Curtis Opera Theatre to Perform DIALOGUES OF THE CARMELITES at Perelman Theater, Begin. 3/5

No one is immune from France's Reign of Terror-not even a humble order of Carmelite nuns. A young novice has the chance to escape with her life. But what would that mean for her soul? The Curtis Opera Theatre, in association with Opera Philadelphia and Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, presents Poulenc's powerful opera Dialogues of the Carmelites with three sold-out performances March 5, 7, and 9 in the Perelman Theater at Philadelphia's Kimmel Center.

Opera Philadelphia's Jack Mulroney Music Director Corrado Rovaris leads the Curtis Symphony Orchestra in Poulenc's gripping opera inspired by historical events. Director Jordan Fein's production is uniquely staged to heighten the charging drama until its wrenching conclusion. Scenic design is by Laura Jellinek with costume design by Terese Wadden and lighting design by Mike Inwood. Opera Philadelphia Chorus Master Elizabeth Braden prepares the chorus. The production is sung in French with English supertitles.

Performances take place Wednesday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, March 7 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 9 at 2:30 p.m. in the Perelman Theater at Philadelphia's Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Broad and Spruce Streets.

Dialogues of the Carmelites is part of an innovative cooperative venture among the Curtis Opera Theatre, Opera Philadelphia, and the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Launched in 2008 with the Philadelphia premiere of Osvaldo Golijov's Ainadamar and continued with productions of Wozzeck (2009), Antony and Cleopatra (2010), The Cunning Little Vixen (2011), Elegy for Young Lovers (2012), and Owen Wingrave (2013), the initiative combines a Curtis Opera Theatre production with marketing support from Opera Philadelphia and an ideal venue at the Kimmel Center.

The Aurora Series for Chamber Opera at the Perelman Theater is underwritten by the Wyncote Foundation. This production is funded, in part, through support by the William Penn Foundation. The Curtis Opera Theatre season is sponsored by the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation.