FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CEDAR RAPIDS OPERA THEATRE BRINGS MOZART’S TANTALIZING OPERA DON GIOVANNI TO THE PARAMOUNT THEATRE,JANUARY 16 & 18
DIRECTED BY WILLIAM FERRARA WITH ORCHESTRA IOWA MUSICIANS CONDUCTED BY DANIEL KLEINKNECHT.
December 19, 2014 – Cedar Rapids, IA –Indulge in Mozart’s tantalizing opera Don Giovanni at the Paramount Theatre, 119 3rd Avenue SE, Friday, January 16 at 8:00PM and Sunday, January 18 at 2:00PM.
Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre’s new production of Don Giovanni, sung in Italian with English supertitles, is directed by William Ferrara with Orchestra Iowa Musicians directed by Daniel Kleinknecht, featuring baritone Christopher Burchett in the title role, baritone Lee Poulis as Leporello, and sopranos Danielle Talamantes (Donna Anna) and Veronica Mitina (Donna Elvira).
Free pre-opera Curtain Talks with stage director William Ferrara will be held in the Paramount’s Encore Lounge one hour prior to performance. There will also be a live broadcast of the Sunday matinee by Iowa Public Radio.
Tickets are available through the Orchestra Iowa Ticket Office located at 119 Third Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA. Tickets may also be purchased by phone 319-366-8203 or online at orchestraiowa.org. For more information about the opera, visit cr-opera.org A limited number of $10 tickets are available for high school and college students, thanks to sponsor US Bank.
Don Giovanni
Don Giovanni, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s musical masterpiece with libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte, was first performed on October 29, 1787 in Prague under its full title of Il Dissoluto Punito ossia il Don Giovanni – Dramma giocoso in due atti (The Rake punished, or Don Giovanni, a dramma giocoso in two acts).
The story is based on the legends of Don Juan, the fictional libertine lover. The opera is a luscious blend of comedy, melodrama and supernatural elements, masterfully leading Don Giovanni to his fate as he abuses his friends and lovers with his relentless passions.
Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre
Founded in 1998 by conductor Daniel Kleinknecht, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre presents two to three operas each season as well as other opera-related events and programs. International artists as well as American artists are featured in the productions. Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre has presented standard repertoire, 21st century repertoire, and premiers. The company’s nationally respected Young Artist Program offers college and university trained vocal performance majors an opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals in every production. As one of only two professional opera companies in Iowa, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre is committed to high quality productions and education of audiences of all ages.
Orchestra Iowa
Founded in 1921, Orchestra Iowa is widely recognized as the state’s premier symphony orchestra. The Orchestra’s mission is to foster enjoyment of, and support for fine symphonic music through quality performances, education and community involvement. Under the direction of Timothy Hankewich, now celebrating his eighth season as Music Director, its 68 professional musicians perform more than 150 public performances throughout the year, many of which can be heard on Iowa Public Radio and seen on Iowa Public Television. Orchestra Iowa showcases its artistic excellence each season through an accomplished array of classical, ballet, opera, popular and chamber performances, in addition to extensive community education and involvement.
CONTACT
Virginia Michalicek
Director, Development and Operations
Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre
319-365-7401
vmichalicek@cr-opera.org
www.cr-opera.org
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Additional Links:
Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre Christopher Burchett – Don Giovanni