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21C Media Group now represents Dallas Opera

21C Media Group is pleased to announce representation of The Dallas Opera for media and public relations.  Dallas Opera, one of the nation’s premier opera companies, is preparing to open its 53rd season on October 23 with a production of Verdi’s Otello, in the company’s brand-new home, the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.  The intimate 2,200-seat opera house was designed by the world-renowned architect Norman Foster.

The Dallas Opera has maintained a half-century tradition of artistic excellence and community engagement.  Since the company’s inaugural concert, given by legendary soprano Maria Callas, many international stars have made their U.S. debuts at The Dallas Opera, including Montserrat Caballé, Plácido Domingo, Joan Sutherland, and Jon Vickers, as well as designer/director Franco Zeffirelli.  The Dallas Opera has also produced two world premieres and five American premieres.  The opening season in the Winspear Opera House will comprise 30 performances of five operas, including the world premiere of Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s Moby-Dick, starring powerhouse tenor Ben Heppner.

The house’s inaugural opera performance of Otello, with Dallas Opera Chorus alumn tenor Clifton Forbis in the title role, is being presented in a new Dallas Opera production by Tim Albery, with set and costume designs by Anthony Baker, both making their company debuts.  German soprano Annette Dasch makes her American debut as Desdemona, and The Dallas Opera’s music director, Graeme Jenkins, conducts.

Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer’s Moby-Dick, based on Herman Melville’s novel, will receive its world premiere on April 30 in a co-production with the San Francisco Opera, San Diego Opera, Calgary Opera, and South Australian State Opera.  In his Dallas Opera debut, Ben Heppner is to star as Captain Ahab, with Stephen Costello as Ishmael, Morgan Smith as Starbuck, and Jonathan Lemalu as Queequeg.  The production will be directed by Leonard Foglia and conducted by Patrick Summers.

Dallas Opera’s additional productions this season are Mozart’s Così fan tutte, Donizetti’s Don Pasquale, and Puccini’s Madame Butterfly.  A 500-guest benefit celebration of the new Winspear home will be given onstage on November 7, topped off with a concert performance by soprano Deborah Voigt.

Further information about the new Winspear Opera House, next season, and Dallas Opera’s illustrious history can be found at www.dallasopera.org.

For Further Information about the Winspear Opera House please visit: www.dallasperformingarts.com

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© 21C Media Group, May 2009

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