Utah Opera Announces Donizetti's LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR

In March 2017, Utah Opera will present a perennial favorite, Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor," the tale of two doomed lovers struggling against forces beyond their control, for the first time since 2007. This production will be performed at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre on March 11, 13, 15 and 17 at 7:30 PM and March 19 at 2 PM. Tickets, priced from $21-$103, are available for purchase through www.utahopera.org or by calling (801) 533-6683.

Director Tom Diamond will bring Donizetti's Gothic tale of "Lucia di Lammermoor" to life at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre alongside veteran Utah Opera conductor Gary Thor Wedow, who will conduct the cast, the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera Chorus. This production will feature the Utah Opera debuts of soprano Nicole Haslett in the title role and tenor Mackenzie Whitney as Edgardo. Baritone James Westman, who was last with Utah Opera in 2014 for "La traviata", and bass-baritone Derrick Parker, a long-time favorite with Utah Opera and Utah Symphony audiences, return to the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre stage as Enrico and Raimondo, respectively. Utah Opera Resident Artist ChristIan Sanders is featured in the role of Normanno. Costumes for the production were designed by Susan Memmott Allred and constructed at the Utah Opera Production Studios.

"For opera fans whose love of the art form revolves around the human voice and the extraordinary feats of which it is capable, this opera is special" said Utah Opera Artistic Director Christopher McBeth. "Scene after scene is marked by singing of Herculean feats and towards the end we witness one of the most iconic moments in all of opera. It requires singer actors with the highest level of technique to pull off this masterpiece."

This tragic love story revolves around a solider, Edgardo, and his love, the noblewoman Lucia. They are members of opposing houses in Scotland who are carrying on a secret love affair. Her brother, Lord Enrico Ashton, forces Lucia to marry another nobleman, Arturo, by lying to her and saying Edgardo has betrayed her and married someone else. Lucia is devastated and so deep in her grief she begins to lose her sanity leading to one of the most shocking scenes on the operatic stage.

Says Mr. Diamond of Utah Opera's production: "Imagine, if you will, the plight of the protagonist and title character of our story, Lucy Ashton [Lucia in Donizetti's Italian score]. She resides with her family in the Lammermoor Hills of Scotland in the 18th century. Lucy is an emotionally vulnerable young lady at a time when women were goods and chattels, and marriages were made more to accommodate political alliances, than about whom they loved."

The performance will last approximately 3 hours with two intermissions.

RELATED EVENTS

Gary Thor Wedow will offer a masterclass for University of Utah Lyric Opera Ensemble students and the public is invited to observe. Friday, March 10, 2-4 PM in the Vocal Arts Center at the University of Utah (104 South 1386 East).

Utah Symphony | Utah Opera's education and community outreach department facilitates an online "learn before you go" series prior to each opera. Online learning materials about "Lucia di Lammermoor" have been prepared Dr. Paul Dorgan, professor at the University of Utah School of Music. Visit www.utahopera.org/onlinelearning.

Utah Opera and media partner "Salt Lake Magazine" present Libretti & Libations, a promotion with eight of Salt Lake City's and Park City's top mixologists offering craft cocktails inspired by the storyline and characters of Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor". Participants are encouraged to post photos of the craft cocktails on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #UtahOperaSips to enter a contest to win a pair of tickets to Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor". For more details about Libretti & Libations and a complete list of participating restaurants, visit www.utahopera.org/libations.

On March 9, students in grades 7 through 12 can attend Utah Opera's final dress rehearsal of "Lucia di Lammermoor" at the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre through "Opera-tunities Night" for only $5. The price is the same for teachers/chaperones accompanying students. Visit www.usuoeducation.org/index.php/for-schools/opera-tunities for more information.

Opening night on March 11 will feature a red carpet event during which patrons can pose for a free photo. Photos will be posted on the Utah Opera Facebook page, allowing participants the chance to tag themselves during their night out on the town. Visit www.facebook.com/utahopera for more information. The starting time of the red carpet event is 6:30 PM.

Utah Opera Principal Coach Carol Anderson will offer an Opera Prelude Lecture, free of charge for ticket holders, in the Capitol Room of the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre (50 West 200 South) one hour before curtain for each performance.

Utah Opera Artistic Director Christopher McBeth will hold a Q&A session, free of charge for ticket holders, immediately following each performance in the Capitol Room of the Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre (50 West 200 South).