Amore Opera to Present Mozart's DON GIOVANNI

This May, the Amore Opera returns with Mozart & Da Ponte's DON GIOVANNI directed by Nathan Hull and conducted by Douglas Martin with set design by Richard Cerullo. This fully staged production featuring the Amore Opera Orchestra opens on May 8 and runs for 13 performances through May 24 at The Connelly Theater in New York City.

DON GIOVANNI was given its premiere in Prague on Oct. 29, 1787 in a concise version, which was widely cheered. Six months later, it was presented in a revised version in Vienna on May 7, 1788. For this second production, Mozart and Da Ponte made several significant alterations. Thus, there are two "original" versions of DON GIOVANNI, which Mozart and Da Ponte created, but neither represents what we think of as the "standard" version. In the Nineteenth century, it became normal practice to put in *all* the arias from both versions. Amore Opera Artistic Director Nathan Hull observes, "While one is enchanted by the great music, the initially vibrant framework of the dramatic piece no longer supports all of the additions. It sags. Therefore, we have decided to revert to something akin to the "original Prague" version of the piece. Sadly, we'll lose some great music; happily, it will be an extremely tight show, and one which will run appreciably less than three hours."

Now in its seventh season, the Amore Opera is continuing in its mission to entertain, educate and nurture music appreciation in youth, seniors and community members through affordable live performances of classical and overlooked operas, and provide a venue for a diversity of singers and musicians to perform in fully staged and orchestrated productions.

Amore Opera's production of DON GIOVANNI features four talented casts as well as a cover cast performance with piano for a reduced ticket price. It runs concurrently with Amore Opera Academy's All Kids Production of Gilbert & Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore.

Performances are at the Connelly Theater (220 East 4th Street). Tickets for DON GIOVANNI are $45 for general admission and $35 for Seniors, Students and Children. Tickets for the DON GIOVANNI cover performance are $20. Tickets for H.M.S. Pinafore are $25. To purchase, visit the Amore Opera Website at www.amoreopera.org or call 1-888-811-4111.