OperaDelaware Announces Sell Out of Final Performance of THE PEARL FISHERS

OperaDelaware announced today that the final performance of its popular Inside the Opera Studio series, Les pêcheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers) is sold out for 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 9. A limited number of tickets remain for the Friday, March 7 performance, which will be held at 7:30 at the OperaDelaware studios at 4 Poplar Street, Wilmington. Patrons are urged to visit www.operade.org or call 302-442-7807 and purchase tickets for the Friday show as soon as possible. Ticket prices range from $25 to $60.

"We're delighted with the response that we've received at the box office," said Brendan Cooke, OperaDelaware's General Director. "To have sold out a performance this far in advance proves that this is the kind of compelling, collaborative presentation that our audience wants."

Soprano Jennifer Holbrook of Philadelphia will sing the role of Lëila, and tenor Tim Augustin of Washington D.C., sings Nadir. Wes Mason, a recent graduate of the esteemed Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia, performs the role of Zurga. Joseph Beutel of New York City is cast as Nourabad. The OperaDelaware Chorus (prepared by music director Jeffrey Miller) is featured as well, conducted by Maestro Michael Borowitz and accompanied at the piano by James Harp, the artistic director of Lyric Opera Baltimore.The Pearl Fishers will be sung in French, with English supertitles.

The natural beauty of Bizet's melodic score will be enhanced by the work of master artist Lee Zimmerman, who brings the drama to life visually by creating an 8' x 4' silk-screen painting as part of the performance. As the story of the pearl fishers unfolds, Zimmerman will be hidden from the audience, and the images will appear magically in concert with the music.

"I have done live painting as part of theatrical performances in the past, with the surprising result being packed, engaged audiences," said Zimmerman, from his studio in Duluth, Minn. "I am eager to share this experience with OperaDelaware's audiences too."

The Pearl Fishers is the story of Zurga, king of the pearl fishers, and his childhood friend Nadir, who each take an oath to always put their friendship before their mutual love for the beautiful Leïla. The friendship is threatened when Leïla suddenly reappears after more than a year.

"The excitement surrounding this concert is palpable," Cooke said. "We're delighted that so many people have an interest in attending performances at our studio on the Christina River. We believe that audiences will be treated to a truly special experience in this unique and intimate venue."

OperaDelaware, the nation's 13th oldest professional opera company, celebrates its 69th season in 2013-2014. Our mission is to enrich the cultural lives of people in the Mid-Atlantic region by producing opera and opera education programs at the highest artistic level. The company presents new and traditional operas using a unique blend of nationally known stars and rising local and regional talent.