San Francisco Opera Guild to Host Insight Panel, 10/13

San Francisco Opera Guild presents an Insight Panel discussion exploring George Frideric Handel's comic opera Partenope. Insight Panels feature renowned cast and production team members sharing behind-the-scenes experiences and inspirations during moderated discussions. This panel features renowned American director Christopher Alden, discussing his Olivier Award-winning production; soprano Danielle de Niese, "One of the most sought-after singers on the planet (BBC Radio)" who appears in the title role; mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack who appears as Rosmira cleverly disguised as Eurimene; countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, a multitalented fresh face in the opera world who sings the role of Armindo; and grammy-award winning tenor Alek Shrader, who portrays Emilio. The discussion is moderated by San Francisco Opera Dramaturg Clifford Kranna and takes place Monday, October 13 at 6 p.m. in Chorissima Hall at the Kanbar Performing Arts Center (44 Page Street) in San Francisco.

San Francisco Opera presents the Company premiere of George Frideric Handel's Partenope in six performances October 15-November 2, 2014 at the War Memorial Opera House. Winner of London's 2009 Olivier Award for "Best New Production," this production is directed by Christopher Alden with sets designed by Andrew Lieberman. Set in 1920s Paris, the production's Surrealist aesthetic is inspired by the artwork of Dadaist Man Ray. Lyric soprano and baroque specialist Danielle de Niese stars in the title role opposite leading countertenor David Daniels, who thrilled audiences in 2011's Xerxes, as her suitor Arsace. Argentinean mezzo-soprano Daniela Mack is the crafty Rosmira, Arsace's scorned lover who attempts to use a cross-dressing disguise to enact her revenge. Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo makes his Company debut as another of Partenope's admirers, Armindo, and tenor Alek Shrader is Emilio. Grammy-nominated American conductor Julian Wachner makes his San Francisco Opera debut with these performances.

2014-15 Season Insight Panel Discussions will also be presented featuring members of the casts and creative teams of Berlioz's Les Troyens (The Trojans) on June 4 and the world premiere of Marco Tutino's La Ciociara (Two Women) on June 8. Visit sfopera.com/insights for more information.

San Francisco Opera Guild Insight Panels are free for San Francisco Opera members, subscribers and students with valid ID; tickets can be reserved online via Eventbrite. Tickets are $5 for the general public; tickets can be purchased online via Eventbrite or at the door 30 minutes prior to the discussion. Insight Panel participants subject to change.

Tickets for performances of Handel's Partenope at the War Memorial Opera House are priced from $25 to $370 and may be purchased at sfopera.com or through the San Francisco Opera Box Office [301 Van Ness Avenue (at Grove Street), or by phone at (415) 864-3330]. Standing Room tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on the day of each performance; tickets are $10 each, cash only.

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