2012 Opera Gala: From Vienna to Paris to New York
On Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 8 PM at the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle, operatic music will be celebrated in Toledo, doing what this music does so well, exploring the human heart and soul. Toledo Opera takes you on an aria tour of three of the world's great musical capitols during three important phases of stage music history. In Mozart's 18th-century Vienna we see everything from comic absurdity, mystical symbolism and Greek tragedy to dramatic intrigue. Next is 19th-century Paris, as seen by Georges Bizet and his countrymen, all in the thrall of exotic Spain. Finally, witness the 20th-century New York City of Leonard Bernstein, where high art and entertainment blended with such memorable perfection. On display throughout the evening is some of the best music ever written for the human voice.
Stefan Sanderling , Principal Conductor of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, makes his debut as the Conductor of Toledo Opera’s annual Opera Gala, leading five vocal artists, the Toledo Opera Chorus and the Symphony in a program of solos, duets, ensembles and orchestral overtures.
The principal artists are well prepared to handle the demands of a program that spans three different musical periods and styles.
Laura Pedersen, described as having a lush, high lyric soprano voice, has performed as a Guest Artist with the Cincinnati Pops, where she sang selections ranging from Madame Butterfly to Phantom of the Opera.
Lyric coloratura soprano Marcy Richardson, who recently debuted at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, has a passion for both baroque music and musical theater.
Mezzo-soprano Nora Graham-Smith recently sang the title role in Carmen with the New York Lyric Opera Theatre.
American tenor Cody Austin has sung the roles of Alfredo in La traviata and Don Jose in Carmen, and has also performed with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops in a program called “The Great American Tenor.”
Baritone Michael Krzankowski has appeared in productions of La traviata and Così van tutti, has sung the lieder of Franz Shubert, and recently, has performed the music of Leonard Bernstein in concert with Opera Santa Barbara.
Tickets for the Opera Gala concert are on sale now. Tickets are from $25 to $65 and can be purchased by calling the Opera’s box office (419-255-7464) or on-line (www.toledoopera.org).
An After the Gala party will be held in the museum’s Green Room adjacent to the Peristyle, with an opportunity to meet the stars for savories and sweets (cash bar). The fee for the party is $25 and reservations can be made by calling Toledo Opera at 419-255-7464.
The 2012 Opera Gala is made possible through a generous gift from the Toledo Opera Guild and support from the Ohio Arts Council.
Press Release Contact Name: Loviah Aldinger
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Toledo Opera
Website or Link: www.toledoopera.org
Organization Address: Toledo, OH