Final Day, Final Thoughts

Sadly, today is my last day at the opera house. I have to start making my way back to school and get ready for the endless papers and exams. It has been a great summer but it is time now for some reflection and final goodbyes.

I think the best way for me to really understand what I learned is to recount my expectations and how they changed or did not.

1. I went into this internship with a passion for the arts while not knowing a single thing about opera. I learned more in my first day on the job than I had in my entire life. I got to see my first ever opera, Rigoletto and I was pleasantly surprised by how much fun I had. The production was completely different than my previous musical theatre experience and I found a new form of art that I enjoy and plan to continue to explore. I think the most fascinating thing I learned is the rich history that is behind this unique art form.

2. I began the summer with an undying interest in finance and numbers and now have a greater understanding, curiosity and appreciation for all that goes into spreading the word about a show. As both the PR and Marketing intern, I got to experience a wide range of tasks and responsibilities. I wrote press releases, updated social media, compiled resources for students and much more. While these tasks are important to the operation of MOT, I came to recognize how important they were in keeping the community interested and involved in opera.

3. I have always believed the arts to be important but I did not know how truly significant they could be for a community until now. During the summer, countless kids filled the opera house for camps, workshops, intensives, and other programs. I now realize how important these programs are for the kids and their continued support of opera and how important this education is for the future of the arts.

4. Finally, before I started the internship I was seriously questioning my goals for a future in the arts. Now, I know that I am definitely in the right field, and I cannot imagine myself doing anything else. Besides always having a passion for the arts, I now know that this work has a marked effect on the community and is important for bringing people together. I am really thankful for this experience for reinforcing my goals for the future.

Overall, this experience has been way more valuable than I ever imagined. I am grateful for all the responsibility I was given and the people I met and had the privilege to work with. I had so much fun this summer discovering a new aspect of the arts and I will definitely be back at the opera house for many shows to come.

Solutions for the Opera Blues

With the season ending over a month ago, some of you probably have the opera blues by now. Here are a few ways you can stay involved with the opera house over the summer:

• The Detroit Opera House is presenting a few touring companies and shows in the months of July and August. First up for something a little different, on July 2nd the “Comedy Explosion” tour will be filling the house with laughs. Next, for those of you missing a little operatic music in your lives, Italian tenor Francesco Demuro will be performing on July 30^th. For more information about performances over the summer, visit the calendar on the opera house website: http://www.michiganopera.org/calendar.html.

• For all you performers out there, we have numerous audition opportunities available throughout the summer. Michigan Opera Theatre is looking to cast the role of Toby in the upcoming season’s production of The Medium. Auditions are next week so hurry up and send in your resume and headshot to Elizabeth Anderson elizabeth@motopera.org. In addition, MOT is always searching for new talent for their chorus. If interested, send your information to Elizabeth Anderson for details about upcoming audition times. Finally, for all the young performers out there, MOT’s Children’s Chorus is holding auditions Monday, June 27th by appointment only. Before sending in your resume and headshot or preparing for the audition, check out http://www.michiganopera.org/utility/auditions.html for more audition details.

• Michigan Opera Theatre also provides many camps and workshops throughout the summer. Check out http://www.michiganopera.org/cp/latoh.html for more details. Registration is now open for many of the programs, so don’t wait! You do not want to miss great opportunities such as the Summer Dance Workshop or Opera Camp.

• As the summer is almost halfway over, the new season is quickly approaching. Make sure to check out michiganopera.org for more summer opportunities, details about upcoming productions including finalized cast lists, and more.

• We love staying connected with our fans on the web, so make sure to check out and share your thoughts on our Facebook and Twitter pages, we love to hear from you!

• Finally, start getting excited for next season! The 2011/2012 season, FATE, is jam packed with great shows such as The Pearl Fishers, The Medium and much more. A season like that will surely make up for going the whole summer with no opera.

I hope this list gives you enough opportunities to curb the loss of opera over the summer. Just remember, the new season will be here before you know it!

BravoBravo? YesYes!

It’s official, BravoBravo! has taken over the Detroit Opera House. I took a stroll through the good old opera house and got you guys a sneak peek of what you are in store for or missing out on tomorrow.

If you haven’t heard, tomorrow is the best party to hit Detroit and you DO NOT want to miss it. BravoBravo! is the annual Detroit Opera House fundraiser, which celebrates all the best that Detroit has to offer. With this year’s theme being Hollywood, we are striving to outdo the glamour and entertainment of the Oscars. If you have already gotten your tickets, get excited! If not, sorry, I just found out that the event is SOLD OUT. I unfortunately do not meet the age cutoff so I will sit at home and regret not being born earlier.

Here are a few things I have seen so far:

• I checked out the weather for tomorrow night and you guys are in for a treat: around 70 and partly cloudy. Perfect for sitting outside in one of the tents covering the surface lot and enjoying your food and drink while taking in the awesome entertainment around every corner.

• After navigating through the maze of sound and lighting equipment, I did a little research about the entertainment in store. First up, on the Mainstage is Amp Fiddler. After working with such greats as George Clinton and Prince, Fiddler is returning to his hometown of Detroit to rock out the opera house with funk and soul. Another Detroit native, Nicole New, will be taking the stage with her “eclectic” and “energetic” style. There are also 6 other performers making sure to keep the party going to all hours of the night. Or until 12:30am when you don’t have to go home, but gotta get out of the opera house.

• What’s better than an opera house auditorium? An opera house auditorium filled with food. There will be over 40 restaurants and beverage companies making sure you do not go hungry as you explore the three floors of entertainment. I saw the layout for the food vendors and personally, I’d camp out on the main floor of the auditorium. Wolfgang Puck Grille, Andiamo, Rojo Mexican and MGM Grand Detroit Catering, just to give you a taste. Pun intended.

Do you recognize this opera house? That's right, this is the Detroit Opera House main floor auditorium covered with a stage, which will be filled with food vendors.

• If you still don’t believe that this is the “it” place to be tomorrow, let the trash cans do the talking. When the trash cans are covered in purple satin, you know that this party is going to be awesome.

Remember, dress to impress, you never know what local stars will be gracing the red carpet with you. Also, please drink responsibly and drive safely. After all, this is an event you will want to remember.

New Intern. Same Opera House.

Hi! My name is Alex and I am the new summer intern here at the Detroit Opera House. I started here a couple weeks ago and so far, I have learned more about opera in two weeks than I have in my lifetime. In the fall I will be a junior at the University of Michigan where I study Economics and Theatre & Drama. These two majors have nothing to do with each other and everything to do with each other at the same time. I am interested in business and arts and I could not have imagined all the possibilities to work in a business environment within the world of performing arts. I hope to one day combine my two passions into a career in arts administration and am really excited about the opportunity to be the Marketing and Public Relations intern. I look forward to giving you guys a unique perspective on what goes on around here and keeping you informed about all things art!

Always feel free to ask questions or share your thoughts in the comments, I would love to hear from you!

A First Time for Everything

Yes, I am an intern at an opera company and I had never seen a professional opera performance. As a theatre student I have worked on and seen more than my share of musicals and plays. Regretfully, I have only attended short operatic performances at my school’s music department concerts. Well, was I in for a surprise when I was given an opportunity to see the Michigan Opera Theatre’s last performance of the season, Rigoletto.

The very first thing I noticed when I entered the theatre was how well dressed the entire audience was. I am used to the business casual attire of musical theatergoers, not the suits and dresses of an opera. I must say I was not disappointed though, I love a good excuse to get dressed up. I had invited my mom to go with me due to her reawakened interest in performing arts, and clad in her nicest work outfit, she felt underdressed. Well, now we know. We took our seats and performed our preshow ritual of reading the entire program before the curtain goes up.

As the show began, I was blown away. The performers’ voices were simply amazing. One thing that intrigued me the most was the difference in sound quality from a musical. Instead of music that could be heard perfectly well while wearing earplugs, the operatic voices were not aided by microphones. The music floated through the air of the auditorium instead of pelting you like this awful Michigan weather. As a complement to the naturally beautiful voices was the sheer power of the huge orchestra. The music was both moving and commanding at the same time, and they did not fight each other.

During the third act, I was caught off guard when “La donna è mobile” began playing. I have heard this song so many times before, how did I not know it was from a famous opera?! This just goes to show how much opera affects the other art forms. I don’t even know how many movies and television shows that song has been a soundtrack for. According to Wikipedia, it has been featured in things such as South Park, Sesame Street, and Saturday Night Live just to name a very few.

As the curtain closed on the final performance, I knew my first venture into the unknowns of opera had been successful. I determined this based on a few criteria: I actually enjoyed the show, I was astonished by the talent and I wanted to see more.

I was not prepared for the vast differences between my usual musicals and this sophisticated show. However, I encourage EVERYONE to see at least one opera in his or her lifetime (although, after seeing one, I dare you to not see another). I was more than pleasantly surprised by how accessible and entertaining Rigoletto was and I can’t believe I have only seen one opera in my almost 20 years. My view of opera as too complicated for my simple tastes has forever been changed and I hope none of you and yours wait as long as I did.

What was the first opera you saw? Share your experiences in the comments.

DETROIT OPERA HOUSE ANNOUNCES
2011-2012 OPERA & DANCE SEASONS

FATE

Opera Season Opens with Company Premiere of Carmina Burana in Spectacular New Production

Dance Season Includes Three Detroit Premieres

DETROIT, Michigan, March 1, 2011...Michigan Opera Theatre announced today the details of its 2011-12 opera and dance seasons. The company's 41st opera season, entitled "Fate," includes a brand new production of Carmina Burana, as well as revivals of perennial favorites The Marriage of Figaro, The Pearl Fishers and I Pagliacci. Each production explores in its own way the human relationship to fate, and asks the eternal question, do we decide for ourselves, or are our fates already determined by destiny?

The Detroit Opera House's 16th season of dance, sponsored by a generous gift from Maggie Allesee, is highlighted by the Detroit premiere of the sexy and athletic Bad Boys of Dance, and the North American premiere of Swan Lake performed by Corella Ballet, Spain's only classical ballet company. The Maggie Allesee Dance Series also includes the return of the ever-popular Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and the Opera House will again host its annual holiday tradition of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker with the Detroit premiere of BalletMet Columbus' colorful production.

Opera Season | Dance Season | Ticket Information

OPERA SEASON

Orff's CARMINA BURANA
October 15-23, 2011

Performed in Latin with English supertitles

An all-new production and company premiere of Carl Orff's masterpiece Carmina Burana opens the season for five performances from October 15-23, 2011. Never before seen on the Opera House stage, Carmina Burana was composed in 1935-36 as a grand work for chorus, soloists and orchestra. After the premiere, the composer was so pleased that he said anything he had written before Carmina could be destroyed. The work begins and ends with the well-known and powerful "O Fortuna," a complaint to the Roman goddess of fate.

In addition to the glorious music, stunning aerial feats will be performed by acrobats who have worked with Cirque de Soleil, along with choreography and dancers from Detroit's own Eisenhower Dance Ensemble. The production will feature brand new sets and costumes designed by award-winning Detroit stage designer Monika Essen, who joined the company in 1998 and has designed productions for many area theater, television and film productions.

Carmina will be paired with Gian Carlo Menotti's one-act opera The Medium, marking the 100th anniversary of the composer's birth. Written in 1946, the dramatic tour de force tells of Madame Flora, who cheats her customers by holding fake séances, only to feel a ghost touch her hand during one session, driving her mad. The opera, which has been seen on television and Broadway, was last produced by MOT in 1973 with stage and film actor Sal Mineo.

American mezzo-soprano Melissa Parks performs the title role of Madame Flora, and Canadian Andriana Chuchman returns as both the soprano soloist and Monica, after most recently appearing with Parks in the company's acclaimed fall 2010 production of The Mikado.

Director Robert Swedberg will stage the production along with choreographer Bianca Sapetto of Cirque de Soleil, in their debuts with the company. The production will be under the baton of MOT Assistant Music Director Suzanne Acton, who last conducted A Little Night Music for the company in 2009.

Mozart's THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO
November 12-20, 2011

Performed in Italian with English supertitles

The fall season continues as Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro returns to the Detroit Opera House stage November 12-20, 2011. One of the most celebrated and delightfully amusing operas ever written, Figaro is regarded as a cornerstone of the operatic cannon. The boisterous romantic comedy involves a wildly entertaining parade of mistaken identities, cross-dressing and infidelity, but of course all are fated to end up happy. MOT last produced the opera in 2007.

A sequel of sorts to Rossini's Barber of Seville, the opera recounts a single "mad" day in the palace of Count Almaviva, maintaining the same characters. The Count's wife Rosina, unhappy in her married life, is pursued by the Count's page. At the same time, the Count is pursuing his servant Susanna, who is engaged to Figaro, the Count's valet. The marital madness comes to a head that evening when all find themselves on the palace grounds in a hilarious series of events that result in the Count's humiliation and forgiveness by the Countess.

American baritone Corey McKern, whose young career has already earned attention and acclaim, returns to MOT as Count Almaviva after his debut performances as Marcello in La Bohème last fall. In the role of Susanna is Italian soprano Grazia Doronzio, who returns after making her company debut as Mimi in the same production; Canadian soprano Andriana Chuchman returns to alternate in the role. American mezzo-soprano Lauren McNeese will sing Cherubino, returning after her company debut in Romeo and Juliet in 2007 and recently performing in LA Opera's new production of the Ring Cycle. Mezzo-soprano Melissa Parks returns in the role of Marcellina.

Italian director Mario Corradi will stage Figaro, marking his twenty-first production with the company.

Bizet's THE PEARL FISHERS
April 14-22, 2012

Performed in French with English supertitles

Michigan Opera Theatre's spring 2012 season begins with Georges Bizet's tale of fate, loyalty and forbidden love, The Pearl Fishers from April 14-22, 2012. The production will again be staged with the wildly colorful sets and costumes of fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, whose designs have been seen on Princess Diana, Jackie Onassis, Paris Hilton, and Sarah Jessica Parker in "Sex and the City." Set on the island of Ceylon in the ruins of an Indian temple, the opera is Bizet's most successful aside from Carmen and noted for its exotic orchestrations and famous tenor-baritone duet. It was last performed by MOT in 2004.

Brave pearl fishermen Zurga and Nadir recall the pact they made not to pursue Leila, the woman with whom they were both in love. A veiled virgin arrives to pray for the fishermen on the eve of their upcoming expedition, but her true identity remains hidden. When she finally reveals herself as Leila, she pits the old friends against each other in a deadly love triangle.

American soprano Leah Partridge appears as Leila, returning to the company after last performing as Roxane in the world premiere of David DiChiera's Cyrano in 2007. American tenor Noah Stewart returns in the role of Nadir, after impressing Detroit audiences most recently as Rodolfo in fall 2010's La Bohème.

Leading the production is maestro Mark Flint, a veteran of numerous company productions and a favorite of MOT audiences for orchestrating and conducting the world premiere of Cyrano. Director Andrew Sinclair will stage The Pearl Fishers, after last directing the same production for the company in 2004. A co-production of MOT and San Diego Opera, it has played to great acclaim in such cities as San Francisco, New York and Montreal, among others.

Leoncavallo's I PAGLIACCI
May 12-20, 2012

Performed in Italian with English supertitles

After an absence of more than 25 years, Ruggero Leoncavallo's only successful opera I Pagliacci closes the season from May 12-20, 2012, with the tragic tale of the tears of a clown. The audience favorite tells of a hunchback pagliaccio who becomes embroiled in a fatal love triangle. The first opera ever to be recorded in its entirety, Pagliacci also contains the first recording to sell a million copies, the famous aria "Vesti la giubba." The opera was last performed by the company in 1985.

In the ultimate backstage drama, laughter becomes heartbreak as the loves and jealousies of a group of traveling players spill into their performances with tragic results. Even as the clown Canio takes the stage to make his audience laugh, his mask cannot hide the knowledge of his wife's betrayal, and he vows to avenge the crime.

In a unique twist, the production will feature an added flashback sequence before the second act, set to music from Leoncavallo's Zaza. Conceptualized by French director Bernard Uzan, who will direct the production, the sequence takes the audience back to the time Canio first met his wife and took her off the street.

Appearing as Canio is Italian tenor Antonello Palombi, who famously performed in street clothes when he was called to take over unexpectedly in Aida at La Scala. He will alternate with American tenor Gregory Carroll in his MOT debut, and who was called "easily one of the best Canios" when he sang the role at Opera Cleveland. American soprano Jill Gardner makes her company debut as Nedda, following recent debuts with Lyric Opera of Chicago and Florida Grand Opera.

Internationally renowned maestro Steven Mercurio returns to lead the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra. Uzan and Mercurio will also collaborate on the company's May 2011 production of Rigoletto.

MAGGIE ALLESEE DANCE SERIES

Rasta Thomas' BAD BOYS OF DANCE
October 29-30, 2011

In a Detroit Opera House premiere, Rasta Thomas' Bad Boys of Dance will perform their hit routine October 29-30, 2011. From dancing on catwalks at New York's fashion week to appearing on "Dancing with the Stars," the dancers' amazing versatility and talent push the bounds of dance with athletic jumps, endless turns and endearing individuality.

Founded by dance superstar Rasta Thomas in 2007, BBD dancers have performed on Broadway, in feature films, and have been adored by millions on hit TV shows. In 2010 they performed at Carnegie Hall with Sir Elton John for a charity event alongside Lady Gaga, Sting and Bruce Springsteen. Today the company gives more than 150 shows a year and has performed for fans worldwide, and had the distinct honor of performing at the opening ceremonies of the USA International Ballet Competition.

BalletMet Columbus: THE NUTCRACKER
November 25-27, 2011

The Opera House continues its annual holiday tradition with the Detroit premiere of BalletMet Columbus' production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. For four magical performances from November 25-27, 2011, this quintessential holiday event features a talented cast of more than 100 professional company dancers and local children, with larger-than-life characters, narration by Sir Roger Moore, and Tchaikovsky's glorious score played by the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra.

A variety of holiday activities at the Detroit Opera House make The Nutcracker a family outing that children and adults cherish for years to come. The 2011 festivities will again feature special family matinees that include box lunches, reindeer, photos with Santa and the Nutcracker, and a special opportunity to meet Nutcracker dancers on the stage in the Sugar Plum Parade.

BalletMet Columbus, renowned for its versatility and innovative repertory, ranks among the nation's largest dance companies, and its Dance Academy ranks among the largest dance-training centers. Since its inception in 1978, BalletMet has added 154 company premieres to its repertoire and produced 126 world premieres.

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER
March 29-April 1, 2012

By popular demand, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to the Detroit Opera House once again in 2012, performing timeless Ailey classics and new works by contemporary choreographers. Always a favorite of Detroit audiences, AAADT will bring its extraordinary beauty and grace, electrifying energy and soulful spirit to Detroit for a limited five-performance engagement from March 29-April 1, 2012.

Founded in 1958 by dance pioneer Alvin Ailey, the company has become renowned for its expansive repertory, extensive touring schedule and community outreach efforts, along with its masterful artistry. In the more than 50 years since its founding, the company has grown from a small, mostly black company into a large, multi-racial institution, fulfilling Ailey's dream to "touch everyone's heart through dance."

The 2011-12 season will mark the first under the company's new Artistic Director Robert Battle, after the retirement of current Artistic Director Judith Jamison, who has led the company since 1989. Battle will be only the third person to head the company since its founding, and will continue the legacy of Ailey and Jamison. AAADT has performed in cities around the globe, earning a reputation as one of the most acclaimed international ambassadors of American culture.

Corella Ballet: SWAN LAKE
April 27-29, 2012

In a North American premiere, Corella Ballet will perform the magical, mysterious Swan Lake from April 27-29, 2012. The performances will mark the first time the company has performed the work outside of Spain. Called "the world's most beloved ballet," Swan Lake tells of a young prince in love with a beautiful girl who is forced by a sorcerer to swim as a swan, and may only be human at night. Corella Ballet's production, which premiered in Spain in 2008, showcases the spectacular choreography of Marius Petipá and Leiv Ivanov. Tchaikovsky's haunting score will be performed live by the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra.

Founded in 2008 by principal dancer Angel Corella, who will appear at certain performances, Corella Ballet offers a wide repertoire incorporating classical, neoclassical and contemporary choreography. The only classical ballet company in Spain, Corella Ballet works to provide professional opportunities for the country's classical dancers to further their careers in their own country, an opportunity not available to Corella's generation.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscription prices range from $58 to $484. The Detroit Opera House will again offer a payment plan for subscriptions. If a patron subscribes by March 30, 2011, the subscription cost will be split into four equal payments due at the end of each month, with the final payment due June 30, 2011.

As always, subscriptions are offered first to renewing subscribers. Renewal packets will be mailed in March 2011, or subscribers may renew subscriptions online at www.MichiganOpera.org. Subscribers enjoy the benefits of priority seating, limited free ticket exchanges, and advanced purchase opportunities for certain non-subscription events. New 2011-12 subscriptions will be available online at www.MichiganOpera.org, as well as through the ticket office. The Detroit Opera House will again offer special package discounts for first-time subscribers, as well as a distance discount for new subscribers traveling more than 80 miles to attend performances. The popular "family series" discount will also continue. All subscription information may be obtained by calling the Detroit Opera House ticket office at (313) 237-SING [7464].

SINGLE TICKETS

Single ticket prices remain unchanged from last season, ranging from $29 to $121. Single tickets for the Detroit Opera House's 2011-12 opera and dance seasons will become available in September 2011. They will be available in person at the Detroit Opera House ticket office (1526 Broadway, Detroit), by phone at (313) 237-SING [7464], and online at www.MichiganOpera.org. For group sales rates, please contact the ticket office.

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2011-12 MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE PRODUCTIONS

Carmina Burana October 15-23, 2011			The Pearl Fishers April 14-22, 2012
Saturday, October 15	7:30 PM		Saturday, April 14	7:30 PM
Wednesday, October 19	7:30 PM		Wednesday, April 18	7:30 PM
Friday, October 21	7:30 PM		Friday, April 20	7:30 PM
Saturday, October 22	7:30 PM		Saturday, April 21	7:30 PM
Sunday, October 23	2:30 PM		Sunday, April 22	2:30 PM
The Marriage of Figaro November 12-20, 2011			I Pagliacci May 12-20, 2012
Saturday, November 12	7:30 PM		Saturday, May 12	7:30 PM
Wednesday, November 16	7:30 PM		Wednesday, May 16	7:30 PM
Friday, November 18	7:30 PM		Friday, May 18	7:30 PM
Saturday, November 19	7:30 PM		Saturday, May 19	7:30 PM
Sunday, November 20	2:30 PM		Sunday, May 20	2:30 PM