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DON GIOVANNI RUSALKA THE ELIXIR OF LOVE CARMEN THE 2015-2016 SEASON AT THE KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 1 Few experiences on earth reveal the sheer beauty of the human voice quite like it. Opera has the power to move, to change, to enthrall and to delight. It touches our every emotion and leaves us breathless.

Lyric Opera of Kansas City is thrilled to include four spectacular works for this upcoming season. Don Giovanni, Mozart’s haunting tale of lust and ultimate consequence, is updated to the smoky days of film noir, complete with fedoras and femme fatales. Rusalka is Dvořák’s lush and enchanting legend of a mermaid whose desperate quest for love means sacrificing her very self. The Elixir of Love, from Donizetti, is a delightful, bright and funny romp in a charming small town where snake oil may actually work. And finally, Carmen, Bizet’s sweeping masterpiece of seduction and betrayal, is complete with flaming dress and fighting bull.

The 2015-16 season will dazzle, seduce, thrill and charm with each performance. Lyric Opera brings the best and the brightest artists to Kansas City, so don’t miss your chance to secure your seat. Our Season Ticket offers have more options than ever before, so order yours today! © Aaron Lindberg

21 Order tickets today at kcopera.org or call 816.471.7344 START AT JUST $79! JUST AT START Subscriptions

© Aaron Lindberg © Patrick Pfister for Kentucky Opera 816.471.7344 revenge abound. while intrigue and Dark shadows hide mistaken identities or call kcopera.org at today tickets Order September 26 - October 4, 2015

MOZART'S

Dark Desires and Destiny.

Sung in Italian with English titles.

Snap-brim fedoras, trench coats and dimly lit speakeasies set the stage for legendary libertine Don Giovanni and his comic sidekick, Leporello. Seville has been replaced by the mean streets of the big city as dark shadows hide mistaken identities while intrigue and revenge abound. Mozart’s music is evocative and glorious as the Don romances and then discards his conquests. He finally meets his end at the cold hand of destiny in this beautifully reimagined masterpiece.

Appropriate for children 13+ © Patrick Pfister for Kentucky Opera

4 © Patrick Pfister for Kentucky Opera

SHOWTIMES Saturday, September 26, 2015 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2015 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2015 7:30 p.m. Sunday, October 4, 2015 2:00 p.m.

FEATURED ARTISTS

“Daniel Okulitch sings Giovanni with an irresistible bass-baritone that helps explain why women would be drawn to an oleaginous sociopath…” (New York Magazine). Okulitch makes his Lyric Opera debut in one of his signature roles, Don Giovanni. He has performed worldwide, including La Scala, Théâtre du Châtelet, Washington National Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Dallas Opera, and Los Angeles Opera.

Elizabeth Caballero as Donna Elvira makes her triumphant return to Lyric Opera of Kansas City after her highly acclaimed performances as Liù in Turandot and Cio Cio San in Madama Butterfly. She regularly performs on leading opera and concert stages internationally including the Metropolitan Opera and Seattle Opera. The New York Times hailed Ms. Caballero as “the evening’s most show-stopping performance, offering a thrilling balance of pearly tone, exacting technique and brazen physicality.” © Patrick Pfister for Kentucky Opera

Director Kristine McIntyre “not only honed dramatic moments of unerring dramatic accuracy, but also mined every ounce of humor in the work…” (Opera Today). McIntyre returns to Lyric Opera of Kansas City to direct this film noir-inspired new production of Don Giovanni. Known for her visually stunning and emotionally rich productions, other Lyric Opera credits include John Brown and Così Fan Tutte.

5 MOZART’S DON GIOVANNI

NEW 816.471.7344 Subscribers have more Subscribers have more season ticket package options. or call kcopera.org at today tickets Order

© Patrick Pfister for Kentucky Opera © Michal Daniel for Minnesota Opera 816.471.7344 lovelorn mermaid who yearns to become human . The story of a lovely yet or call kcopera.org at today tickets Order November 7 - 15, 2015

DVOŘÁK'S

Love, Loss and Longing.

Sung in Czech with English titles.

Although Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Dvořák’s Rusalka are based on the same Hans Christian Andersen fable, this isn’t your daughter’s Ariel. A hauntingly poetic libretto matched with a lush score, Rusalka tells the story of a lovely yet lovelorn mermaid who yearns to become human. The searing aria, “Song to the Moon,” is filled with longing as she prays for the prince to return her love. Her wish is granted, but she discovers that what we desire can also destroy and redemption is seldom granted.

Appropriate for children 11+ © Michal Daniel for Minnesota Opera

8 © Michal Daniel for Minnesota Opera

SHOWTIMES Saturday, November 7, 2015 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2015 7:30 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2015 7:30 p.m. Sunday, November 15, 2015 2:00 p.m.

FEATURED ARTISTS

Ellie Dehn returns to play the tormented title role in Rusalka after her highly lauded performance in the 2013 Lyric Opera production of La bohème as Musetta. Opera News wrote, “She has a luscious, silky voice and a pleasing stage presence.” Ms. Dehn has sung in many of the world’s finest opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro alla Scala, San Francisco Opera, and the opera houses of Geneva, Rome, and Bologna.

Emerging tenor Brian Jagde is making his Lyric Opera debut as the prince in Rusalka. A graduate of the San Francisco Opera’s Adler Fellowship program, Mr. Jagde’s recent engagements have included his debut at the Metropolitan Opera and performances with Santa Fe Opera and Deutsche Oper Berlin. Associated Press claims, “Lyric tenor Brian Jagde is the talent to watch for the future!”

Academy Award-winning and Tony and Emmy Award-nominated director Eric Simonson

brings his talents to the Muriel Kauffman Theatre stage to head Rusalka. His opera © Michal Daniel for Minnesota Opera credits include many premiere productions at Minnesota Opera, Opera Colorado, Pittsburgh Opera, and Carnegie Hall, most notably directing the world premiere of Silent Night at Minnesota Opera. He is a member of Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

9 DVOŘÁK’S RUSALKA

SAVE UP TO 49% TO UP SAVE 816.471.7344 over single ticket prices. Subscribers or call kcopera.org at today tickets Order

DONIZETTI'S

Passion, Pride and Potions.

Sung in Italian with English titles.

Donizetti’s bel canto comedy is a lively, charming tale of a boy, a girl and a love potion. The setting has been reimagined as early 20th-century America in a style reminiscent of Kansas City painter Thomas Hart Benton. Upright and slightly naïve Nemorino is infatuated with beautiful and slightly fickle Adina, who in turn is in the sights of the calculating and slightly devious Sergeant Belcore. Enter snake-oil salesman Dr. Dulcamara, a cheap bottle of wine (or two) and you have a fun and whimsical romp. A beguiling tonic of passion and humor, The Elixir of Love features exhilarating duets as well as the wildly romantic aria, “Una furtiva lagrima,” which will leave you enchanted.

Appropriate for children 7+ © Ken Howard for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

12 © Ken Howard for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

SHOWTIMES Saturday, March 12, 2016 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2016 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2016 7:30 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2016 2:00 p.m.

FEATURED ARTISTS

Making her Lyric Opera of Kansas City debut in the role of Adina, Chicago Tribune critics declared, “Biller’s light, sweet lyric voice and coloratura agility allow her to nail the highest high notes with ease and are at one with the spirited heroine she’s portraying.” Susannah Biller is a graduate of the highly respected Adler Fellowship Program at San Francisco Opera. She has performed in many prestigious opera houses including San Francisco Opera, San Diego Opera, Portland Opera, and Opera Theatre of St Louis.

“Reinhardt possesses a somewhat dark-hued lyric tenor with a strength and steadiness to intensify his vocal achievement” (International Record Review). Making his Lyric Opera of Kansas City debut in the role of Nemorino, Norman Reinhardt is a graduate of the prestigious Houston Grand Opera Studio. He has performed worldwide, including Houston Grand Opera, Theater an der Wien, Opéra National de

Lille, Theater Basel, and Garsington Opera. © Ken Howard for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

Kansas City audience favorite Patrick Carfizzi returns in the role of Dulcamara,

after his hilarious portrayal of Mustafa in Lyric Opera’s production of The Italian Girl in Algiers. “Mr. Carfizzi’s impressive bass is as powerful as it is handsome. Make no mistake, he certainly knows how to use a full arsenal of buffo vocal tricks and colors to nail his laughs…” (Opera Today). Mr. Carfizzi made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1999 and recently celebrated his 300th performance with the company.

13 DONIZETTI’S THE ELIXIR OF LOVE BEST PRICES. BEST at the 816.471.7344 Subscribers get the BEST SEATS SEATS BEST or call kcopera.org at today tickets Order

or call kcopera.org at today tickets Order The music follows his descent from from descent his follows music The soldier and lover to desperate murderer. desperate and lover to soldier April 23 - May 1, 2016

BIZET'S

Maidens, Matadors and Madness.

Sung in French with English titles.

Carmen, the passionate and devastating masterpiece by Georges Bizet, may be the opera even those unfamiliar with opera will recognize. Bizet’s score is seductive, alluring and perfectly matched to Carmen’s conquest of bullfighters, soldiers and smugglers. The fiery gypsy sings the signature “Habanera” as she sets her sights on local corporal Don José. He quickly falls under her spell, only to be cast aside and humiliated. The music follows his descent from soldier and lover to desperate murderer as he sends Carmen to her doom against the roar and cry of the bullring.

Appropriate for children 13+ © Karen Almond for Lyric Opera of Kansas City

16 © Karen Almond for Lyric Opera of Kansas City

SHOWTIMES Saturday, April 23, 2016 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2016 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 29, 2016 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2016 2:00 p.m.

FEATURED ARTISTS

Critics claim Latvian mezzo-soprano Zanda Švēde “possesses the looks, the glamour and the voice.” She is an alumna of the 2013 Merola Opera Program and currently an Adler Fellow at the San Francisco Opera. She recently appeared alongside world renowned singers Christine Brewer and Daniel Belcher in the benefit concert for Lyric Opera, Vinson Cole & Friends. She will make her Lyric Opera of Kansas City mainstage debut in the title role of Carmen.

Rafael Davila returns to Lyric Opera of Kansas City in the role of Don José, after highly acclaimed performances in Lyric productions of Norma and Il Trovatore. A Kansas City Star critic writes, “Davila displayed a lyrical voice with a spectacular upper range and beautifully focused tone.” A veteran singer, Davila has performed at opera houses worldwide, including Teatro di San Carlo, Palau de les Arts Valencia, Washington

National Opera, Oper Leipzig, and L’Opéra de Montréal. © Karen Almond for Lyric Opera of Kansas City

Jose Maria Condemi will be making his Lyric Opera of Kansas City directorial debut with the beloved opera Carmen. Condemi’s work spans all the major North American opera houses including San Francisco Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Opera Theatre of St. Louis, Cincinnati Opera, and Seattle Opera. The Oakland Post considers Condemi “one of the most promising and impressive directors in all opera.”

17 BIZET’S CARMEN 816.471.7344 SAVE UP TO $175 TO UP SAVE over single ticket prices. Subscribers or call kcopera.org at today tickets Order

© Karen Almond for Lyric Opera of Kansas City SUPPORT LYRIC OPERA LYRIC SUPPORT and make the biggest impact with your donation as you enjoy exclusive impact with your donation as you enjoy exclusive Opera Angels and make the biggest Lyric 150+ artists 350+ costumes DONATE WITH YOUR ORDER TODAY! WITH YOUR DONATE or call 816.471.7344. information visit kcopera.org For more But production costs far exceed the price of a ticket, as opera is one of the most intricate art forms you intricate most of the one is opera as a ticket, of price the exceed far costs production But Our mission is to make Lyric Opera of Kansas City indispensable to the public through transformational opera transformational to the public through Kansas City indispensable Opera of is to make Lyric Our mission and minds of our communities. the hearts captures service which and broad experiences Join may ever see. Rich costumes, elaborate sets, amazing artists and lighting wizardry combine to create an to create combine and lighting wizardry sets, amazing artists Rich costumes, elaborate may ever see. of Kansas City supports our mission by allowing Opera Giving to the Lyric experience. exhilarating, but costly, year after year. the same quality productions us to present Showcase. and Apprentice seating and invitations to the annual Angel Dinner receive priority benefits. Angels complimentary parking night cocktail parties and receive also have access to the artists, attend opening You’ll all this as well as Annual Fund Donor benefits. Opera performances. Angels receive for Lyric ABOUT US © Aaron Lindberg

Located in the Creative Crossroads of Kansas City, Lyric Opera of Kansas City is firmly rooted in the traditions that have made opera one of the premier art forms in history. But what also makes us special is our dedication to presenting beloved classics along with lesser-known and new productions that keeps opera alive and vibrant.

We showcase exceptional artists in a world-class facility, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, a miracle of sight and sound perfectly matched to each breathtaking performance.

OPERA TALKS The Lyric Opera Guild has two exploration opportunities for those who might be seeking a broader understanding of each Lyric Opera performance.

At Ease With Opera is a series of topical lectures in the weeks before each performance.

Pre-Opera Talks are presented one hour before the performance and provide an inside look at the composer, history and story of the show.

Each presentation is free to the public and will deepen the opera experience. Attendees are guaranteed to learn things they never expected.

EDUCATION & OUTREACH Because we believe that exposure to the arts can have a positive and significant effect on children and young adults, the Lyric Opera education staff works directly with Kansas City area teachers, parents and young people to create meaningful and educational outreach experiences.

Our award-winning programs include Spring Break and Summer Opera Camps, school visits, and student dress-rehearsal field trips. In 2014 we launched S.T.A.G.E.S., a summer program for teens to explore set design and production techniques. It was a fantastic success that we will expand and continue in 2015.

Order tickets today at kcopera.org or call 816.471.7344 20 MORE PRICING OPTIONS THAN EVER BEFORE! Best seat availability if you subscribe by May 15, 2015

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! KCOPERA.ORG OR CALL 816.471.7344

WED SAT SAVINGS SECTION OR FRI OR SUN UP TO

Balcony Value* $79 $89 49%

Grand Tier Value* 129 n/a 45% Parterre Value* 159 n/a 47% Orchestra Value* 229 n/a 42%

Grand Tier Ring 169 169 28% Mezzanine Ring 259 259 35%

Parterre Ring 169 169 47%

Orchestra Ring 259 259 35%

Balcony 99 99 37% Grand Tier 259 259 35%

Mezzanine 399 399 30% Parterre 259 259 35% Orchestra 399 399 30%

Balcony Prime 169 169 28% Grand Tier Prime 329 399 41% Mezzanine Prime 499 499 31%

Parterre Prime 399 399 30% Orchestra Prime 499 499 31%

* VALUE SUBSCRIPTIONS

Value Subscriptions do not come with First Choice of Renewal and have limited Schedule Flexibility. Questions? Call Ticketing & Patron Services at 816.471.7344

All sales are final. Programs, dates, artists and pricing are subject to change. Seating begins on May 15, 2015. A receipt will be mailed to you when your order has been processed. Tickets will be mailed by September 1, 2015. Headphones with assistive listening devices, along with large-print and Braille programs are available. Service animals are welcome. For more information on accessibility, contact Ticketing and Patron Services at 816.471.7344 or visit www.kcopera.org. A $2 per seat, per performance Ticketing/Facility Fee applies to each subscription.

21 SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS Becoming a Lyric Opera subscriber is quick, easy and guarantees your seat for each performance.

Best Value Subscribers can save as much as 49% over single ticket prices. And we will never sell individual seats lower than their subscription prices.

Priority Seating Lyric Opera subscribers have access to seats before single tickets go on sale. So you can get as close as you’d like to Carmen, Rusalka, Nemorino or the Don.

First Choice of Renewal Love your seats? Each year subscribers receive first choice of renewal for their season seats so you can stay where you are or try another view.

Schedule Flexibility No one knows what the future holds. Translation: sometimes you just can’t plan ahead. Subscribers can switch performance dates with just 24 hours notice. So you won’t miss the performance whether it’s the sniffles or the 2nd grade play.

Best Service Being a subscriber to the Lyric Opera comes with the best customer service you’ll find anywhere. But honestly, our customer service is great even if you’re a single ticket holder. It’s just how we are. Replacement Tickets We’re just as guilty of losing things as you are. But as a subscriber we provide you with replacement tickets at no cost. So if your tickets end up in your other coat, you’ll be just fine. Be The First In Line Subscribers can purchase additional tickets to each performance at a 25% reduced price before the general public. So feel free to bring a friend. Or two.

Be The First To Know Would you like to stay in touch with everything opera in Kansas City? Lyrical E-Notes, our monthly e-newsletter, has all the behind-the-scenes information, artist profiles, events and all you need to know about Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

Value Subscriptions do not come with First Choice of Renewal and have limited Schedule Flexibility. Questions? Call us at 816.471.7344 © Aaron Lindberg

23 24 2015-2016 SEASON SUBSCRIPTION ORDER FORM

STEP 1- ENTER YOUR INFORMATION

Name : Address: Phone: Email: STEP 2- SELECT SEATING CHOICES

Choice Day Section Price #Seats Subtotal example Saturday Mezzanine Prime $499 2 $998

#1 #2 #3

Please note any specific seating preferences for Ticketing & Patron Services:

STEP 3 - FILM FATALE - A FILM NOIR EXPERIENCE

 3 Film Pass  3 Film Pass & Dinner Package Season Ticket Holder ($45 ea.) Season Ticket Holder ($75 ea.) STEP 4- CALCULATE AMOUNT DUE

Subscription subtotal from above (first choice only) + Film Fatale = Ticketing/Facility Fee ($8 per subscription seat.) +

Suggested Donation Your generosity allows us to produce the best opera in the region. $150

Optional Parking  Valet ($64)  Garage ($32) + Order Total = STEP 5- ENTER PAYMENT INFO

 Credit Card No. Name on Card: Exp Date:  Check - Enclose with invoice, payable to: Lyric Opera of Kansas City

MAIL this form to: Lyric Opera of Kansas CIty at 1725 Holmes St., KCMO 64108 CALL Ticketing & Patron Services at 816.471.7344 or FAX form to 816.471.0602 VISIT www.kcopera.org to subscribe online 24/7

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