be designed by Carnegie Mellon University students; Resident Artist Stephanie Havey directs.

Cast and Artistic Team: Il matrimonio segreto

Carolina Meredith Lustig *
Elisetta TBA
Fidalma Samantha Korbey *
Paolino Juan José de León *
Count Robinson Kyle Oliver *
Geronimo TBA

Conductor TBA
Stage Director Stephanie Havey *
Set Designer TBA
Costume Designer TBA
Hair and Makeup Designer James Geier

New production by Pittsburgh Opera
+ Pittsburgh Opera debut
* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni

Madama Butterfly
by Giacomo Puccini

Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa

Sung in Italian with English texts projected above the stage

Four performances at the Benedum Center
Performances

Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 8:00 PM Friday, March 22, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 7:00 PM Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 2:00 PM

Overview of Madama Butterfly

American John Luther Long wrote a short story in 1898 that had a long life: David Belasco’s play (based on Long’s story) caught the attention of Puccini and he turned it into the 1904 opera; there are myriad films based on Puccini’s opera, 21st-century pop songs based on the famous aria “Un bel di”, and a ballet based on the opera, to name a few. The unassuming “Tragedia Giapponese” produced a versatile classic.

Maria Luigia Borsi, Mika Shigematsu, and Bryan Hymel make company debuts as Cio-Cio San, Suzuki and Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton, respectively; Dwayne Croft (Eugene Onegin, 2009) returns as Sharpless, and Joseph Gaines (Turandot, 2011) returns as Goro.

Jean-Luc Tingaud (Dialogues of the Carmelites, 2011) returns to conduct.

Cast and Artistic Team: Madama Butterfly

Cio-Cio San (Madama Butterfly) Maria Luigia Borsi +
Suzuki Mika Shigematsu +
B. F. Pinkerton Bryan Hymel +
Sharpless Dwayne Croft
Goro Joseph Gaines
Prince Yamadori Kyle Oliver *
Kate Pinkerton Nicole Rodin *

Conductor Jean-Luc Tingaud
Stage Director TBA
Set Designer John Conklin
Costume Designer TBA
Asst. Conductor Glenn Lewis
Chorus Master Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist James Lesniak
Hair & Makeup Designer James Geier

New production by Boston Lyric Opera
+ Pittsburgh Opera debut
* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni


La cenerentola ossia La bontà in trionfo (Cinderella, or Goodness Triumphant)
By Gioachino Rossini

Libretto by Jacopo Ferretti, based on the fairy tale Cinderella
Sung in Italian with English texts projected above the stage

Four performances at the Benedum Center
Performances

Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 8:00 PM Friday, May 3, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at 7:00 PM Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 2:00 PM

Overview of La cenerentola

Premiering in 1817, a year after The Barber of Seville and when Rossini was just 25 years old, La cenerentola was nearly as popular as Barber, until writing for the coloratura contralto voice went out of fashion. Rossini’s music experienced a resurgence in the 1960s, though, and the work has enjoyed more frequent performances and recordings. Because there were so few special effects available at the time, Rossini’s version of the Cinderella story has no magical elements, but this tale of true love and forgiveness makes it an enduring classic.

Vivica Genaux (The Italian Girl in Algiers, 2009) makes a much-anticipated return as Angelina; she reunites with her Italian Girl co-star Paolo Pecchioli (The Marriage of Figaro, 2010), as he also returns to sing the role of Don Magnifico. Former Resident Artist Arthur Espiritu (Pagliacci, 2006) will appear as the charming prince Ramiro, and Daniel Mobbs (Turandot, 2001) returns as Dandini. Kristine McIntyre (The Marriage of Figaro, 2010) returns as stage director. Music Director Antony Walker conducts.

Cast and Artistic Team: La cenerentola

Angelina (Cinderella) Vivica Genaux
Prince Ramiro Arthur Espiritu **
Dandini Daniel Mobbs
Don Magnifico Paolo Pecchioli
Alidoro Joseph Barron *
Clorinda Meredith Lustig *
Tisbe Samantha Korbey *

Conductor Antony Walker
Director Kristine McIntyre
Set Designer Erhard Rom
Costume Designer James Schuette
Asst. Conductor Glenn Lewis
Chorus Master Mark Trawka
Associate Coach/Pianist James Lesniak
Hair & Makeup Designer James Geier
Sets and costumes from Minnesota Opera

+ Pittsburgh Opera debut
* Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist
** Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist alumni


Tickets and Group Discounts

Pittsburgh Opera strives to make opera intellectually and financially accessible to a diverse audience and this season is proud to continue offering single tickets starting at just $10. In addition to single tickets, the Opera has a wide range of season subscription options, starting at just $43 for four mainstage operas.

Subscribers enjoy the benefits of:

¡ The best seats at the best prices
¡ Easy, FREE ticket exchanges
¡ Reserved parking at Theater Square Garage: $8 for each performance
¡ 15% discount on additional single tickets to mainstage operas
¡ 25% subscriber discount on the Resident Artist opera
¡ Priority invitations to the 2012-13 film series
¡ Money-Back Guarantee: – if subscribers are not satisfied with their first opera,
Pittsburgh Opera will refund the balance of the subscription


For tickets, call (412) 456-6666 or visit www.pittsburghopera.org.

Pittsburgh Opera is committed to making opera accessible to all groups in the Pittsburgh area by providing great discounts and special services to group ticketholders. Unlike the large numbers required by many other organizations, a group at Pittsburgh Opera can be as few as 6 people! For more information about group ticket services and discounts, contact Randy Adams at (412) 281-0912 ext. 213 or groups@pittsburghopera.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS

The 58th annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball
Saturday, September 22, 2012, 6:30 PM
Omni William Penn Hotel

Pittsburgh Opera special events have developed a reputation for elegance and excitement in the Company’s history. The annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball is its signature season kickoff event, where guests enjoy an evening of dinner, dancing, special entertainment, and cocktails. Each year, one lucky guest is selected at random to receive a diamond-encrusted pendant in the shape of a horseshoe. The 58th annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2012, at the Omni William Penn Hotel. Call Samuel Badger at (412) 281-0912, ext. 225 for more information about Diamond Horseshoe Ball.

Rising Stars
Saturday, September 29, 2012, 6:00 PM
George Rowland White Opera Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)

Pittsburgh Opera hosts its annual Rising Stars on Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 6:00 PM in the Opera’s Strip District headquarters. Rising Stars is the community’s first opportunity to meet the incoming Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artists, using the opera audition process to introduce the singers. This performance is free and open to the public. At Rising Stars, each Resident Artist first performs a selection of his or her own choosing, followed with one chosen by General Director Christopher Hahn and Music Director Antony Walker. A final aria to conclude the concert is selected by audience members via texting technology. Specific details about the event will be released at a later date. Visit www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912 for more information about the Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist Program.

Auld Lang Syne IV – New Year’s Eve Celebration
Monday, December 31, 2012, 6:00 PM
Carnegie Music Hall, Oakland (4400 Forbes Avenue)

Pittsburgh Opera continues its newest tradition, Auld Lang Syne, in the 2012-‘13 season.

Building on the success of the inaugural Auld Lang Syne in 2009, this season’s festivities are sure to ring in the New Year in style. The fourth annual Auld Lang Syne will be held on Monday, December 31, 2012. Specific details will be released at a later date.

Cabaret
February 22, 23, 24, 26, 2013
George Rowland White Opera Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)

Showcasing the talents of the Resident Artists, the annual Pittsburgh Opera Cabaret continues to delight with a free-wheeling revue of favorites from Broadway and musical theater, plus novelty tunes, in the intimate George Rowland White Opera Studio in Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters, 2425 Liberty Avenue, in the Strip.

Cabaret will be offered on subscription series in 2012-‘13, with shows Friday and Saturday, February 22 and 23 at 8:00 PM; Sunday, February 24 at 2:00 PM; and Tuesday, February 26 at 7:00 PM. More specific details about the event will be released at a later date. Visit www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912 for more information about the Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artist Program.

Maecenas Gala – Maecenas XXIX
Saturday, May 11, 2013, 6:00 PM
Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)

Consistently hailed as one of Pittsburgh “Top Ten” parties, Pittsburgh Opera's Maecenas is the social event not to be missed! Named for Gaius Cilnius Maecenas, the wealthy Roman statesman whose name has become a byword for patrons of the arts, the Maecenas Gala has developed a reputation for a spectacular environment and great entertainment. Maecenas XXVIII will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters. Specific details about the event will be released at a later date. Call Samuel Badger at (412) 281-0912, ext. 225 for more information about Maecenas Gala.

Art Song Recitals
George Rowland White Opera Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)

In the 2012-‘13 season, Pittsburgh Opera continues to present Art Song Recitals free and open to the public. Each recital offers one-hour performances of art song literature from a variety of composers and styles, featuring Pittsburgh Opera’s Resident Artists. Art Song recital dates, programs, and performers for 2012-‘13 will be released at a later date. Call (412) 281-0912 for more information about the Art Song Recitals.

Brown Bag Concerts
Selected Saturdays, October 2012 - April 2013, 12:00 PM
George Rowland White Opera Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)

Pittsburgh Opera is proud to continue its popular and free Brown Bag Concerts. Attracting 200+ each month, these performances feature the Resident Artists of Pittsburgh Opera as well as the Opera’s artistic collaborators. Beginning at 12:00 PM on selected Saturdays of each month, October 2012 – April 2013, these one-hour performances are free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring a lunch and enjoy a concert of some of opera’s most popular arias as well as a mix of Broadway, musical theater and other selections. In the George Rowland White Opera Studio at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue), these concerts are a wonderful opportunity for an informal introduction to opera.

Brown Bag Performance Dates 2012-‘13
October 13, 2012 February 9, 2013
November 10, 2012 March 2, 2013
December 8, 2012 April 20, 2013
January 12, 2013

Visit www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912 for more information about the Brown Bag Concerts.

Additional Events

Pittsburgh Opera 2011-2012 Season Performances on WQED-FM 89.3

Pittsburgh Opera, in collaboration with Classical WQED-FM 89.3, will broadcast the 2011-2012 season productions, giving listeners an opportunity to enjoy the operas all over again. For more information, call (412) 281-0912.

Pittsburgh Opera 2011-‘12 Opera Broadcast Dates 2012-‘13

La traviata – September 8, 2012 Tosca – September 29, 2012
The Pearl Fishers – September 15, 2012 The Abduction from the Seraglio –
Hansel & Gretel – September 22, 2012 October 6, 2012

Pittsburgh Opera Previews on WQED-FM 89.3

Hosted by WQED’s Stephen Baum, these previews are heard twice before each production opens, giving listeners an in-depth introduction to the singers, music and production of each of the season’s operas. Specific dates and details for each preview will be released at a later date. For more information, call (412) 281-0912.

Opera Up Close

Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue)
Selected Sundays, 2:00 PM

Pittsburgh Opera is proud to host another season of its popular and free Opera Up Close presentations. These entertaining and insightful programs are offered five times per season in Pittsburgh Opera’s headquarters (2425 Liberty Avenue) in the Strip District. Each Opera Up Close begins with an in-depth musical analysis of the opera with Maestro Antony Walker or a guest conductor, followed by a lively panel discussion.

Opera Up Close Dates 2012-‘13
Rigoletto – September 23, 2012 Madama Butterfly – March 3, 2013
Don Giovanni – October 21, 2012 La cenerentola – April 14, 2013
Il matrimonio segreto – January 13, 2013

Opera Up Close is free and open to the public. Visit www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912 for more information about Opera Up Close.

Pre-Opera Talks

Ticketholders are invited to attend a Pre-Opera Talk one hour before each performance’s curtain in the Main Floor/Orchestra section of the Benedum Center. Learn about the composer, the story and some juicy details about the opera! These talks are free to all ticketholders. Visit www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912 for more information about Pre-Opera Talks.

Meet the Artists

Ticketholders for each Tuesday opera performance are invited to join General Director Christopher Hahn immediately following the performance to enjoy light refreshments and repartee, as Mr. Hahn interviews the stars of the production. This event is free to all Tuesday opera ticketholders, and is held in the Lower Lobby for Benedum performances and in the Black Box for CAPA performances.

Rigoletto – Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Don Giovanni – Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Il matrimonio segreto – Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at CAPA Theater
Madama Butterfly – Tuesday, March 19, 2013
La cenerentola – Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Visit www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912 for more information about Meet the Artists.

Pittsburgh Opera/Point Park University Film Series
George R. White Theatre/University Center, 414 Wood Street

A popular event in 2011-‘12, the Pittsburgh Opera Film Series returns, hosted in collaboration with Point Park University and the John P. Harris Society. Guests enjoy films inspired by the season’s operas and get to know other opera lovers with an interest in film. The 2012-‘13 series includes the recently-restored Yiddish film “The Jester” as a companion to Rigoletto, and the fantastical “Donkey Skin (Peau d’Ane)” to go along with La cenerentola, among others. Specific dates and details for each film screening will be released at a later date. Call (412) 281-0912 for more information about the Pittsburgh Opera/Point Park University Film Series.

Pittsburgh Opera’s 2011-2012 season continues a 73-year tradition of excellence in opera. 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 again start at $10.

 2011-2012 Season

La traviata October 15, 18, 21, 23, 2011
The Pearl Fishers November 12, 15, 18, 20, 2011
Hansel & Gretel January 28, 31; February 3, 5, 2012
Tosca March 24, 27, 30; April 1, 2012
The Abduction from the Seraglio April 28; May 1, 4, 6, 2012


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

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Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh