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For immediate release June 2, 2011

Contact: Debra L. Bell, Director of Marketing and Communications Office: (412) 281-0912 ext 214 or [email protected]

Pittsburgh Opera to present in concert October 16

Pittsburgh, PA…Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn announced today that the Company will present 11-year-old singing sensation Jackie Evancho in concert at the Benedum Center on Sunday, October 16 at 5:30 p.m., as part of a festive weekend that begins with Pittsburgh Opera’s season-opening performance of Verdi’s La traviata on October 15. This will be Miss Evancho’s first live concert in the region as part of her tour. “I am so excited to be singing with Pittsburgh Opera," said Miss Evancho. "I've always dreamed of singing with a real opera company, right here at home, Discover Yourself 2011-2012 and now that dream is coming true." Season Miss Evancho’s renditions of “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “O mio babbino caro,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” “” and other songs will headline a concert that will also feature rousing opera selections such as the Triumphal March from Aida, the Anvil Chorus from Il trovatore, and “Va pensiero” from Nabucco, featuring Pittsburgh Opera Resident Artists, with a full orchestra and chorus conducted by Pittsburgh Opera Music Director Antony Walker. A limited number of tickets will also be available to an informal reception with Miss Evancho; details will be announced later.

Capturing the attention of the world in Summer 2010 as a contestant on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” Miss Evancho has since partnered with multiple-GRAMMY®- winning producer to release the Dream with Me compact disc, a collection of pop tunes, opera arias, and classical crossover melodies that includes duets with and “Britain’s Got Talent” finalist . Impressed by Miss Evancho’s vocal abilities last year, Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn said, “It is quite unusual to hear a young girl with that level of warmth and roundness,” and called her singing “lovely, and sweetly compelling.” “We’re looking forward to welcoming a sold-out crowd, cheering for Jackie in her debut with us,” said Mr. Hahn.

Miss Evancho has also recorded a Great Performances special for PBS, which will air on WQED Pittsburgh beginning Sunday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m., at which time Miss Evancho will announce to her fans her first live concert in Pittsburgh.

Tickets to the October 16 concert start at $40 and will be offered exclusively to Pittsburgh Opera subscribers through Sunday, July 24. Individual tickets will be available

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to the public on Monday, July 25. Opera season subscription packages are on sale now at www.pittsburghopera.org or by calling 412-281-0912.

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 will again start at just $10, with subscriptions starting at just $43 for four operas. Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now.

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 Discover Yourself 2011-2012 Single tickets on sale August 29, 2011, starting at $10 Season Season subscriptions for as little as $43 For ticket information visit our website www.pittsburghopera.org or call (412) 281-0912 Find us on Facebook and Twitter

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2425 Liberty Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 www.pittsburghopera.org