Opera Atelier Presents ALCINA, 10/23-11/1

Opera Atelier's 2014-2015 season begins with the Canadian premiere of a fully staged period production of Alcina (Oct. 23 - Nov. 1, 2014). George Frideric Handel's magical Alcina is a Baroque masterpiece and premiered in London in 1735. This production will mark Opera Atelier's first major Handel production at the Elgin Theatre. Alcina tells the story of a sorceress whose world is a mirage composed of the souls of her past lovers, and the Christian knight Ruggiero who is destined to set them free.

"Producing this sublime masterpiece has long been an ambition of ours, and we are delighted to have found an extraordinary Alcina in Canadian soprano Meghan Lindsay," say Pynkoski and Zingg. "We are also particularly thrilled that Alcina includes some of Handel's most famous dance music, written for the 18th century French superstar Marie Sallé. This gives us a unique opportunity to feature the superb Artists of Atelier Ballet."

Canadian soprano Meghan Lindsay will sing the title role. Ms Lindsay will be joined by a roster of some of Canada's finest singers including mezzo soprano Wallis Giunta who makes her role debut as Bradamante, mezzo soprano Allyson McHardy as Ruggiero, soprano Mireille Asselin as Morgana, baritone Olivier Laquerre as Melisso and Croatian tenor Krešimir Špicer as Oronte. Alcina will be directed by Marshall Pynkoski and choreographed by Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg, with set design byGerard Gauci, and lighting design by Bonnie Beecher. One of Canada's most promising young costume designers Michael Gianfrancesco makes his Opera Atelier debut. The production features the Artists of Atelier Ballet and Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra under the baton of David Fallis. Alcina is sung in Italian with English surtitles.

The 14-15 season will continue in the spring with Opera Atelier's first exploration of the Berlioz version of Gluck's Orpheus and Eurydice (April 9-18, 2015). Subscriptions start at $95 and are on sale now by calling 416-703-3767 x222. For more information: www.operaatelier.com.

Opera Atelier gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of The Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, and the City of Toronto through the Toronto Arts Council.

2014-2015 Major Sponsors
Season Underwriter: Michael A. Wekerle of Difference Capital
Season Presenting Sponsor: BMO Financial Group

Opera Atelier is North America's premier period opera/ballet company, producing the opera, ballet and drama of the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. While drawing upon the aesthetics and ideals of the period, Opera Atelier goes beyond "reconstruction" and infuses each production with an inventive theatricality that resonates with modern audiences. Led by founding artistic directors Marshall Pynkoski and Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg since 1985, Opera Atelier has garnered acclaim for its performances at home as well as in the United States, Europe and Asia.

Photo Credit: Bruce Zinger 2007