Experience the Joy… Experience the Music… Experience the Drama…

La traviata A Young Courtesan, Destined to Die Alone...

Cinderella (La Cenerentola) Wicked Stepsisters, a Prince Disguised as a Servant, and the Search for True Love.

Lakmé A Fanatical Priest, a Violated Temple, and Warring Generations…

The Marriage of Figaro (Le Nozze di Figaro) Sexy Servants, a Philandering Count and a Frisky Teenager…

Madama Butterfly She Fell in Love…And Never Stopped Falling

Season 68. Don’t Miss a Performance! www.fgo.org 2 Come as You Are... Let yourself go! You Don’t Have to Be a Snob to Have a Great Time at the ! People often have the misconception that to enjoy the For most performances you’ll find people are dressed opera you must be a classical music expert, wear a tuxedo, casually and elegantly, in true style. So don’t or be a snob to have a great time. Nothing could be further obsess over how you look. Just make sure you’re fabulous! from the truth. In fact, a night at the opera is a fun, relaxing chance for you to socialize with friends, see some amazing You don’t have to be an expert… performances, and experience some of the most beautiful music you will ever hear. One hour before every performance FGO’s own “secret weapon,” Justin Moss gives his famous opera talks. Justin Don’t worry about the languages… is an opera savant, but he speaks your language. He’ll give you some background on the composer, explain their While it is true that many are sung in Italian, French, inspiration for writing the opera, and give you an overview and other languages, you won’t miss a beat. You’ll find a of the plot. screen above the stage offering titles in both English and Justin can take the most complex arrangements and explain Spanish at every FGO performance. Operas are usually sung it in a way you can understand. He also lets you know in the language in which they were originally composed, about any special scenes, melodies, arias (solos) or duets because the musical values of certain syllables are not you’ll want to pay special attention for. You’ll get a real preserved if you translate to other languages. (That’s why “behind the scenes” feel for what will happen that evening, you will hear Parisians conversing in perfect Italian in La which will increase your enjoyment of the performance traviata, for instance.) immensely. And there are no pop quizzes afterward either. Opera is drama set to music, and both add to your So just concentrate on getting to the opera house on time, enjoyment. So just glance at the titles to know what is and relish the fascinating costumes, spectacular sets, and being conveyed. If you are not used to it, this may be a bit breathtaking music! distracting at first, but without them you would get much less of the story. After a while reading the titles becomes automatic. (And when the chorus or other singers repeat the same lyrics over and over, the titles cease in order to let you concentrate on the music.) Also, each performance has a synopsis, broken down by acts, letting you know what is happening all the time. Take a few minutes to read this before each act, and then you won’t get so wrapped up in following the plot that you don’t pay attention to the music. You can just relax and enjoy the music! Tux and tails not required… At FGO it’s all about the music. And transporting you to that magical place that only an evening at the opera can deliver. So don’t think you need a tuxedo or formal evening gown to attend. (Although you’re more than welcome to.) You don’t. WARNING: Be advised however, if you show up in Crocs, or sandals with socks, you may be detained by the fashion police! We do offer the chance to attend Opening Night Galas and Black Tie after parties, but you decide if you want to be FGO’s own “secret weapon,” Justin Moss conducts his famous a part of those. If you do choose to attend these special opera talks one hour before each performance. These behind- events, you’ll find they are a wonderful way to network and the-scenes previews of the productions give you background fellowship with the cast members, celebrities, and a “who’s information about the composer, the plot structure, and who” of area leaders. alerts you to special music to listen for. They allow you to understand, appreciate, and enjoy the performance more. 3 Message from the Maestro

Welcome to Season 68, a canvas rich in drama, romance, and adventure. It opens and closes with two of opera’s “top ten,” both with tragic heroines, and each with a variation on the timeless theme of salvation through love.

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly is based on an unlikely but true story from 19th century Japan, and contains one of my personal favorite love duets, with music full of passion and yearning. Verdi’s La traviata contrasts brilliant party music and romantic love duets with scenes of despair and tragedy. The duet between the heroine, Violetta, and her lover’s father, is surely what must be one of the finest creations in 19th century opera.

By way of contrast, Rossini’s La Cenerentola provides us with an irreverent and Monty Pythonesque take on the Cinderella story. The title role is written for a mezzo-soprano with formidable coloratura abilities, and throughout the opera we are carried along on a musical wave of breathless energy and zany humor.

The play on which Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro is based caused a scandal at its premiere. In poking fun at the upper class, it was seen as politically inflammatory, and was banned in Vienna where Mozart lived most of his life. In the opera, with its depiction of Cherubino’s adolescent sexuality, the nobility of the Countess, the temperamental and philandering nature of the Count, and the quick- wittedness of Figaro and his fiancée, Mozart gives us music of genuine hilarity and pathos, where human foibles are exposed and ultimately forgiven.

And finally, at the heart of the season there is something of a rarity for South Florida audiences. Léo Delibes’ ravishingly beautiful music for Lakmé contains one of the most beautiful duets for soprano and mezzo ever written, and the amazing “Bell Song” is surely one of the most difficult coloratura arias ever penned. Set in the exotic location of British Colonial India, Lakmé is a tale of two people caught in a struggle between duty to country, religion, and love.

Season 68 will be amazing. I do hope you’ll be a part of it!

- Stewart Robertson

Stewart Robertson has served as Music Director for Florida Grand Opera for ten seasons. He’s conducted New York City Opera productions that were nationally televised on LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER, and his recording of The Mines of Sulphur was nominated for a Grammy, for best opera recording.

4 The Coolest Night of Entertainment in Town More Captivating than a Hollywood Movie… More Powerful than a Broadway Show… More Magical than an Ordinary Concert… Experience the Adventure of Live Opera!

When you want an escape from The season continues with La You may want to see this one more the grind of work, traffic, and Cenerentola, Rossini’s charming than once! monotony, there is no better way opera based on the fairy-tale to put some excitement in your Cinderella. This opera features Check out our special subscription life than spending a night with mezzo-soprano Jennifer Rivera in offers, because by subscribing to our talented artists of Florida the title role, sharing it with mezzo the full season, you can attend all Grand Opera. No matter which Julie Boulianne, and dashing five shows for the price of four. performance you attend, you’ll Canadian Frédéric Antoun as There is no better way to enjoy experience heart-stopping drama, Prince Ramiro. Bring someone you the opera than by having your gorgeous costumes, beautiful sets, love! regular seats guaranteed for each and the most breathtaking music production. you’ve ever heard! Lakmé, is a lush, romantic story set in India. We haven’t done this So just say ‘no’ to another boring Whether you’re out on a first date, wonderful opera since 1964. It night of dreary television, renting celebrating your anniversary, or features the famous “Bell Song,” DVDs, or surfing the Net. simply enjoying a night out with which will be sung in the return of And say ‘yes’ to a friends, there isn’t a cooler way to South Florida’s favorite diva: Leah night of adventure spend an evening in South Florida. Partridge. Lakmé also features the at the Opera! Season 68 promises to be our Met’s celebrated baritone, Aaron best yet. St. Clair Nicholson. March offers - Robert Heuer the return of soprano Kelly Kaduce General Director We open with a new production as the Countess in Mozart’s classic, and CEO of Verdi’s La traviata, with sets The Marriage of Figaro. Kelly will and costumes designed by Allen alternate in the role with Elizabeth Charles Klein and directed by Caballero, who you probably Bliss Hebert, whose spectacular remember as Mimì in our last production of launched production of La bohème. Figaro our inaugural season at the new is one of the greatest operas ever opera house. Met tenor Stephen written, offering some of the most Costello, stars as Alfredo, and famous arias and duets you will alternating in the role of Violetta ever enjoy. are sopranos Eglise Gutiérrez and Ailyn Pérez, both rising stars in the The season will conclude with international opera world. It also the universally loved masterpiece marks the first time Italian Maestro from Puccini: . It Aldo Sisillo wields the baton for features one of opera’s truly great FGO. This opera is guaranteed to arias, “Un bel di,” and one of the have you spellbound. most spellbinding and intense endings you will ever experience.

5 A Young Courtesan, Destined to Die Alone... Can She Find Redemption Through the Power of Love?

Paris serves as the backdrop for leave Alfredo, but only if Germont You’ll be on the edge of your seat, one of the most captivating stories will promise that one day he will waiting to see if Alfredo can arrive in all of opera. La traviata is the let his son know of her sacrifice. It in time, and if our tragic heroine gripping tale of Violetta Valéry, a is here you will experience their can be saved by the power of love. teenage girl who comes to the City duet, in what is certainly one of of Light in 1839. To survive, she the most beautiful pieces of music You will simply love this becomes one of the city’s most you will ever hear. One of Verdi’s spectacular new production desired courtesans, fulfilling the trademark devices is to have one or directed by Bliss Hebert and secret fantasies of gentlemen, but more singers perform a throbbing designed by Allen Charles Klein. keeping her heart to herself. rhythmic pattern while another Italian Maestro Aldo Sisillo will sings a long, soaring melodic line wield the baton for the first time But things change dramatically, over the top. Listen for this effect for FGO in this opera. when she meets Alfredo, and they in this duet, and again at the end of fall deeply in love. (Listen closely the opera. Alternating in the role of Violetta to the duet in which Alfredo sings are fast-rising Latina soprano stars of his love reaching across the Alfredo returns to find her gone, Eglise Gutiérrez and Ailyn Pérez, universe. The melody recurs from and is deeply embittered, believing who have graced the stages of the time to time as Violetta is thinking she has returned to her old ways. Met and Carnegie Hall. of his love for her, including briefly The next scene contains gripping just before the end.) drama, as Alfredo encounters Handsome Met tenor, Stephen Violetta at a party, in the company Costello, will make his FGO debut Violetta has second thoughts of a Baron. Not knowing the truth, as Alfredo, alternating with however, as she discovers that Alfredo confronts and insults smoldering Leonardo Capalbo, who society has no place for a courtesan Violetta. She is sworn not to reveal is quickly establishing himself as a in love. This is the provocation the truth to him, but before she leading tenor with performances for her spectacular aria, “Sempre leaves, she sings, “Alfredo, Alfredo, at New York City Opera, Berlin, and libera” (Always free). you can never know how much Dresden. love for you I have in my heart.” It As Act II opens, we realize love has is some of the most beautiful music This heart-wrenching story, based won out, as Violetta is now living in the production. loosely on real events, has become happily in the country with Alfredo. one of the most beloved operas However the mood changes This leads us to the final act, of all time. One performance and abruptly when Violetta receives a one of the most enthralling and you’ll understand why in 100 years, visit from Alfredo’s father, Giorgio suspenseful in all of opera. Violetta the Met has performed La traviata Germont, who tells her that she lies dying in a cold, dark room, 943 times! You simply must is ruining the family’s reputation. reading a note from Alfredo’s experience it for yourself. Alfredo’s sister is to be married, father. Germont has learned that and the scandal of his liaison she is ill, and is rushing to bring jeopardizes the engagement. Alfredo to her. Violetta is hanging Playing the cruelest card of all, he on, minute by minute, hoping to be tells her that although young and reconciled with her one true love beautiful today, she will grow old before she dies. and Alfredo will leave her. She can save the family by giving him up now. In La traviata, Verdi has created In one of opera’s most heart- one of the most glorious musical breaking scenes, she agrees to masterpieces of romantic opera.

6 A Young Courtesan, Destined to Die Alone... Can She Find Redemption Through the Power of Love?

Leonardo Capalbo Ailyn Pérez Eglise Gutiérrez Stephen Costello

CAST: Violetta Conductor Set & Costume Designer Aldo Sisillo Allen Charles Klein Eglise Gutiérrez November 15, 21 & 23 in December 5 in Broward Stage Director Lighting Director Bliss Hebert Thomas Hase Ailyn Pérez Nov 19, 22 & 25 in Miami Dec 4 & 6 in Broward

Alfredo Stephen Costello Nov 15, 21 & 23 in Miami December 5 in Broward

Leonardo Capalbo Nov 19, 22, & 25 in Miami New Co-Production—Florida Grand Opera and Dec 4 & 6 in Broward

Germont This production is made possible by a generous gift in Luis Ledesma Nov 15, 21 & 23 in Miami honor of Audrey Love from the Audrey Love Charitable December 5 in Broward Foundation.

Mark Walters Nov 19, 22 & 25 in Miami Sung in Italian with English and Spanish projected titles made Dec 4 & 6 in Broward possible by .

This is the opera Richard Gere took Julia Roberts to see in the movie Pretty Woman. Violetta’s “Amami, Alfredo” is one of the musical highlights featured in the soundtrack. The film Moulin Rouge is actually a recycled take on La traviata, but using more recent pop tunes. Both movies and the original opera all deal with the plot of a lady of the evening who finds love when she least expects it. etc. La traviata 7 Wicked Stepsisters, a Prince Disguised as a Servant, and the Search for True Love. Can a Peasant Girl Become a Princess?

Though he left out the pumpkin, cast. When Don Magnifico prepares to Jennifer Rivera will perform the title glass slipper, and fairy godmother, present his two daughters, he is asked role, sharing it with Julie Boulianne. Rossini was true in every other way about a third and responds that she has Rivera has been rapidly earning to everyone’s favorite rags-to-riches died. Cenerentola sadly overhears him, recognition as a superb lyric mezzo- classic, Cinderella. Many believe this is and resigns herself to staying home. soprano, and you’ll see why both the his best work, with music that will touch New York Times and the New York Sun your soul. This “once upon a time” story The intervention of Alidoro, Prince have hailed her as “someone to watch.” is complete with wicked stepsisters, a Ramiro’s tutor, rather than a fairy Boulianne is one of today’s most quintessential Prince Charming, and, of godmother transforms Cenerentola promising young Canadian lyric artists. course, a “they lived happily ever after” from rags to ballgown, and she is ending. spirited away to the ball. The ruse Rossini composed this opera when continues, with the Prince disguised as he was only 25 years old, following The fairy tale of Cinderella has roots the servant and the servant disguised the success of the deep in antiquity, and variations on as the Prince. Clorinda and Tisbe are year before. La Cenerentola, which the story are to be found in virtually rude to the Prince, believing him to be he completed in just three weeks, is every culture: Cenerentola (Italy), the servant, and make much over the considered to have some of his finest Cendrillon (France), Cenicienta (Spain) servant, believing him to be the Prince. writing for arias and ensembles. and Aschenputtel (Germany), to Cenerentola, having earlier been name but a few. And a good story smitten by “the servant,” is interested It was first performed in Rome in 1817, it is, too, of oppression, redemption, only in him. and received with hostility. But it soon and forgiveness. It’s an even better became popular throughout Italy and opera, with enchanting sets, stunning When the truth is finally revealed, beyond; it reached Lisbon in 1819, costumes, and simply dazzling music. Clorinda, Tisbe, and their father, Don London in 1820 and New York in 1826. Magnifico, are devastated, and seeing Through most of the 19th century, its Poor Cenerentola lives with her ugly Cenerentola now chosen by the popularity rivaled that of Barber. But stepsisters, Clorinda and Tisbe, and her Prince, fear her retribution. Instead the title role is written for a mezzo- evil stepfather Don Magnifico, who has Cenerentola sings that she was born to soprano with formidable coloratura cheated her out of her entire fortune, sorrow and tears, but now everything abilities, and the difficulty finding and keeps her in the house as a scullery has changed, and in a glorious rondo singers caused it to slowly fall out of maid. finale, she showers her relatives with many repertoires. forgiveness as she takes her place The stepsisters bicker and fight while beside the Prince. It’s a spectacular However, in the 1970’s Rossini enjoyed Cenerentola, isolated and alone, sings aria and brilliant ending, packed with a renaissance, and a new generation of a sad folk-tune as she goes about her coloratura and fireworks, guaranteed Rossini mezzo-sopranos (such as Cecilia tasks. The song, curiously enough, is to have you leaving the theater living Bartoli, Ewa Podles, and others) brought about a king who chooses a wife for happily ever after! the work to the forefront again. Today it her innocence and goodness, rather reigns as Rossini’s second most popular than for wealth and power. Things get Rossini’s music was so popular that after opera after Barber. exciting when heralds announce that he had retired, the next generation Prince Ramiro will be giving a ball at of composers complained that if they La Cenerentola provides wacky comedy, which he will choose a wife. wanted to eat, they had to write in his wonderful music, and a heart-warming style, because that was all audiences ending. Now is your chance to The Prince has learned that there is an wanted to hear. This bel canto style experience the fairy tale for yourself! interesting woman in the household requires tremendous vocal agility, and who may be a worthy companion, a beautiful voice with the ability to and he comes to investigate disguised sustain long, exposed vocal lines. as his servant, Dandini. Cenerentola is startled when she sees him, and a This production features dashing wonderful, hesitant duet ensues, during Canadian tenor Frédéric Antoun as a sustained, electric moment. The die is the sweet-voiced and ardent prince. 8 Wicked Stepsisters, a Prince Disguised as a Servant, and the Search for True Love. Can a Peasant Girl Become a Princess?

Baltimore Opera Company production, 1999. (c) Stan Barouh Julie Boulianne

Jennifer Rivera Frédéric Antoun CAST: Cenerentola Conductor Costume Designer Jennifer Rivera January 24, 27 & 30 in Miami Joel Revzen (Miami) John Lehmeyer February 7 in Broward Andrew Bisantz (Broward)

Julie Boulianne January 25, 28 & 31 in Miami Stage Director Lighting Designer February 5 in Broward A. Scott Parry Gordon W. Olson

Don Ramiro Set Designer Frédéric Antoun All Performances Gary Eckhart

Don Magnifico Gaètan Laperriére All Performances Opera Production The Miami performances of La Cenerentola are supported by Dandini Funding Arts Network Marian Pop All Performances Sung in Italian with English and Spanish projected titles made Clorinda possible by . Nili Riemer All Performances In Rossini’s version of Cinderella, a pair of bracelets replaces the glass slipper, because at that time it was considered indecent for a woman to bare her naked foot on stage! Other composers who wrote Cinderella operas include Massenet (1899) and Wolf-Ferrari (1900). Rossini also wrote the operas The Barber of Seville, and William Tell. The William Tell Overture is familiar to millions; but they know it as the theme music for The Lone Ranger television show. etc. La Cenerentola 9 A Fanatical Priest, a Violated Temple, and Warring Generations… Heady Love Meets Crushing Despair, with Two Young Lovers Caught in the Crossfire

Lakmé, set in India, is the passionate he has ever laid eyes upon her. behind. She returns from the spring, tale of a man and a woman caught But before he can leave, the priest and senses what’s about to happen. in an epic struggle between duty to Nilakantha returns to discover them. This leads to the climactic final country, religion, and love. Cultures Gérald flees, and the priest swears scene, one of the most gripping in all collide, generations are at war, and to kill the man responsible for this of opera. The poignant combination our young lovers struggle to find sacrilegious violation of the holy of hope, despair, and love will leave happiness amidst the chaos of it all. temple. you breathless.

Our story begins as Nilakantha, a The next scene takes place in a Lakmé marks the return of South Brahmin priest, is bent on rebelling busy marketplace. Nilakantha has Florida’s favorite diva: the remarkable against the occupying British forces brought his daughter Lakmé to serve Leah Partridge. Her roles with FGO that have forbidden him from as a lure to catch the intruder. He have included Violetta in La traviata, practicing his religion. When he forces her to sing, hoping that her Lucia in , goes to attend a gathering of the song, together with her beguiling Gilda in , and Cleopatra faithful, his daughter Lakmé and costume, will cause the soldier to in Julius Caesar and she made her her servant go off toward a river to give himself away. Lakmé sings debut last gather flowers in a sacred garden. her “Bell Song,” in which her voice season. Sharing the role of Lakmé Listen closely, as this is where they must imitate the tinkling bells on with Leah will be lyric coloratura sing the famous “Flower Duet,” a a magical staff that she describes. soprano Evelyn Pollock, a prominent breathtaking piece of music. As they This aria is renowned for its exotic emerging artist in both America and approach the water, Lakmé removes musical colors and spectacular, Europe. Celebrated baritone Aaron her jewelry and leaves it on a bench high coloratura. The song works its St. Clair Nicholson returns to FGO as she and her servant decide to get magic, but when Lakmé sees Gérald, from a stint at the Met to perform into a small boat by the river. she stops singing and faints. When the role of Frédéric. he rushes forward, Nilakantha stabs Nearby, British officers Gérald and him and flees. Lakmé contains some of opera’s Frédéric are on a picnic with two greatest show-stoppers, including young English girls. Driven by Then things really heat up… one of the most beautiful duets for curiosity, they accidentally break soprano and mezzo you will ever through a bamboo fence that Gérald survives the attack, and is hear, and of course the amazing “Bell surrounds the temple. Frédéric hidden in the forest so Lakmé can Song,” surely one of the most difficult warns his companions that they tend to him. They hear singing far coloratura arias ever penned. Is are violating the sacred place of in the distance, and Lakmé explains there anything more romantic than the Brahmins, but the girls notice that it’s a band of lovers going to arias sung in French? Bring someone Lakmé’s jewelry and want sketches drink from a sacred spring whose you love! of the pieces. Gérald agrees to stay waters confer the gift of eternal love. behind to make the drawings. She asks Gérald to drink the magical water in order to ensure everlasting Lakmé and her servant return love between them. However when and are startled and frightened Lakmé goes to get the sacred water, to find Gérald. But Gérald, who Gérald ‘s co-officer Frédéric turns up, is inconveniently engaged to be and convinces him to return to his married to one of the British girls, is duty: the army and his fiancée. entranced by Lakmé, and she by him. Lakmé, fearful of the consequences, Gérald knows he must fulfill his urges Gérald to leave and forget responsibilities and leave Lakmé 10 A Fanatical Priest, a Violated Temple, and Warring Generations…

Heady Love Meets Crushing Despair, with Two Young Lovers Caught in the Crossfire Delibes Léo

Photograph by Opera Australia April 2006. Aaron St. Clair CAST: Leah Partridge Nicholson Lakmé Evelyn Pollock Leah Partridge February 21, 24 & 27 in Miami Conductor Lighting Designer March 5 in Broward Stewart Robertson Gavan Swift

Evelyn Pollock February 22, 25 & 28 in Miami Stage Director Choreographer March 7 in Broward Adam Cook Elizabeth Hill

Gérald Set & Costume Designer Bryan Griffin February 21, 24 & 27 in Miami Mark Thompson March 5 in Broward Presented by arrangement with Opera Australia and Chad A. Johnson February 22, 25 & 28 in Miami Opéra de Montréal March 7 in Broward Leah Partridge’s performance is made possible by a gift Nilakantha from the Laurans and Arlene Mendelson Family. All Performances The Fort Lauderdale performances of Lakme are supported by Frédéric Funding Arts Broward Aaron St. Clair Nicholson All Performances Sung in French with English and Spanish projected titles made possible by .

The title role was originally written for 24-year-old American soprano Marie van Zandt, who helped ensure the opera’s immediate international success. The famous “Viens Mallika” or “Flower Duet” has been heard in movies as diverse as The American President, The Mirror Has Two Faces, Lara Croft Tomb Raider, and Meet the Parents. It has also been used in television ads as the soundtrack to sell everything from British Airways to Ghirardelli Chocolates. etc. Lakmé 11 Sexy Servants, a Philandering Count and a Frisky Teenager… Cupid has his hands full getting this wedding party to the church on time!

The Count makes sexual advances boy Cherubino, in what is known role of the Countess. to the maid, who is engaged to in opera as a “trouser role.” This is a Many consider Le nozze di Figaro the valet, who is pursued by an high-pitched male part, performed the greatest opera buffa (farcical older woman, who is annoyed in costume by a female. This gets comic opera) ever written. by a hormonal teenager, who is interesting later when Cherubino It was revolutionary for its obsessed with the boss’s wife… is disguised as a girl. So for those sexual misadventures, political of you keeping score at home, we connotations, and satirical Any questions? have a girl, singing the part of a treatment of the ruling class. boy, disguised as a girl! However its greatest achievement Le nozze di Figaro actually may be the way it defined the continues the story of Rossini’s Today, Le nozze di Figaro, one of form comic opera would take for opera The Barber of Seville. three operas Mozart composed centuries to come. Mozart gives us (Rossini’s opera was actually with librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte, music of pure genius and joy, filled written later than Mozart’s, but is considered to be one of the key with one breathtaking aria after they both were based on plays by monuments of western musical another. Pierre-Augustin Beaumarchais.) If culture. Mozart’s incredible you’ve seen Barber, then you know musical vitality never flags This delicious plot involving it ends happily ever after. throughout, and some of the most cross-dressing, sexy servants, delightful scenes in all of opera and sex-crazed masters was Or so we thought… come from this work. There are a howling success from the wonderful duets, and ingenious start. (It premiered in Vienna In Le nozze di Figaro, we learn collaborative passages. on May 1, 1786, with Mozart that the happiness hasn’t lasted. himself conducting, seated at the The Count has been cheating on Baritones Andrew Oakden and keyboard in the custom of the the Countess, and she is none Keith Miller make their FGO debuts day.) Although the 18th century too happy about it. Figaro now as Figaro. Oakden continues to censors didn’t find its parody of the plans to wed the Countess’s maid garner critical acclaim and made ruling class particularly amusing – Susanna, but discovers that the his New York City Opera main stage you, however, will find it hilarious, Count plans to seduce Susanna. debut last season. And in what delightful, and captivating! In a deliciously complicated must certainly be a first for opera, plot that you simply have to see Miller actually played professional to appreciate, the servants, in football for five years and is now collaboration with the Countess, becoming a regular at the Met. manage to ensnare the Count in a trap, where he is exposed David Pittsinger (Scarpia in FGO’s for exactly what he is. He begs 2008 Tosca) returns in the role of forgiveness from the Countess, Count Almaviva, along with Aaron who complies in a magnificent St. Clair Nicholson, who appears closing hymn. in the earlier production of Lakmé. Figaro also marks the return of two Along the way, we have astonishing of South Florida’s favorite sopranos, arias from an array of characters, Kelly Kaduce and Elizabeth including the hormonal adolescent Caballero, who will alternate in the

12 Sexy Servants, a Philandering Count and a Frisky Teenager… Cupid has his hands full getting this wedding party to the church on time! Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Wolfgang

CAST: Figaro Andrew Oakden March 21, 24 & 27 in Miami April 4 in Broward Bartolo Keith Miller March 22, 25 & 28 in Miami James Maddelena April 2 in Broward Andrew Oakden Susanna Marcellina Lauren Skuce March 21, 24 & 27 in Miami Dorothy Byrne Keith Miller April 4 in Broward Valentina Farcas March 22, 25 & 28 in Miami Conductor Costume Designer April 2 in Broward Stewart Robertson Johann Stegmeir Count David Pittsinger March 21, 24 & 27 in Miami Stage Director Lighting Designer April 4 in Broward Stephen Lawless Joan Sullivan-Genthe Aaron St. Clair Nicholson March 22, 25 & 28 in Miami Set Designer April 2 in Broward Benoit Dugardyn Countess Kelly Kaduce March 21, 24 & 27 in Miami Florida Grand Opera/Glimmerglass Opera Production April 4 in Broward Elizabeth Caballero March 22, 25 & 28 in Miami Sung in Italian with English and Spanish projected titles made April 2 in Broward possible by .

The play on which Le nozze di Figaro is based caused a scandal at its premiere. In poking fun at the upper class, it was seen as politically inflammatory, and in fact was banned in Vienna during Mozart’s lifetime. (Marie Antoinette had a reading of the play secretly given at Versailles.) By replacing political satire with sexual rivalry, Mozart and Da Ponte were able to sneak their comedy past the censors. The Imperial Italian Opera Company paid Mozart 450 florins for the work. This was three times the lowly salary he received when he had worked as a court musician in Salzburg. Da Ponte was paid 200 florins. etc. Le nozze di Figaro 13 She Fell in Love…And Never Stopped Falling The gripping true story of a young geisha, seduced and abandoned by a U.S. Navy Lieutenant

For him it was a few moments of passing what she will do if he doesn’t come back. watches silently, Kate begs Butterfly’s pleasure. For her it meant a lifetime of The question hits her like a thunderbolt, forgiveness and promises to care for her love and devotion. Family, fortune and and we hear one, from the orchestra. child if she will surrender him honor—poor Butterfly forsakes them all, to Pinkerton. for the officer who was no gentleman. Butterfly’s heart is broken at the very thought, and she finally arises and Butterfly receives the truth with stoicism, Madama Butterfly is the haunting story returns with a young child on her politely congratulating her replacement. of a young girl who was sold to be shoulder. A stirring brass fanfare She advises Kate to tell her husband to trained as a geisha after her disgraced accompanies his introduction. “Can my return in half an hour, and then he may father takes his life. But Cio-Cio-San, husband forget this?” she challenges. have their son. She herself will “find known as “Madama Butterfly,” falls in love Butterfly explains that the boy’s name peace.” She bows her visitors out, and and marries U.S. Navy Lieutenant B. F. is “Sorrow,” but when his father returns, is left alone with her child. Shamed, Pinkerton. To show her trust in him, she his name will become “Joy.” Sharpless is humiliated, and disgraced, will Butterfly has renounced the faith of her ancestors stunned at this latest news, and promises choose to live or, like her father, die and, therefore, can never return to her to let Pinkerton know of the child as with honor? own people. As Act I concludes, watch he leaves. for the duet, as Pinkerton carries her She bids a wretched farewell to her from under the stars to the bed, surely Times drags on, and Butterfly is the topic son, begging him to look closely at her one of the most rapturous love songs of much gossip. Just as things cannot face so he will remember her when you will ever hear. seem worse, distant guns salute the new he is far away. She puts a doll and a arrival of a man-of-war; Pinkerton’s ship. small American flag in his hands, then Unfortunately Pinkerton sees the In a joyous duet, Butterfly and Suzuki blindfolds him. She produces her marriage as a brief port of call in his strew cherry blossoms throughout father’s dagger — the very weapon he traveling life and soon sails away. the house and array themselves and used to commit suicide — and reads its Butterfly turns away suitors and sinks the child in gala dress. All three peer inscription: “To die with honor, when one into poverty — always believing he’ll through shōji doors to watch for can no longer live with honor.” return one day. Pinkerton’s coming. As night falls, a long orchestral passage with choral humming She takes the dagger and a white scarf In Act II, Butterfly is alone with her (the haunting “Humming Chorus”) plays. behind a screen, and emerges a moment servant Suzuki. Pinkerton has been gone Suzuki and the child gradually fall asleep, later with the scarf wrapped around for so long that everyone but Butterfly but Butterfly never closes her eyes. her throat. (The music is incredibly has begun to doubt that he will ever tense and dramatic here, and one of return. Butterfly has no such fears, In Act III it is dawn, and Butterfly is still the most difficult roles for any soprano however, and in one of the opera’s great intently watching. Suzuki awakens and to handle.) She embraces her child arias, “Un bel di,” sings in no uncertain brings the baby to her. She persuades for the last time and sinks to the floor. terms exactly how it will be when he the exhausted Butterfly to rest. Then Pinkerton and Sharpless rush in to find comes back. “One fine day,” she sings, Pinkerton and Sharpless arrive and tell the dying woman. The lieutenant cries “We’ll see his ship in the harbor.” She Suzuki the terrible truth… out Butterfly’s name in anguish… and goes on to describe how she will almost the curtain falls. die of anxiety while waiting for him to Pinkerton has abandoned Butterfly arrive at the house, and once he does, for an American wife named Kate. This final scene may be the most how she will nearly die of happiness. The lieutenant is stricken with guilt emotionally powerful in the history “This will all come to pass,” she sternly and shame, but is too cowardly to tell of opera. Madama Butterfly simply tells Suzuki, and forces her to agree that Butterfly himself. Suzuki is violently overflows with some of opera’s greatest it will. angry, but is finally convinced to listen music. The passionate duet as Butterfly as Sharpless assures her that the new and Pinkerton consummate their Sharpless, the American consul, arrives Mrs. Pinkerton will care for the child if marriage; her poignant aria “Un bel di” in with a letter from Pinkerton. Butterfly Butterfly will give him up. Pinkerton Act II, and the unforgettable “Humming is so overcome with joy that she keeps then leaves. Chorus” are just a few of the hauntingly interrupting the consul until he has to beautiful melodies that will linger in your tell her to be quiet. In a devastating Suzuki brings Butterfly into the room. soul, long after you leave the theater. scene, with Butterfly clinging to hope, She is glowing, expecting to find her and the consul growing bitterly unhappy husband, but is confronted instead about his assignment, Butterfly is asked by Pinkerton’s new wife. As Sharpless

14 She Fell in Love…And Never Stopped Falling The gripping true story of a young geisha, seduced and abandoned by a U.S. Navy Lieutenant Giacomo

CAST: Cio-Cio-San Conductor Stewart Robertson Shu-Ying Li April 25, May 1, 3, 5 & 8 in Miami Adina Aaron May 16 in Broward Stage Director Bernard Uzan Adina Aaron April 29 & May 2 & 9 in Miami May 14 in Broward Set Designer Shu-Ying Li Roberto Oswald Pinkerton Arturo Chacón-Cruz April 25, May 1, 3, 5 & 8 in Miami Costume Designer Lighting Designer May 16 in Broward Anibal Lápiz Gordon W. Olson

Alessandro Liberatore April 29 & May 2 & 9 in Miami May 14 in Broward Production of Opéra de Montréal Suzuki Katharine Goeldner All Performances This production has been made possible by a generous gift from the Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation. Sharpless Jake Gardner All Performances The performances of Shu-Ying Li and Adina Aaron as Goro Cio-Cio-San are sponsored by Northern Trust. Jeffrey Halili All Performances Sung in Italian with English and Spanish projected titles made possible by .

Madama Butterfly inspired the award-winning musical Miss Saigon, and music from Madama Butterfly has been used in countless Hollywood blockbusters. In fact, this is the opera that Glenn Close buys the tickets for in the movie Fatal Attraction. It is this music she is listening to when we see the first signs that she is losing her mind. etc. Madama ButterflyMadama 15 The Hottest Night in South Florida - Happens in Paris! Florida Grand Opera’s Opening Night Gala

Join us for an evening you will never forget, as for one You’ll be joined by the La traviata cast and creative night only, Paris relocates to Florida! On November team for this special dinner. 15th, the hottest ticket in town will be the Florida Grand Opera Gala Parisian Ball. It will be a spectacular In honor of Season 68, Florida Grand Opera evening of music, dining, fashion, and fun! commissioned five of South Florida’s hottest fashion designers — to create five of the hottest gowns — It begins with the opening night performance of for five of the hottest operas! Each designer chose Verdi’s La traviata. Then you will be ushered to a one opera from this season, and created a unique, private cocktail reception while the stage is cleared one-of-a-kind ballgown, inspired by the production. and reset, for a magnificent gala dinner-dance for 400 Bring your checkbook, because these gowns will be guests. This Bal à Paris will be the social event of the unveiled for the first time ever at the Gala — and you season in South Florida, and you don’t want to miss it. have a chance to bid on them! They’ll be part of the It’s a celebration of all things French—romance, fine fundraising auction during the evening. It’s a fun food, haute couture, fragrance, and of course, Paris. opportunity to support the opera, and own your very own spectacular haute couture gown!

16 • Rafael Cennamo of Cennamo Couture creates a gown worthy of Violetta for La traviata Here are just some of the amazing items you will have a chance to bid on • Nicolás Felizola of Nicolas Felizola Atelier & Studio is inspired by the and possibly take home: Cinderella story for La Cenerentola • Private Dinner with Met Opera Superstar Dmitri Hvorostovsky; • Ana Maria Guiulfo from “Ana G.” Boutique designs a gown fit for a princess for Lakmé • Spa Day at the luxurious House of Guerlain, Paris;

• Lisbeth Hazoury couture designer captures the fun and romance of • Cruise for two with luxury The Marriage of Figaro accommodations to any port of call on World Residensea; • Yoly Muñoz of Yoly Muñoz Couture forsakes it all for love, for Madama Butterfly • Elegant lady’s watch, from Van Cleef & Arpels;

There will also be lots of other cool things up for auction to the highest • Five-star hotel weekend in Paris, bidder. This is your chance to own signed opera memorabilia, weekend France; getaways, and other high-end luxury items. You get cool stuff, and FGO • Diamond and aquamarine earrings gets to present more cool opera! from M. Kanners Fine Jewelry; • Two front row seats at Mercedes-Benz Share in the “joie de vivre” as we celebrate the opening of Season 68, and Fashion Week, New York; Florida Grand Opera’s status as one of Florida’s premier cultural institutions! • Private wine tasting including a case of French wine, advice on building a wine The Opening Night Gala is a major annual fundraiser for Florida Grand cellar from Wine and Cellar Concepts; Opera, and tickets are limited, so make your reservations now! For tables, tickets, underwriting, sponsorship, and other information, please contact • Original fur piece from Castelli; and, Denise Courshon at (305) 854-1643, ext. 1202. • Other exciting things!

17 Don’t Miss a Performance! Subscribe for the Season and Experience All Five Operas, but Only Pay For Four When you subscribe for the season, you get a discount course you get the first option to renew your same seat that makes your fifth opera free. Subscribers receive each season every year. preferred seating, discounts and special benefits throughout the year. And you’ll get to experience all We’ll Work with You… the winding plots of mistaken identities, passionate If something comes up and you can’t make a particular encounters, heartbreaking betrayals, heartwarming date, we’ll work with you. You can exchange your reunions, and breathtaking music. There simply is no tickets for another day, so you never have to miss a entertainment option anywhere in South Florida that performance. Simply let us know by 4 p.m. on the day can compare to a season at the opera. You’ll find each of a weekday performance or 4 p.m. on Friday for a performance is the highlight of your week. weekend performance. And there’s no service charge to exchange tickets by mail or in person. (Of course tickets South Florida’s Best Entertainment Value... cannot be exchanged after a performance has occurred. Five-opera subscriptions start as low as $40. That’s eight If tickets are exchanged for higher-priced sections bucks an opera: Less than the price some people paid or performances then you must pay the difference, to see “Snakes on a Plane!” Children age six and older and if they’re exchanged for lower-priced sections or are welcome to attend the opera. performances, we cannot refund the difference.) Ticket exchanges are subject to availability. Lock in Your Seat… As a subscriber you select the seats you want, and then Advance Purchase Privileges… they’re guaranteed for every performance. And of Got some friends or family coming to town and want to

18 Don’t Miss a Performance! Subscribe for the Season and Experience All Five Operas, but Only Pay For Four snag some extra seats? As a subscriber you will receive to availability. Programming and artists are subject to first choice for the best available seating when single change. tickets go on sale. You’ll Feel all Warm and Fuzzy… Dog Ate Your Tickets? We only hire nice people for our box office! If you have Don’t worry if you forget or misplace your tickets. As any special needs or requests, they will do their best to a season ticket subscriber, we can always look up your help you. Call them now at 1-800-741-1010, or place and give you location passes for your seats. (305) 854-7890 and they will be happy to help you choose your seats and save you the paperwork. Or you Special Gift… can get them online at www.fgo.org. The best seats go Each year we do something to show our appreciation fast, so act quickly! for your support. Sometimes we collaborate with an artist to create a commemorate poster, or perhaps a beautiful calendar you’ll enjoy all year. Just know we appreciate you and will find a way to show it!

The Fine Print… Seating Priority for the most desirable seat locations is given according to donor level and number of TICKET HOT LINE: 1-800-741-1010, continuous years as a subscriber. Seating is subject or (305) 854-7890, or fgo.org

19 20 21 22 23 YOU Can Play a Starring Role! Even if You Can’t Sing a Note – We Can Make Beautiful Music Together! Your Sponsorship to Florida Grand Opera Keeps the Curtain Rising.

As you can probably imagine, opera is the most Over 100,000 tickets are sold to our performances labor intensive of all of the art forms. It’s a special each year in South Florida, and more than 50,000 collaboration of both visual and performing arts, youngsters and adults participate in our educational and involves the creative talents of singers, dancers, and community programs, which include in-school musicians, directors, conductors, technicians, stage opera programs, free concerts and lectures. We need hands, and set, costume and lighting designers. your help to keep serving our community in this way. They all work together to bring the magnificent productions of Florida Grand Opera to the stage. And Ways You Can Help: we can’t do it without your help!

Ticket sales only provide about one-half of Florida Outright Gifts: Your annual gift helps us Grand Opera’s annual operating budget. The other half maintain the Opera as a central cultural must come from gifts, grants and sponsorships from force in our community and one of the corporations, foundations, government — and help from people like you. Your tax-deductible gift makes it major cultural institutions in Florida. possible for us to create the spectacular productions Donating publicly traded securities in lieu you see on our stage, helps develop the careers of the of, or in addition to, your cash gifts can extraordinary singers who participate in our Young offer tax advantages. Check with your Artist Studio, and provides education and outreach initiatives that take opera to every corner of our financial planner. community.

24 YOU Can Play a Starring Role! Find the Level Right for You… In acknowledgement of their generosity, FGO supporters receive special Even if You Can’t Sing a Note – We Can Make Beautiful Music Together! recognition, and a variety of benefits Your Sponsorship to Florida Grand Opera Keeps the Curtain Rising. commensurate with their giving levels. Annual Fund Commemorative and Memorial Gifts: Gifts from $25 to $1,499 are deeply appreciated, and in recognition, are You can make a gift in honor or in memory listed at the $100 and over level each of a family member or treasured friend. year in the Season Program Book. Lyric Society Planned Gifts: Remember the Opera in your estate plans through bequests, Beginning at the $1,500 level, trusts, and other planned gifts, ensuring membership in the Lyric Society offers special benefits and recognition at its both your legacy and the future of the various contribution levels, including a Company. photograph in the Season Program Book. At the $15,000 level and above, donors Matching Gifts: Your contribution could also receive a half- or full-page profile. Other benefits include: attendance be doubled if your company participates at dress rehearsals, priority seating, in FGO’s Matching Gift Program. Check membership in the Opera Club, and with your human resources department. invitations to all Opera special events. (Sometimes retired employees are also Crown Jewel Society eligible.) Beginning at the $25,000 level, membership in the Society reflects the Become a part of the Opera’s family and commitment of major donors to the join us in keeping grand opera strong in mission of Florida Grand Opera and South Florida. More than 7,500 individuals represents the backbone of support for support Florida Grand Opera through their the Opera’s annual operations. Donor recognition includes a full-page profile membership contributions. Won’t you join and a photograph in the Season Program them? Book. At this level of support and over, benefits and recognition include production sponsorships, performance underwriting credit, exclusive events with performers and members of the Young Artist Studio, even private concerts at your home or business. For complete details of all categories and benefits, please call:

(305) 854-1643, ext. 1203, in Miami-Dade (954) 728-9700, ext. 1700, in Broward

25 Artist Spotlight… Leah Partridge

A Shocking Confession: Leah went straight from university to Florida South Florida’s favorite diva admits she sings Grand Opera’s Young Artist Studio, and became country when there’s no one around! one of its greatest success stories. She has received consistent praise for her virtuosic Leah Partridge, budding soprano superstar, and technique and dramatic insight. FGO has brought one of South Florida opera goers favorite singers her back in starring roles to rave reviews. has a startling confession: She always thought she would grow up to be a country singer. The The praised her performance of Georgia native grew up singing gospel and doing Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor as “a singular country duets with her sister Stephanie. triumph,” and the Sun-Sentinel wrote that she had “undeniable star quality.” Along the way She still loves singing country when alone at she has made some of the great bel canto roles home or in the car. “There are all the low notes, her own, and her career already includes many and I think they help my high notes when I sing performances as Lucia, Violetta in La traviata, and opera,” she says, laughing. “I guess. I don’t know.” Gilda in Rigoletto.

It was only when she was in college that one Last season she returned to FGO starring as of her professors recommended that she study Cleopatra in Giulio Cesare (Julius Caesar), and classical music with legendary soprano Virginia made her debut at the Met. This season you Zeani. There’s no doubt now it was a great career can see her again, as she stars in the title role move, as she went on to win first place in the of Lakmé. The part requires some of the most vocal competitions of Palm Beach Opera and difficult coloratura singing around, so that Opera Birmingham. country music must be paying off!

Leah Partridge as Lakmé

Photo by: Deborah Gray Mitchell

Leah Partridge’s performance is made possible by a gift from the Laurans and Arlene Mendelson Family. 26 27 Florida Grand Opera NON-PROFIT ORG. 8390 NW 25th Street U. S. POSTAGE Miami, FL 33122 PAID PERMIT #2339 MIAMI, FL