KNOXVILLE - Knoxville Opera’s ninth annual Rossini Festival on Saturday April 24, 2010 will be larger than life with 170 unique food vendors and artisans, as well as four outdoor stages showcasing ballet, modern and ethnic dance, choirs and jazz – and, of course, opera. In fact, there’s a full menu of opera featuring Gioachino Rossini’s classic comic opera, The Barber of Seville, in Italian with English subtitles, at the Tennessee Theatre on Friday, April 23 and Sunday, April 25. Saturday’s Rossini Festival is a taste of Italy with traditional food and a visual feast of entertainment for the expected 70,000 revelers.

Modeled after Pesaro, Italy’s famed Rossini Opera Festival, Knoxville’s Rossini Festival 2010 will feature an authentic “Little Italy” at the heart of event. Vendors will implement a green initiative suggesting festival goers forgo Styrofoam in favor of environmentally friendly products. There will be a food collection drive to support Second Harvest Food Bank. Internationally renowned YeeHaw Industries has created a limited-edition earth-conscious commemorative letter-press poster, signed and numbered by the artist, with a select few to be signed by the principal cast members of Knoxville Opera’s The Barber of Seville.
     

“The Rossini Festival has grown in scope each year as Knoxville has embraced the street fair and opened its heart to opera,” said Brian Salesky, executive director of Knoxville Opera. “There’s nothing better than a family-friendly opera that inspires everyone to come in and out of the theater singing ‘Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!’” An alumnus of the Juilliard Opera Theater and the University of Tennessee, Kevin Burdette will sing the role of Bartolo. Knoxville audiences will remember Burdette as Sergeant Sulpice in Donizetti’s Daughter of the Regiment.

In addition to the FREE Italian Street Fair from noon to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 24 on Gay Street and Market Square in downtown Knoxville, 2010 featured Rossini Festival attractions include UT Opera Theatre’s production of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and Paulus’ The Village Singer on Saturday, April 24 at 2:00 p.m. and again at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 25 at 8 p.m. Knoxville Opera will offer Italian-themed works of art created by Rossini Festival artisans in a silent auction hosted by the S&W Grand throughout the Rossini Festival.

Seating is limited for The Barber of Seville, and both performances are expected to sell out in advance. For details go to KnoxvilleOpera.com or call 865.524.0795.
           

Keith, cast shine as Pirates take over Tennessee Theatre. By Tesa Nauman/SevierCountyNews.com.

Pirates could be seen on-stage and off Friday night at the historic Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville.

The off-stage "pirates" I'm told were contributors to Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance." The only way to tell these well-dressed patrons were pirates were that each wore a large, loop earring on one ear, such as the ones pirates are wont to wear.

Another off-stage pirate was conductor Brian Salesky, who wore a pirate's hat and coat and conducted the overture using a sword as a baton. His whimsical conducting set the tone for the night's production.

The easiest on-stage pirate to recognize was actor and Knoxville native David Keith, in the role of the Pirate King. Keith led a cast of nearly 40 who brought the audience to their feet in a well-deserved standing ovation as the curtain went down on Friday night's performance.

There had been a lot of speculation about whether Keith would be able to handle the vocal requirements of appearing in an opera. Keith has sung professionally before, lending his voice to some of Elvis Presley's hits in the 1988 film "Heartbreak Hotel." Keith played Presley in the film. However, rock 'n' roll is not opera.

Nonetheless, Keith handled his vocal duties more than adequately in a nicely toned baritone. What he didn't handle quite as well was choreography. Twice Keith seemed a bit lost during songs performed by the entire company: Once, near the beginning of the production, and once just before intermission his movements were just a beat off. Both instances lasted just a second, however, and he quickly recovered. Perhaps choreography is not Keith's forte.

Rachel Anne Moore, who played Mabel, and Marc Schreiner as Frederic, proved their forte is musical theater. Both gave outstanding performances, in acting, singing and in choreography. Moore has a voice that I believe can take her to the Metropolitan Opera one day. Schreiner's physical presence dominates the stage and his voice and comedic timing are perfect. Julian Rodescu gave a pleasing and "rotund" performance as the Police Sergeant. But it was UT Opera Theatre Director Carroll Freeman who stole the show in the role of the Major-General. Freeman, who directed and choreographed the show, provided much of the evening's humor as the Major-General.

Also in the cast are UT Opera Theatre members Jessica Cates, Sarah Hoeppner, Leah Serr, Corinne Stevens and Jesse Stock.

The night's only failing came from the technical side. While the cast and symphony were having a good night, the sound department wasn't. From start to end, the sound levels weren't what they should have been. At first I thought maybe it was just me and that age is finally taking its toll and robbing me of my hearing. But my companion for the evening also complained about the sound levels that made it hard to hear the dialogue. There also was a problem with the Major-General's mic. Fortunately, the mic problem lasted only a short time and only during spoken dialogue. I would have been extremely disappointed if mic problems were to have infested his performance of "Modern Major-General."

This production of "Pirates" includes another bit of humor that I think I can safely say has not been included in any other production of it before. I won't give it away, but I will predict that University of Tennessee Vol fans will love it.

The play runs two-and-a-half hours long, including intermission, and there is one more performance of it at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Tennessee Theatre. After Sunday's final performance, the public is invited to greet the principal cast at Bonefish Grill, 6610 Kingston Pike in Knoxville.

If the sound problems are fixed -- and even if they aren't -- Sunday's audience should enjoy "Pirates" as much as Friday's audience did. It's a well-done production of a fun, light-hearted operetta, and the cast gives very good performances.

I give it 3 large-loop pirate earrings out of 5.

 

[caption id="attachment_11448" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="David Keith as the Pirate King in the Knoxville Opera's performance of "The Pirates of Penzance." Photo courtesy Knoxville Opera."][/caption]

Knoxville, TN: Knoxville Opera brings Hollywood to Knoxville with its upcoming production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance. Golden-Globe nominated star of screen and stage, David Keith, makes his first operatic appearance when this comedic operetta premiers Friday, March 12 at the historic Tennessee Theatre.

Brian Salesky, now in his fifth year as Knoxville Opera’s executive director, made the bold decision to cast Keith as the Pirate King for this tongue-in-cheek parody of Donizetti’s’ Lucia di Lammermoor, Knoxville Opera’s 2010 season opener.

“David is a rare combination of rugged sensitivity and charisma. His stage presence is compelling, and he’s an integral part of this ensemble production. His enthusiasm for the role has exceeded all my expectations and delighted the rest of the cast,” says Salesky.

Keith is best known for his dramatic portrayal of a suicidal officer-in-training in An Officer and a Gentleman, starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger. Keith received Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actor and New Star of the Year for his explosive performance. A Knoxville native and University of Tennessee graduate, Keith went on to star in dozens of Hollywood movies including The Lords of Discipline, Major League II, The Indian in the Cupboard, U-571, Behind Enemy Lines and Daredevil as well as television shows such as Law and Order.

“As an actor and director, I’m always looking for interesting opportunities to hone my craft. Opera is uncharted territory for me. It’s a rigorous art form with a steep learning curve. I’m honored to work with a luminous talent like Rachel Anne Moore in this complex and richly textured production,” says Keith. “And I’m relieved that it’s a comedy!”

Joining Keith as the Pirate King and Moore, a coloratura soprano, as Mabel are UT Opera Theatre Director Carroll Freeman as “the very model of a modern Major-General,” La Scala’s Julian Rodescu as the Police Sergeant and tenor Marc Schreiner as Frederic. In addition to Rachel Anne Moore, featured UT Opera Theatre graduate students in the production are Jessica Cates, Sarah Hoeppner, Leah Serr, Corinne Stevens and Jesse Stock.

The Pirates of Penzance will be performed in English on Friday, March 12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 14 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15 for adults and $10 for students. Group discounts are also available. Seating is limited, and advance tickets are highly recommended. For details go to KnoxvilleOpera.com or call 865.524.0795.
           

KNOXVILLE, TN – Three of the most magnificent operas ever written will be presented in Knoxville Opera’s 2009-2010 season, Executive Director Brian Salesky announced today.  The season opens Valentine’s weekend with Gaetano Donizetti’s thriller Lucia di Lammermoor (Friday, February 12th, at 8 pm and Sunday February 14th at 2:30 pm), continues with Gilbert & Sullivan’s hilarious The Pirates of Penzance (Friday, March 12th at 8 pm and Sunday March 14th at 2:30 pm) and closes with Gioachino Rossini’s glittering romp The Barber of Seville (Friday, April 23rd, at 8 pm and Sunday April 25th at 2:30 pm). 

The company will also present the 9th Annual Rossini Festival, featuring the Rossini Festival Italian Street Fair on Downtown Gay Street and Market Square (Saturday, April 24th from noon to 9 pm).

Lucia di Lammermoor is based on the novel The Bride of Lammermoor by Sir Walter Scott, and best described as a Scottish tale of star-crossed lovers.  After Lucia’s brother forces her into an arranged marriage, the distraught girl murders her husband on their wedding night.  The cast features the stunning Rachele Gilmore, who is currently on the roster of the Metropolitan Opera and Knoxville favorites tenor Dinyar Vania, baritone Nelson Martinez and veteran Metropolitan Opera bass Andrew Wentzel.  Famous musical highlights include the glorious “Sextet” and opera’s greatest “Mad Scene”.  The novel is based on a true story that occurred in Scotland in 1669.  It is performed in Italian with English translations projected above the stage.

The Pirates of Penzance, Gilbert & Sullivan’s most famous comedy, stars actor David Keith (Golden Globe nominee for An Officer and a Gentleman) as The Pirate King.  UT Opera Theatre Director Carroll Freeman portrays “the very model of a modern Major-General” and La Scala’s Julian Rodescu delivers his mammoth bass as the Police Sergeant.
 
Frederic, an orphan indentured servant to a band of misfit pirates, falls in love with Mabel, the daughter of Major-General Stanley, also an orphan.  The comedy is filled with the absurd antics of the pirates, the police and the Major-General’s bevy of beautiful daughters.  The Pirates of Penzance will be performed in English.

Gioachino Rossini returns to the Festival that bears his name.  The Barber of Seville, based on the play by Beaumarchais, depicts the escapades of Seville’s favorite barber (baritone Andrew Garland), who arranges for Count Almaviva (tenor Christopher Pfund) to marry the beautiful Rosina (soprano Jane Redding).   The famous “Figaro…Figaro…Figaro” has inspired countless interpreters, from Bugs Bunny to Robin Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire.  It is performed in Italian with English projections above the stage.

The Rossini Festival is composed of three main productions.  The Barber of Seville, UT Opera Theatre’s production of Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi at the Bijou Theatre and the vibrant Italian Street Fair on Gay Street in downtown Knoxville.
 
One of the Southeast’s most alluring attractions, the Knoxville Opera Rossini Festival Italian Street Fair provides a fun-filled atmosphere for visitors of all ages!  Last year’s event brought over 70,000 people to downtown Knoxville to experience nine hours of free entertainment on four outdoor stages and 150+ food & artisan vendors with an accent on the Italian culture.

All opera performances are held at the Tennessee Theatre, located at 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902.  Season subscriptions for the two main stage productions of Lucia di Lammermoor and The Barber of Seville are $18-$158. Single tickets are $15-$88. Student tickets start at $10 and group discounts are available. Tickets are available through the Knoxville Opera Box Office (865) 524-0795 extension 1, or order online at www.KnoxvilleOpera.com.     

KNOXVILLE - Knoxville Opera is delighted to announce its first annual concert that will bring together local African-American church choirs and soloists with Knoxville Opera and UT Opera Theatre artists in a unique presentation of gospel, Broadway and opera music.  The free concert will be held Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. at Greater Warner Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church, 3800 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue in Knoxville.

The program will include gospel selections All the Glory, You’ve Been So Faithful, I am God, and Thank you Lord, hymns How Great Thou Art and Precious Lord, and excerpts from Porgy and Bess, Carmen, The Magic Flute and Candide.
 
Soloists will include WBIR’s LaSaundra Brown, UT Opera Theatre’s Denisha Ballew, local soloists Amy Coleman, Tara Davis, Pamela Deathridge, Evelyn Jack, Michael A. Rodgers, Daniel H. Taylor, Jr., and the UT Opera Theatre in a  performance of “Jesus my consolation” from their November production of The Crucible.  
 
The event project manager is Knoxville Opera Board member Michael A. Rodgers,  a solo artist with the company and a faculty member at Maynard Elementary School.  Directing the program will be Knoxville Opera Maestro Brian Salesky and Jeanie M. Turner Melton, the Music Director and Conductor of Mt. Olive Baptist Church Mass Choir.  Ms. Melton is assembling a 50-voice chorus for this concert comprised of artists from various local church choirs.

KNOXVILLE - Knoxville Opera presents a free dress rehearsal of Leoncavallo’s world-famous opera, I Pagliacci (Clowns) Wednesday, April 22, 6:30-8:15 p.m. at Knoxville ’s Tennessee Theatre exclusively for area students and youth groups.

Based in part on a true story, Pagliacci reveals a day in the life of a famous clown who must make his audiences laugh even though his own heart is breaking. The drama, told through thrilling and powerful music, escalates into a pulse-pounding conclusion that must not be missed for sheer excitement.
 
Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations or tickets are required to attend. The Tennessee Theatre doors open at 5:30 p.m. Students, parents, teachers, youth groups, and chaperones are welcome to attend this special theatrical performance and take the seats of their choice absolutely free of charge.
 
Don’t miss this free opportunity to see the opera that made the Great Caruso an international star and the opera that brought tears to the eyes of the FBI’s Public Enemy #1, gangster Al Capone. Pagliacci is presented as part of the 2009 Knoxville Opera Rossini Festival. For more information, contact Knoxville Opera at 865-524-0795 or visit the Opera website at www.knoxvilleopera.com.
 

KNOXVILLE - The “fat lady” will not be singing in Knoxville Opera’s dream cast of international artists for its upcoming production of Verdi’s beloved Rigoletto.  Instead, a powerful and gorgeous cast brings this popular masterpiece back to the stage of the Tennessee Theatre after an eight year absence on Friday, February 13 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 15 at 2:30 p.m.

Projected English translations make it effortless to appreciate every beautiful and heart-breaking moment. Brian Salesky, the company’s General Director and Conductor has said “Our quintet of principals for Rigoletto is not only the finest group of singers we will have presented in more than a decade, but rivals the artists of any major opera house in the world.  It is a stunning cast for a stunning opera and anyone who loves opera owes themselves the gift of experiencing this overwhelming ‘Golden Age’ singing.”
 
The opera, about an innocent girl who sacrifices her life for the faithless man who betrays her love, includes two returning artists who have made terrific impressions on Knoxville  audiences: tenor Dinyar Vania as the lecherous Duke of Mantua and bass John Ames as the assassin Sparafucile.  Despite their abhorrent behavior, these are characters audiences love to hate and hear.  Reveling in the Duke’s “La donna è mobile” and spectacular high notes are just some of the highlights in a score that is a gem from the first to the last note.

Three debut artists, each of whom has been hailed by the press for recent triumphs, are destined to thrill audiences with glorious arias and ensembles.  Star soprano Talise Trevigne, as the innocent Gilda, and Carla Dirlikov, as the seductress Maddalena, match classic beauty equally with their vocal and dramatic talents.  In the title role, one of Verdi’s richest and most challenging, is Cuban powerhouse baritone Nelson Martinez, who will shake the rafters wailing the curse which brings doom to his daughter.  UT Opera Theatre Director Carroll Freeman presides over the production.
 
 
Single tickets, student and group discounts, and discounted subscription packages are available by calling the Knoxville Opera Box Office at 865-524-0795, extension 1.

KNOXVILLE – Knoxville Opera has announced details of its spectacular 31st Anniversary Season kickoff event: Oktoberfest! featuring highlights from Sigmund Romberg’s beloved operettas The Student Prince and The New Moon on Friday, October 10 at 6:00 p.m. at the Foundry on the Fair Site in Knoxville.  The event stars young tenor sensation Ta’u Pupu’a from Tonga, a former NFL football player with the Cleveland Browns, who wowed the audience at last year’s fest.  Guests will feast on a fabulous German buffet with unlimited beer and wine as they journey back to Old Heidelberg.  The walls will reverberate with the glorious sound of male voices singing in praise of wine, women, and song.  Participants will be part of the action, banking steins to the rousing “Drinking Song” and humming along to such timeless classics as “Deep in My Heart,” “Golden Days,” and “Overhead the Moon is Beaming.”  Then, exciting scenes from The New Moon (classics including “Lover, Come Back to Me” and “Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise”) will entertain the crowd during dessert. 

[caption id="attachment_1660" align="alignnone" width="216" caption="Knoxville Opera Studio soprano Jessica Cates"][/caption]

For Oktoberfest! reservations ($100 per person), further information and tickets to Knoxville Opera’s exciting 2008-2009 Season ($15 and up), please call (865) 524-0795 or visit www.knoxvilleopera.com.

Knoxville Opera is a non-profit organization with productions that are made possible, in part, by generous funding from our patrons, the Tennessee Arts Commission, the City of Knoxville, Knox County, and the Arts & Cultural Alliance.